Week of August 30-September 5, 2021

Lance Lynn Injured

Lance Lynn RHP 33
MLB Advanced Media, LP

August 31—Left-handed Ace Lance Lynn has been placed on the 10-day injured list with right knee inflammation.

Two-Game Series vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

White Sox win series 2-0

Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at 7:10 pm CDT
Guaranteed Rate Field
Lucas Giolito, RHP vs.
Pirates / Bryse Wilson, RHP

W, 4-2, 77-56 (.579), W2 | WP: Michael Kopech (4-2, 3.42) | S: Liam Hendriks (30) | Game 133

➤ Yoán Moncada goes 1-for-4, extending his hitting streak to 15 consecutive games.

Game highlights from mlb.com

Tim Anderson Injured

Tim Anderson SS 7
MLB Advanced Media, LP

September 1—Emotional Center of the Chicago White Sox Tim Anderson has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained left hamstring.

September 1—Billy Hamilton activated from rehab
September 1—Shortstop Romy Gonzalez called up from Charlotte Knights
September 1—Outfielder Jake Lamb Designated for Assignment (Claimed by Blue Jays on 9/3)

Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at 7:10 pm CDT
Guaranteed Rate Field
Carlos Rodón, LHP vs.
Pirates / Max Kranick, RHP

W, 6-3, 78-56 (.582), W3 | WP: Carlos Rodón (11-5, 2.41) | S: Liam Hendriks (31) | Game 134

➤ Yoán Moncada goes 1-for-4, extending his hitting streak to 16 consecutive games.

Game highlights from mlb.com

Three-Game Series at Kansas City Royals

Royals win series 2-1

Lucas Giolito Injured

Lucas Giolito RHP 27
MLB Advanced Media, LP

September 3—Lucas Giolito has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained left hamstring.

Friday, September 3, 2021 at 7:10 pm CDT
Kauffman Stadium
Dallas Keuchel, LHP vs.
Royals / Carlos Hernández, RHP

L, 7-2, 78-57 (.578) | L1 | LP: Dallas Keuchel (8-8, 5.22) | Game 135

➤ Yoán Moncada goes 1-for-4, extending his hitting streak to 17 consecutive games.

Game highlights from mlb.com

Saturday, September 4, 2021 at 6:10 pm CDT
Kauffman Stadium
Reynaldo Lopez, RHP vs.
Royals / Daniel Lynch, LHP

W, 10-7, 79-57 (.581), W1 | WP: Craig Kimbrel (3-4, 1.98) | S: Liam Hendriks (32) | Game 136

Yoán Moncada is not in today’s lineup.

Game highlights from mlb.com

Sunday, September 5, 2021 at pm 1:10 CDT
Kauffman Stadium
Dyan Cease, RHP vs.
Royals / Brady Singer, RHP

L, 6-0, 79-58 (.577), L1 | LP: Dylan Cease (11-7, 3.87) | Game 137

➤ Yoán Moncada goes 1-for-4, extending his hitting streak to 18 consecutive games.

Game highlights from mlb.com

Week of August 23-29, 2021

Four-Game Series at Toronto Blue Jays

Series split 2-2

Monday, August 23, 2021 at 6:07 pm CDT
Rogers Centre
Lance Lynn, RHP vs.
Blue Jays / Alek Manoah, RHP

L, 2-1, 72-54 (.571), L3 | LP: Craig Kimbrel (2-4, 1.57) | Game 126

➤ Eloy Jiménez–DH goes 1-for-4, extending his hitting streak to 12 consecutive games.

➤ Yoán Moncada goes 2-for-4. He has knocked a base hit in 10 consecutive games.

➤ Tim Anderson is not in today’s lineup.

