### Andrew Benintendi's Injury: A Setback for the White Sox Andrew Benintendi, the Chicago White Sox's left fielder, has suffered a significant injury during spring training, which will likely impact the team's performance as they prepare for the upcoming MLB season. After being hit by a pitch in a game against the Cleveland Guardians, Benintendi was diagnosed with a non-displaced fracture in his right hand, sidelining him for an estimated four to six weeks. This injury raises concerns about his availability for the season opener against the Los Angeles Angels on March 27, 2025, and poses a challenge for the White Sox as they aim to improve from their dismal 2024 season, where they recorded a modern-day record of 121 losses [https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2025/mar/03/benintendi-remains-upbeat-after-injury, https://www.si.com/mlb/andrew-benintendi-breaks-hand-spring-training-miss-opening-day]. ### Injury Overview and Implications 1. **Injury Details**: - Benintendi was hit by a pitch from Cleveland's Logan Allen during the first inning of a spring training game, resulting in a fracture of his right hand [https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/news/chicago-white-sox-suffer-tough-break-as-key-starter-andrew-benintendi-will-miss-at-least-a-month-with-injury]. - The injury is classified as a non-displaced fracture, meaning surgery is not required, but he will still need time to heal [https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/sports/mlb/chicago-white-sox/white-sox-outfielder-andrew-benintendi-out-4-to-6-weeks-with-broken-hand/3684996]. 2. **Expected Recovery Timeline**: - Benintendi is projected to miss four to six weeks, which could mean he might return just in time for the season opener or miss the first few series of the season entirely [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/44043933/white-sox-andrew-benintendi-4-6-weeks-broken-hand]. - If he returns in four weeks, he would be back on March 27; if it takes six weeks, he would return around April 10 [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/white_sox_get_bad_injury_news_on_one_time_all_star_of/s1_13132_41830867]. 3. **Impact on the Team**: - The White Sox are already in a rebuilding phase after a disappointing previous season, and losing a key player like Benintendi complicates their efforts to improve [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/white_sox_announce_unfortunate_injury_news_for_all_star_outfielder/s1_13237_41829909]. - Benintendi's performance was crucial for the team, and his absence could hinder their offensive capabilities as they look to bounce back from last year's record [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/ex_mlb_all_star_of_out_4_to_6_weeks_after_spring_training_hbp/s1_127_41831002]. ### Summary of Findings - **Injury Context**: Andrew Benintendi's injury is a significant setback for the Chicago White Sox as they prepare for the 2025 MLB season. The non-displaced fracture in his right hand will keep him out for four to six weeks, potentially affecting his availability for the season opener. - **Key Points**: 1. Benintendi was injured by a pitch during a spring training game, leading to a hand fracture [https://www.si.com/mlb/andrew-benintendi-breaks-hand-spring-training-miss-opening-day]. 2. His recovery is expected to take four to six weeks, impacting the team's early season performance [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/44043933/white-sox-andrew-benintendi-4-6-weeks-broken-hand]. 3. The White Sox are already in a rebuilding phase, making this injury particularly challenging as they seek to improve from last season's performance [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/white_sox_announce_unfortunate_injury_news_for_all_star_outfielder/s1_13237_41829909]. In conclusion, the injury to Andrew Benintendi not only affects his personal career trajectory but also poses a significant challenge for the White Sox as they aim to recover from a historically poor season. The team's ability to adapt and perform without one of their key players will be crucial in the early stages of the 2025 season.