Kevin Pillar signs major league deal with White Sox
Kevin Pillar doubles to left field during a spring training game at Scottsdale Stadium in Scottsdale, Ariz. (John Antonoff/For the Sun-Times)
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Two days after he was released by the White Sox, outfielder Kevin Pillar is signing a new deal to return to the club for the final two days of spring training, sources told the Sun-Times Sunday.
Pillar, who signed a major league deal with the club, is batting .250/.306/.386 in 44 at-bats this spring. After he was let go, manager Pedro Grifol indicated Pillar was in play to be with the club, and that is coming to fruition.
Right-hander Touki Toussaint was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster. Toussaint started 15 games for the Sox last season after being claimed on waivers from the Guardians, but struggled with his command this spring.
Pillar signed a minor league deal during the offseason that would have paid him $3 million if he made the Opening Day roster. The terms of Pillar's new agreement were not immediately known.
The Sox' starting outfield looks like Andrew Benentendi in left field, Luis Robert in center and Dominic Fletcher in right, although Grifol might be inclined to start a right-handed hitter against Tigers lefty Tarik Skubal on Opening Day Thursday.
Pillar, 35, was Atlanta's fourth outfielder last season, his 11th in the majors. He batted .228/.248/.416 with nine home runs, 10 doubles and four stolen bases in 206 plate appearances. A former Gold Glove finalist in center field, Pillar is a career .257/.294./.409 hitter.
On the same day Pillar was released along with infielder Mike Moustakas, the Sox signed veteran switch-hitting outfielder Robbie Grossman to a minor league deal. Grossman reported to camp Saturday, and will need time to prepare for the season.