DEFENSE: Big man matchup on the mound—Lance Lynn (6’5”, 270#) vs. Alek Manoah (6’6”, 260#). Lance Lynn pitches beautifully against an outstanding lineup—1 R/ER on 4 H, 0 BB, 4 SO on 7.0 IP. In the 8th, Craig Kimbrel lets Breyvic Valera score from 3B on a wild pitch. Pinch running for Reese McGuire, who had singled, Valera had advanced to 2B on an previous wild pitch. OFFENSE: Andrew Vaughn 1B scores Yoán Moncada (singled, advanced to 3B on Brian Goodwin 1B), in the 6th. Alek Manoah strikes out 5, through 6. The Blue Jays bullpen strikes out 5 more. The White Sox knock 5 H, draw 3 BB, and strand 8. Watch game highlights on mlb.com:

August 24—Leuri Garcia activated from IL

Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at 6:07 pm CDT
Rogers Centre
Dylan Cease, RHP vs.
Blue Jays / José Berríos, RHP

W, 5-2, 73-54 (.575), W1 | WP: Dylan Cease (10-6, 3.92) | S: Liam Hendriks (29) | Game 127

➤ Eloy Jiménez goes 2-for-5, extending his hitting streak to 13 consecutive games.

➤ Yoán Moncada goes 3-for-5, extending his hitting streak to 11 consecutive games.

➤ Tim Anderson is not in today’s lineup.

DEFENSE: Dylan Cease dominates—on the road, against one of the AL’s best lineups. Cease goes 1-2-3 in the 1st. Three Ks in the 2nd. He goes 1-2-3 again in the 3rd. Two Ks, 1B, and a GO, in the 4th. A PO, ground-rule 2B, 1B, K, and another PO, in the 5th. A BB, GO-DP, and a FO in the 6th. Three FOs and a solo HR in the 7th. Cease’s line: 1 R/ER on 4 H, 1 BB, 7 SO. In the 8th, Michael Kopech strikes out the lead-off batter, then gives up two 1Bs. Liam Hendriks then walks the fourth batter to load the bases, but escapes on a 6-4-3 double play. In the 9th, Hendriks gives up a run on three 1Bs (1 SO). OFFENSE: José Abreu 3-run homer (26), in the 1st, brings in Luis Robert (singled) and Yoán Moncada (singled). Danny Mendick 2B scores Brian Goodwin (singled, advanced to 3B on Jake Lamb–DH 1B)—also in the 1st. José Abreu GO scores Luis Robert (doubled, advanced to 3B on Yoán Moncada 1B), in the 4th. The White Sox score 5 runs on 18 hits (fewest runs scored by a White Sox lineup on 18 hits since 1960). Seven Sox knock 2+ hits. Three Sox runners are thrown out on the base paths. Watch game highlights on mlb.com:

Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at 6:07 pm CDT
Rogers Centre
Lucas Giolito, RHP vs.
Blue Jays / Robbie Ray, LHP

L, 3-1, 73-55 (.570), L1 | LP: Aaron Bummer (2-5, 4.36) | Game 128

➤ Eloy Jiménez–DH goes 0-for-4, to end his hitting streak at 13 (as of 8/24).

➤ Yoán Moncada goes 1-for-4, extending his hitting streak to 12 consecutive games.

➤ Tim Anderson returns after four days of rest, going 0-for-4, to end his hitting streak at 10 (as of 8/20).

DEFENSE: On the one-year anniversary of his 1-BB, 13-SO no-hitter (19th in White Sox history) against the Pirates, Lucas Giolito holds his own in a tense pitching duel, giving up just 1 R/ER on 5 H, 1 BB, 6 SO on 6.0 IP. Ryan Tepera goes K, K, BB, PO, in the 7th. In the 8th, Aaron Bummer strikes out the first two, then allows 3 consecutive base hits, giving up the go-ahead run. José Ruiz steps in, and the next batter reaches on an E6 to load the bases. Ruiz issues a run-scoring BB, giving the Jays a 2-run lead—that’s 5 consecutive reaches for the Jays, with 2 outs. The 8th batter grounds out to end the inning. OFFENSE: Blue Jays starter Robbie Ray (second lowest ERA in the AL, behind Lance Lynn) strikes out 14 White Sox, allowing the Sox only R on 5 H, through 7. Reliever Tim Mayza strikes out 2 more in the 8th, for a total of 16 SO on the night. The Sox knock 1 more H in the 9th (total 6). Yoán Moncada RBI 1B scores Leury Garcia (singled, stole 2B & 3B), in the 3rd. Watch game highlights on mlb.com:

