Andrew Benintendi DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Chicago White Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi (hand) is serving as the designated hitter and is batting third in the lineup for Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Benintendi took batting practice in camp on Monday and was cleared to return to game action despite suffering a right-hand fracture earlier in spring training. It's been a pretty quick recovery for the 30-year-old, and as long as he doesn't suffer a setback in live game action, he should be on Chicago's Opening Day roster as their primary left fielder. The former first-rounder by the Boston Red Sox in 2015 out of the University of Arkansas is really only a fantasy option in deep-mixed and AL-only leagues with the lowly White Sox. Benintendi did hit 20 home runs a year ago, but he's a below-average hitter, and his poor defense won't do him any favors if he goes on a prolonged slump.

Chicago White Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi (hand) was able to take live batting practice on Monday. Benintendi is reportedly feeling good and things are progressing quicker than expected. The left-handed slugger suffered a non-displaced fracture on his right hand in late February. At the time, Benintendi was expected to miss 4-to-6 weeks of action. Now, Benintendi is pushing to be ready in time for Opening Day against the Los Angeles Angels. The organization is hopeful that Benintendi can get into the lineup as the designated hitter at some point this week.

Chicago White Sox manager Will Venable notes that outfielder Andrew Benintendi (hand) "felt really good" while taking swings in the batting cage on Thursday. Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reported the news. "We feel confident that he's in a good spot to progress," said Venable. The veteran broke a bone in his hand at the end of February after being hit by a pitch and was initially given a four- to six-week timetable for his return. It appears he's currently on schedule, and though Van Schouwen notes his being ready on Opening Day seems slightly out of reach, Venable did not rule it out. Benintendi underperformed in 2024 with a .229 average, marking a career-low. Even if he bounces back, he isn't as appealing as a bat in terms of fantasy.