Semien smacks first spring homer for ChiSox

Marcus Semien has comfortably slipped into an everyday spring starter role for the White Sox, putting himself in strong contention for a roster spot.

Chicago's No. 4 prospect, while versatile defensively, left his mark at the plate Monday. The second baseman hit a three-run homer in the second inning of Monday's 7-6 win over the Mariners. Semien went yard off Blake Beavan, his first long ball of the spring after going yard twice in 22 Major League games last September.

Semien has hit safely in nine of his past 10 games, with three multi-hit games in that span. The 6-foot-1 infielder has yet to steal a base this spring, but was caught for the second time after singling in the seventh inning by catcher Mike Zunino.

His Cactus League roommate, Micah Johnson, who is also vying for a spot in the U.S. Cellular Field infield, replaced Semien at second base in the eighth, but did not bat in the game.

In his fourth start this spring, Chicago's top prospect Erik Johnson earned his first victory, allowing three runs on four hits while striking out four over six innings. The right-hander is likely to join Chicago's starting rotation, though the White Sox have not announced their starting five yet.