August 26—Carlos Rodón activated from IL

Thursday, August 26, 2021 at 2:07 pm CDT
Rogers Centre
Carlos Rodón, LHP vs.
Blue Jays / Hyun Jin Ryu, LHP

W, 10-7, 74-55 (.574), W1 | WP: Carlos Rodón (10-5, 2.43) | S: Craig Kimbrel (24 – 23 CHC, 1 CWS) | Game 129

DEFENSE: Coming off the IL, Carlos Rodón gives up 2 R/ER on 5 H (1 BB, 3 SO) on 5.0 IP. While Rodón’s velocity was diminished, his stuff was mostly good and not as rusty as it might have been after sitting out two rotations. Michael Kopeck’s slider isn’t sliding. He gives up 5 R/ER on 4 H (1 BB, 1 HBP, 1 SO), in the 6th, making it 9-7 Sox. Brian Goodwin contributes to the damage with a bad throw to home (E9). But the Sox bullpen breaks the Jays momentum—six up, six down for Ryan Tepera (2 SO) and the high-kicking, hard-throwing Garrett Crochet (1 SO), in the 7th and 8th. MLB active save leader (372 – 9th in MLB history) Craig Kimbrel goes K, LO, 1B, GO, for his first save with the White Sox. César Hernández makes a couple of great plays in the field. OFFENSE: As Tim Anderson goes (3-for-5 today), so go the Sox. César Hernández solo HR (21), in the 2nd. Luis Robert 2-run HR (4), scores Tim Anderson (singled), and José Abreu–DH solo HR (27), in the 3rd. Leury Garcia 2-run 2B, scores Andrew Vaughn (walked, advanced to 2B on César Hernández 1B) and Hernández (advanced to 2B on Brian Goodwin FO); and Tim Anderson 1B scores Garcia—all in the 4th. Seby Zavala RBI 2B scores Leury Garcia (singled), and Tim Anderson RBI 1B scores Zavala, in the 6th. Eloy Jiménez solo HR, in the 9th. Yoán Moncada is not in the lineup today. Watch game highlights on mlb.com:

Evan Marshall to Rehab

Evan Marshall RHP 43
MLB Advanced Media, LP

August 26—right-handed reliever Evan Marshall has been assigned to rehab at Charlotte Knights (AAA)

Three-Game Series vs. Chicago Cubs

White Sox win series 2-1 | White Sox win 2021 Crosstown Classic 5-1

August 27—Yasmani Grandal activated from IL

Friday, August 27, 2021 at 7:10 pm CDT
Guaranteed Rate Field
Dallas Keuchel, LHP vs.
Cubs / Keegan Thompson, RHP

W, 17-13, 75-55 (.577), W2 | WP: Reynaldo López (3-1, 1.59) | Game 130

➤ Yoán Moncada goes 1-for-4, extending his hitting streak to 13 consecutive games.

