CLEVELAND — Octavio Dotel, a major-league pitcher for 15 seasons with 13 teams — including two with the White Sox — died Tuesday from injuries suffered when the roof of a nightclub in the Dominican Republic collapsed, a spokesman for the country’s sports ministry confirmed to USA Today.
Former Nationals first baseman Tony Blanco, who appeared in 56 games in 2005, also was among the at least 79 people who died along with 160 who were injured after the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo crumbled.
In his two seasons with the Sox, Dotel, who was 51, had a 3.55 ERA in 134 games. He had 109 career saves.
The Mets held a moment of silence today at Citi Field for Octavio Dotel pic.twitter.com/BsPzq6KgOv
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) April 8, 2025
The Mets held a moment of silence for Dotel before their game against the Marlins at Citi Field in New York.
Benintendi update
Manager Will Venable didn’t seem too optimistic about a quick return for left fielder Andrew Benintendi, who left the Sox’ 4-3 loss Sunday to the Tigers with a strained left adductor.
‘‘He’s progressed a little bit, but he’s not there yet,’’ Venable said. ‘‘[He] doesn’t feel as good as we thought he was, so he’s going to continue to get evaluated, and we’ll do some scans on him.’’
Utility player Brooks Baldwin started in left field Tuesday against the Guardians, but — like with much of the Sox’ lineup — things are subject to change, depending on matchups.
‘‘We have [Austin Slater] and you’ve seen [Michael A. Taylor] out there against right-handed pitchers, so we’re comfortable about the guys that we have behind him,’’ Venable said. ‘‘[Benintendi’s] one of our dudes, and I hate to not have him in there, but we’re covered. We’ll be all right.’’
Gilbert returns
Left-handed reliever Tyler Gilbert, whom the Sox activated from the injured list, was ready to return as he watched games in Arizona and continued his rehab from bursitis in his left knee.
Gilbert, 31, said he hurt his knee during a spring game against the Padres. His cleat got stuck in a hole on the mound and his knee didn’t quite rotate enough, and he said he heard a pop in the joint. He had spent the last couple of weeks rehabbing in Arizona and Triple-A Charlotte.
‘‘I’m just trying to take care of this knee, and it’s feeling a lot better,’’ Gilbert said. ‘‘I was just ready to get back to a normal routine and schedule and help out in any way I can.’’
Gilbert pitched 1‰ scoreless innings, striking out three and allowing one walk in the Sox’ 1-0 loss to the Guardians at Progressive Field.
To make room for Gilbert on their active roster, the Sox optioned left-hander Brandon Eisert to Charlotte.
More roster news
The Sox announced they signed infielder Brandon Drury to a minor-league contract and assigned him to extended spring training in Arizona.
Drury turned heads in spring training when he batted .361 with three home runs and 11 RBI, showing the injuries that affected his swing last season had healed. He hit .169/.242/.228 in 97 games last season with the Angels.
‘‘It looked like the version of Brandon Drury that everyone’s been used to and not the ’24 version that we know looks like more of just a one-off,’’ Venable said. ‘‘Excited to get him back, get him some at-bats and see if he can help us down the road.’’