3 things we learned from Chicago White Sox spring training, including Yasmani Grandal recovering from knee inflammation and all 40 roster members being under contract

The Chicago White Sox continued full-squad workouts Saturday at Camelback Ranch.

Here are three takeaways from camp.

1. Catcher Yasmani Grandal likely to miss first two Cactus League games.

Starting catcher Yasmani Grandal will likely be out for the first two Cactus League games as he recovers from right knee inflammation.

Manager Tony La Russa said Grandal twisted the knee during a running drill Wednesday.

“(Grandal) came in great shape, working very hard, so there’s no reason to push him before he’s ready,” La Russa said during Saturday’s conference call. “And that’s good because there’s time for him.”

With Grandal out of the lineup, the Sox will get a closer look at the players competing for the open backup slot. The list includes Zack Collins, Yermin Mercedes, Seby Zavala, Jonathan Lucroy and Carlos Perez.

The Sox open Cactus League play Sunday against the Milwaukee Brewers at Camelback Ranch.

“When (Grandal) doesn’t play it’s going to create opportunities,” La Russa said. “And we’re really evaluating, even in the (intrasquad) games the last two days, we’re evaluating the other guys.

“The opportunity is there for them to show something, get some attention.”

2. Lance Lynn in line to pitch Thursday against the San Francisco Giants.

New Sox starter Lance Lynn had his fastball working Saturday, zipping pitches while facing Seby Zavala and Jake Burger, among others, during live batting practice.

Lynn pitched what amounted to three innings. La Russa, who managed Lynn during 2011, was impressed.

“He’s a pro,” La Russa said. “I liked him as a rookie (in 2011 with the St. Louis Cardinals), but now he’s got that ton of experience. Really knows what he’s doing, he can maneuver the baseball.”

The Sox acquired Lynn in a trade this offseason from the Texas Rangers.

“He’s very professional at everything he does,” La Russa said, “whether he’s taking a side, whether he throws batting practice, does the drills, and when any of the guys talk to him he’s got real good experience that he’s capable of passing along. All good so far.”

Lynn is likely to pitch Thursday against the San Francisco Giants in Scottsdale, Ariz. La Russa also noted that ace Lucas Giolito is in line to pitch Tuesday against the Texas Rangers at Camelback Ranch.

Matt Foster, Zack Burdi and Tyler Johnson also threw live batting practice sessions Saturday.

Mike Wright is slated to start in Sunday’s Cactus League opener. Bennett Sousa, Kade McClure, Jacob Lindgren and Danny Dopico are also scheduled to pitch in what will be a six-inning game.

3. The Sox announced 2021 contracts for 22 players, including Dylan Cease.

The Sox came to terms on 2021 contracts with 22 players, the team announced Saturday.

Starter Dylan Cease will receive $600,000 and reliever Jimmy Cordero will receive $590,000, while relievers Codi Heuer and Matt Foster will receive $585,000. Those were the highest salaries announced.

The Sox also came to terms with pitchers Zack Burdi, Garrett Crochet, Bernardo Flores Jr., Tyler Johnson, Michael Kopech, Jimmy Lambert, Jose Ruiz and Jonathan Stiever, catchers Zack Collins, Yermin Mercedes and Seby Zavala, infielders Jake Burger, Nick Madrigal, Danny Mendick and Gavin Sheets and outfielders Micker Adolfo, Luis Gonzalez and Blake Rutherford.

With the signings, all members of the Sox 40-man roster are under contract for 2021.