It’s a wild one! Third-highest scoring game (30 runs) in the MLB this the season. DEFENSE: Both teams’ bullpens start warming up in the 1st inning. Dallas Keuchel gives up 6 R (5 ER) on 6 H in the 1st. He leaves the game after giving up another H to the lead-off batter (Frank Schwindel), in the 2nd. Reynaldo López Ks the next 2, to end the inning (Schwindel is caught stealing 2B). López then retires the next 12 (7 SO on the day). Mike Wright, Jr. gives up a HR and retires 3 (1 SO) in the 7th, followed by a lead-off BB and a 1B, in the 8th. Garrett Crochet takes over and gives up an RBI 2B. Still no outs. Crochet retires the next 2 (1 SO), then gives up a 2-RBI 2B, before a GO gets him out of the 8th. Craig Kimbrel throws a rough close against his former teammates—PO, K, HR, BB, 2-run HR, SO. OFFENSE: The Sox score 17 runs on 15 hits. Coming off the IL, Yasmani Grandal knocks in 8 RBIs—welcome back! José Abreu RBI 1B scores Tim Anderson (doubled), in the 1st (6-1 Cubs). In the 3rd, the Cubs burn through 2 pitchers, 13 batters, and 52 pitches, giving up in 8 runs: José Abreu RBI 2B scores Luis Robert (lead-off double). Yoán Moncada RBI 1B scores José Abreu. Yasmani Grandal 3-run HR (15) brings in Eloy Jiménez (reached on E6) and Moncada. Luis Robert reaches and Andrew Vaughn (HBP) scores on the second E6 of the inning. Eloy Jiménez 2-RBI 1B scores Tim Anderson (singled, advanced to 3B on E6) and Luis Robert. In the 5th, Luis Robert RBI 1B scores Tim Anderson (doubled). Yoán Moncada GO scores Luis Robert (advanced to 2B on José Abreu 1B, advanced to 3B on Eloy Jiménez BB). Yasmani Grandal 2-run 2B scores Abreu and Jiménez (both advanced on Moncada GO). In the 7th, Andrew Vaughn RBI 1B scores Yoán Moncada (walked, advanced to 2B on Yasmani Grandal 1B). In the 8th, Yasmani Grandal slams a second 3-run HR (16), bringing in José Abreu (FC) and Eloy Jiménez (walked). Watch game highlights on mlb.com:

2021 Season Crosstown Classic Win Sealed at 4-0 on 8-27-2021 Win
Chicago White Sox 2021 Crosstown Classic win sealed on today’s win (Season series 4-0)

Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 6:10 pm CDT
Guaranteed Rate Field
Lance Lynn, RHP vs.
Cubs / Alec Mills, RHP

L, 7-0, 75-56 (.573), L1 | LP: Lance Lynn (10-4, 2.59) | Game 131

➤ Yoán Moncada goes 2-for-4, extending his hitting streak to 14 consecutive games.

DEFENSE: Lance Lynn has an uncharacteristically bad outing, giving up all 7 R/ER on 7 H (2 BB, 7 SO)—including a grand slam to Rafael Ortega and 2 solo HRs to Patrick Wisdom on his 30th birthday. José Ruiz (1 H, 1 BB, 3 SO) and Mike Wright, Jr. (1 H, 0 BB, 0 SO) pitch two scoreless innings each. OFFENSE: Cubs starter Alec Mills (8⅓ IP) and closer Codi Heuer (⅔ IP) shut out the Sox (4 H, 2 BB, 3 SO). Watch game highlights on mlb.com:

Sunday, August 29, 2021 at 1:10 pm CDT
Guaranteed Rate Field
Dylan Cease, RHP vs.
Cubs / Kyle Hendricks, RHP

W, 13-1, 76-56 (.578), W1 | WP: Dylan Cease (11-6, 3.82) | Game 132

DEFENSE: Dylan Cease strikes out 11 (7 Ks), giving up just one R/ER in a beautiful 6.0 inning start. Ryan Tepera (0 SO), Michael Kopech (2 SO), and Liam Hendriks (2 SO) pitch a scoreless inning each. OFFENSE: Luis Robert solo HR (5) in the 1st. Brian Goodwin 2-run HR (8) scores Andrew Vaughn (singled), in the 2nd. The White Sox blow it open in the 5th: José Abreu ground-rule 2B brings in Brian Goodwin (walked, advanced to 2B on Leury Garcia GO, advanced to 3B on Luis Robert HBP) and César Hernández (walked), Eloy Jiménez 3-run HR (8) scores Luis Robert (HBP) and José Abreu (ground-rule 2B)—all off Kyle Hendricks; Yasmani Grandal 2-run HR (17) scores Jake Lamb (singled), off Adam Morgan. It’s 10-1 Sox. Luis Robert 2-run HR scores Leury Garcia (HBP), in the 6th. Brian Goodwin GO scores Jake Lamb (walked, advanced to 2B on Yasmani Grandal single, advanced to 3B on Andrew Vaughn walk). Yoán Moncada is not in the lineup. Watch game highlights on mlb.com:

