White Sox Send Matt Davidson To Triple-A Charlotte

(CBS) Third baseman Matt Davidson's journey for a breakthrough with the White Sox won't begin at the big league level this season.

Chicago has optioned Davidson to Triple-A Charlotte, it announced Tuesday. He had a strong spring in hitting .413 with five homers and nine RBIs in 46 at-bats, and consideration was given to him making the Opening Day roster.

Instead, Davidson will return to where he struggled the past two seasons. The 25-year-old Davidson hit .203 with 23 homers and 74 RBIs in 141 games at Triple-A in 2015.

The White Sox also optioned right-hander Tommy Kahnle, infielder Leury Garcia and infielder Carlos Sanchez to Triple-A. They reassigned outfielder Jason Coats to minor league camp.

Sending Davidson down hints at Chicago's 25th roster spot being a battle between outfielder Jerry Sands, first baseman Travis Ishikawa or possibly an extra reliever. The White Sox will open the season with 12 pitchers, manager Robin Ventura told reporters, and he also confirmed the expected inclusion of outfielder J.B. Shuck on the Opening Day roster.

The White Sox now have 31 players left on their spring roster.