<p>PHILADELPHIA — Last season, the <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox" target="_blank" ><u>White Sox</u></a> showed the makings of an infield core that could serve them well into the future with Colson Montgomery, Chase Meidroth and Miguel Vargas.</p><p>A few more pieces falling into place early this season — hello, Munetaka Murakami, Tristan Peters and Sam Antonacci — have boosted the Sox to their most promising start in five years. Davis Martin’s star turn <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2026/06/02/chicago-white-sox-davis-martin-will-venable-luisangel-acuna-jacob-gonzalez-sam-antonacci-colson-montgomery-munetaka-murakami" target="_blank" ><u>as the ace</u></a> of an improved pitching staff hasn’t hurt, either.</p><p>But a reliable cast of bench players and bullpen arms are cementing the Sox’ belief that their competitive window finally is cracking open, and it’s not just that second-year manager Will Venable has more talent to work with. He also is learning how to use it.</p><p>‘‘Will has done a good job of keeping his bench in games,’’ said veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk, who has hit .315/.339/.685 with six home runs and 19 RBI since signing with the Sox last month.