Week of August 16-22, 2021

Adam Engel Injured

Adam Engel CF 15
MLB Advanced Media, LP

August 16—Outfielder Adam Engel has been placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to August 13, with left shoulder inflammation, following the Field of Dreams Game on August 12.

August 16—Zack Burdi, RHP designated for assignment (CLAIMED BY ORIOLES ON 8/18)

Four-Game Series vs. Oakland Athletics

White Sox win series 3-1

Monday, August 16, 2021 at 7:10 pm CDT
Guaranteed Rate Field
Dallas Keuchel, LHP vs.
Athletics / Frankie Montas, RHP

W, 5-2, 69-50 (.580), W1 | WP: Dallas Keuchel (8-6, 4.48) | S: Liam Hendriks (27) | Game 119

DEFENSE: Dallas Keuchel faces 22 A’s in 5.0 IP, giving up 2 R/ER on 5 H (1 HBP, 2 BB, 2 SO). After giving up a HR with one out in the 2nd, Keuchel loads the bases with A’s on a HBP and 2 BB, but manages to contain the damage to just one more run. Michael Kopech throttles up the velocity to retire 6 of 7 (1 BB, 3 SO—all Ks) in the 6th and 7th. After striking out the lead-off batter, in the 8th, Craig Kimbrel gets himself into a jam—2 RISP on a HBP and a close-call, ground-rule 2B, with one out—then strikes out two more to end the inning. Liam Hendriks closes with three swinging strikeouts, for the save (27). That’s a total of 9 SO from the bullpen. OFFENSE: The Athletics score their only two runs in the 2nd, and the White Sox peck away at their lead. César Hernández sac fly brings in Seby Zavala (singled, advanced to 3B on Tim Anderson 1B), in the 3rd. Seby Zavala RBI 1B scores Luis Robert (singled, advanced to 2B on Brian Goodwin BB), in the 4th. Eloy Jiménez RBI 1B brings in Tim Anderson (singled, advanced to 2B on César Hernández soft bunt 1B), in the 5th. Seby Zavala sac bunt (safety squeeze) brings in Luis Robert (singled, stole 2B, advanced to 3B on Brian Goodwin GO), in the 6th. Luis Robert solo HR in the 8th. This is how “manufacturing runs” is supposed to work. Watch game highlights on mlb.com:

Yasmani Grandal Rehab Progress

Yasmani Grandal C 24
MLB Advanced Media, LP

August 17—Catcher Yasmani Grandal will continue rehab at Charlotte Knights (AAA), moving up from Birmingham Barons (AA). Grandal has been on the IL since July 6, with a torn tendon in the left knee.

Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at 7:10 pm CDT
Guaranteed Rate Field
Reynaldo López, RHP vs.
Athletics / Chris Bassitt, RHP

W, 9-0, 70-50 (.583), W2 | WP: Reynaldo López (2-0, 1.08) | Game 120

DEFENSE: Appearing in his second start of the season, Reynaldo López allows just 1 H (2 BB, 4 SO) on 5.0 IP, earning his second win. Ryan Burr allows 2 H (0 BB, 1 SO) in the 6th and 7th. Mike Wright, Jr. (called up yesterday) faces 7 A’s in the 8th and 9th, to complete the shutout (1 H, 1 BB, 1 SO). OFFENSE: The White Sox take an early lead in the 2nd, under unfortunate circumstances. Athletics starter, Chris Bassitt takes a 100.1-MPH comebacker in the face, as Brian Goodwin reaches for a single. Andrew Vaughn 2-run 1B brings in Eloy Jiménez (singled) and Yoán Moncada (singled, advanced to 2B on Brian Goodwin 1B). Jake Lamb–DH 3-run HR (6) scores Brian Goodwin (singled) and Andrew Vaughan (singled). José Abreu 3-run HR (25) brings in Jake Lamb–DH (walked) and César Hernández (singled), in the 4th. Tim Anderson 3B, in the 6th, scores Zack Collins (walked). Watch game highlights on mlb.com:

