Palka (hamstring) is out of the lineup for Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Reds, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

After Palka exited Sunday's exhibition versus the Padres with a tight left hamstring, he said he only expected to miss a game or two with the injury. His absence has now reached three contests with his exclusion from Wednesday's lineup, but the White Sox haven't yet suggested that the lefty slugger has experienced any sort of significant setback with his recovery. Palka should be viewed as day to day and still looks on track to be ready to go for Opening Day.

Palka (hamstring) said Monday that he expects to miss "a game or two," Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Palka left Sunday's game against the Padres with left hamstring tightness, but the issue appears to be a minor one. He should still have plenty of time to stake his claim for the starting left field job.

Palka stated after Sunday's game against San Diego that he believes his hamstring injury is minor, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

In an interview after the ballgame, Palka noted that he believes the issue was a result of his failure to hydrate himself. He'll continue to be considered day-to-day moving forward, but the White Sox will likely hold him out if there's any doubt about his health.

Palka left Sunday's game against San Diego with a tight left hamstring, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Palka is in the mix with a large number of players for time in the outfield corners in Chicago. He would appear to be the favorite for a starting role in left field, but if the hamstring injury causes him to miss time at the start of the season, at-bats could be opened up for Jon Jay, Nicky Delmonico or Leury Garcia. The outfielder is currently considered day-to-day.

Palka showed up at camp 18 pounds lighter in an effort to become better defensively, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

As a rookie in 2018, Palka blasted 27 home runs, a third of which came while he was the designated hitter. Despite defensive limitations, he played both corner outfield spots due to injuries. Cut to 2019, the White Sox hope to rotate Jose Abreu and Yonder Alonso at DH, which will leave Palka in a crunch for at-bats. He is expected to open the season in the starting outfield, along with Adam Engel and John Jay, but we suspect the 27-year-old will move to a bench role when the White Sox eventually promote Eloy Jimenez, which is expected to happen by mid-April. If Palka can't play credible outfield defense, repeating the 449 plate appearances he had in 2018 will be difficult.

Palka could end up seeing most of his playing time in left field in 2019 after general manager Rick Hahn said Saturday that he expects Jose Abreu and Yonder Alonso to fill most of the starts at designated hitter and first base, Phil Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Heading into the winter, there was some thought that Abreu and Palka would split first base and DH duties during the upcoming campaign, but the recent acquisition of Alonso temporarily spells an end to that plan. Like Palka, Alonso also bats from the left side, so even a timeshare between the two wouldn't be an ideal arrangement when both are healthy. As a result, Palka's clearest path to playing time looks like it'll come as a strong-side platoon bat in the corner outfield, barring no other major offseason additions at the position. Palka graded out as a negative defender in both right and left last season, so deploying the 27-year-old slugger in the outfield doesn't seem like a tenable long-term plan. Fortunately for Palka, both Abreu and Alonso can both become free agents after 2019, so there's a good possibility that one or both players will be dealt ahead of the trade deadline if the White Sox aren't in playoff contention.

Palka will work out at first base during the offseason, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Palka, who has played both corner outfield spots and DH this season, has played first base in the Diamondbacks and Twins minor-league systems and taken grounders in practice for the White Sox. Manager Rick Renteria is pleased with Palka's power but understands his outfield defense will limit the manager's flexibility. Palka could be the primary DH next season, and by expanding his position versatility, Renteria can get his bat in the lineup at first base or the outfield when he uses the DH spot to spell a position regular.

Palka went 2-for-5 with two RBI in Tuesday's 5-4 win over Cleveland.

EDGE Analysis

Palka rescued the White Sox from defeat with a two-run, walkoff single. Palka's an adventure in the field, but his production at the plate -- he leads the team with 27 home runs and his 66 RBI are second only to Jose Abreu -- could land him a gig as the primary designated hitter in 2019.

Palka isn't in Saturday's starting lineup against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Palka will catch a breather with left-hander Jon Lester slated to toe the rubber for the opposition. Welington Castillo slots in as the designated hitter and Kevan Smith draws the start behind the dish with Palka on the bench.

Palka hit a pinch-hit, two-run home run in Friday's win over the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

The pinch-hit blast was his fourth of the season -- setting a new White Sox record -- and his 27th homer overall, which leads major-league rookies. His defense in the outfield remains an adventure, but Palka's production at the plate puts him on the radar for a gig as the primary designated hitter next season.