Notes on Odor, Watkins, Urías, Bannon and more

CHICAGO – Rougned Odor is out of tonight’s lineup with some stiffness in his back. He could be available off the bench.

Odor pinch-hit for Richie Martin last night and struck out. He felt the discomfort on one swing and dropped to his knee.

Martin is starting tonight at second base.

Odor normally would be playing against White Sox right-hander Johnny Cueto.

Spenser Watkins remains available to start Saturday afternoon after working only one inning in last night’s start for Triple-A Norfolk. Watkins threw 10 pitches.

“He is a possibility,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “We wanted to keep him short just because we have an open spot. We’re not sure what we’re doing with our bullpen and rotation right now.”

Infielder Ramón Urías remains on the injured list with a left oblique strain, but he’s improving.

After taking light swings yesterday, Urías hit soft tosses this afternoon and said he felt good.

Rylan Bannon, a native of Joliet, left tickets for a group of 12 that includes family and friends.

His side of the family is made up of Cubs fans. His wife’s side roots for the White Sox.

Players are allotted four tickets, but Bannon was able to get more from teammates.

Now, it’s just a matter of getting on the field, since he isn’t in tonight’s lineup.

“I’m just trying to match up and win the game,” Hyde said. “Rylan had a nice last week at Triple-A before he got here and he’s available off the bench for us. Unfortunately, we did have to reduce the pitching down to 13, but I’m encouraged by the year he’s starting to have in Triple-A and maybe you’ll see him in here the next couple days.”

The White Sox are starting right-handers in all four games of the series, which increases his chances.

Hyde is aware of Bannon’s Illinois roots, but he has other motivations when filling out his lineup card.

“I think you always want to try to think about players and make guys feel good and you want their families to see them,” Hyde said. “Ultimately, the team is my No. 1 responsibility and for me to match up the best way I possibly can, give our team the best to win.

“Hopefully, those things combine and both can work out.”

The Orioles will have a taxi squad on Friday. No new players tonight.