Chris Bassitt comebacker

➤ The Athletics later report that Chris Bassitt “is conscious and aware, and is on his way to the hospital.” Heading into the game, Bassitt led the AL in wins, with a record of 12-3. He began his major league career with the White Sox in 2014.

Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 7:10 pm CDT
Guaranteed Rate Field
Lance Lynn, RHP vs.
Athletics / Cole Irvin, LHP

W, 3-2, 71-50 (.587), W3 | WP: Garrett Crochet (3-5, 2.48) | S: Liam Hendriks (28) | Game 121

A tense evening at Sox Park, in which the threat of either team breaking the game open hangs in the air throughout. DEFENSE: Lance Lynn labors more than he usually has to. He faces 2 RISP with no outs in the 1st, on a lead-off BB, a 1B, and 2 SB, then retires three in a row (2 SO—both Ks). He opens the 2nd with another lead-off BB, then retires the next three (0 SO). He faces bases loaded with no outs in the 3rd, on a lead-off 2B, an E5 (Tim Anderson), and a BB. In a remarkable feat of athleticism, Lynn dodges the bullet, striking out #4–DH and #5 in the A’s lineup (both Ks) and retiring #6 on a pop out. He gives up a solo HR, but retires the other three of four batters he faces, in the 4th. At the end of 4, Lynn gets himself ejected—for behavior that the 3B umpire evidently deemed unsportsmanlike—during a routine inspection for sticky stuff. Lynn’s line: 3 H, 1 R/ER, 3 BB, 4 SO on 4.0 IP. Garrett Crochet takes the mound in the 5th, pitching a scoreless 1⅔ (1 H, 1 BB, 0 SO). Garrett Crochet steps in to make the last out (K) in the 6th, before giving up a lead-off 3B to Elvis Andrus, who scores on a sac fly, in the 7th. With one out and a man on, Aaron Bummer finishes the inning with a K, a BB, and a GO. In the 8th, Bummer goes GO, 1B, 1B, before Liam Hendriks takes over, with one out and two on. Hendriks retires the next two to end the 8th, then throws three consecutive Ks in the 9th, for the 5-out save (28). Earlier in the day, Hendriks publicly credits his wife for fixing his recent pitch tipping problem. OFFENSE: Eloy Jiménez RBI 2B, in the 1st, brings in César Hernández (singled on a bunt). Luis Robert RBI 1B scores Yoán Moncada (walked, advanced to 2B on Brian Goodwin BB), in the 4th. Robert rinses and repeats in the 6th, knocking in Moncada (singled, advanced to 2B on Goodwin BB) for the White Sox third run. Watch game highlights on mlb.com:

Chris Bassitt update from A’s manager Bob Melvin:

Thursday, August 19, 2021 at 1:10 pm CDT
Guaranteed Rate Field
Dylan Cease, RHP vs.
Athletics / James Kaprielian, RHP

L, 5-4, 71-51 (.582), L1 | LP: Michael Kopech (3-2, 2.74) | Game 122

DEFENSE: Dylan Cease starts out strong, going 1-2-3 in the 1st and 2nd, then waivers a bit, but comes through with a quality start—3 R/ER on 4 H (4 BB, 5 SO) on 6.0 IP. Cease’s outing ends in a no decision, with the score tied at 3. Michael Kopeck gives up a 2-run HR, in the 7th (0 BB, 1 SO–K). In the 8th, Ryan Burr throws back-to-back Ks, followed by back-to-back BBs, before ending the inning on a groudout. José Ruiz issues a BB and records three groundouts, in the 9th. OFFENSE: Eloy Jiménez RBI 2B scores Luis Robert (singled, advanced to 2B on José Abreu BB), in the 1st inning, which ends with the bases loaded. Andrew Vaughn 2-run HR (15) scores Eloy Jiménez (walked), in the 5th. José Abreu reaches on E5, scoring Zack Collins (singled), in the 9th. In the 4th, the White Sox again load the bases (Joán Moncada 1B, Danny Mendick 1B, Zack Collins BB—all with two outs), but leave them stranded. Sox go down 1-2-3 in the 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 7th. They get three outs and a BB in the 8th. Watch game highlights on mlb.com:

Three-Game Series at Tampa Bay Rays

Rays win series 2-1

Friday, August 20, 2021 at 6:10 pm CDT
Tropicana Field
Lucas Giolito, RHP vs.
Rays / Michael Wacha, RHP

W, 7-5, 72-51 (.585), W1 | WP: Liam Hendriks (8-3, 3.19) | S: Ryan Tepera (2) | Game 123

➤ Tim Anderson goes 3-for-6. He has knocked a base hit in 10 consecutive games.

Despite having the best record in the AL, the Rays have been drawing attendance of just 8,000, on average.

DEFENSE: With the Rays coming off a 4-game sweep of the Orioles, Lucas Giolito gives up just 2 R/ER on 3 H (0 BB, 8 SO) on 7.0 IP. In the 8th, Craig Kimbrel goes BB, LO, K on ⅔ IP. Aaron Bummer then issues a BB, allows a 1B that scores the inherited runner, intentionally walks Nelson Cruz, and gives up a 2-run 1B, before making the third out (GO). Garrett Crochet throws a hitless 9th (1 BB, 2 SO–both Ks). Liam Hendriks goes 1-2-3, in the 10th (1 SO). Ryan Tepera goes 1-2-3, in the 11th, on a GO and 2 Ks. OFFENSE: Michael Wacha (9 SO) and the Rays bullpen strike out 16 Sox, in total. Luis Robert RBI 2B scores Tim Anderson (reached on E4), in the 1st. In a productive 5th, José Abreu RBI FC scores Tim Anderson (singled, advanced to 2B on PB, advanced to 3B on Luis Robert GO), and Yoán Moncada 2-run HR (11) brings in José Abreu. Tim Anderson lead-off, solo HR, in the 9th, ties the game at 4—talk about a flare for the dramatic! But Sox leave two stranded, sending the game into extra innings. In the 11th, Tim Anderson 1B brings in the automatic runner, and José Abreu RBI GO scores Anderson (advanced to 2B on Rays attempt to put out automatic runner at home, advanced to 3B on PB). Watch game highlights on mlb.com:

Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 12:10 pm CDT
Tropicana Field
Dallas Keuchel, LHP vs.
Rays / Luis Patiño, RHP

L, 8-4, 72-52 (.581), L1 | LP: Dallas Keuchel (8-7, 4.71) | Game 124

➤ Eloy Jiménez–DH goes 1-for-4. He has knocked a base hit in 10 consecutive games.

Tim Anderson is not in today’s lineup.

DEFENSE: The Rays offense is at their best today. Starting with an RBI 2B, followed by a 2-RBI 2B in the 1st, Dallas Keuchel has a tough outing—6 R/ER on 9 H, 2 BB, 3 SO on 5.0 IP. Mike Wright, Jr. goes 1-2-3 in the 6th, then FO, BB/CS, FO in the 7th. In the 8th, Wright gives up back-to-back 2Bs (both score), before José Ruiz steps in to make the last two outs (1 SO). OFFENSE: Seby Zavaya solo HR (5), in the 3rd. Eloy Jiménez–DH RBI 1B scores José Abreu (doubled), in the 6th. José Abreu sac fly brings in César Hernández (singled, advanced to 3B on Brian Goodwin 2B), and Eloy Jiménez–DH RBI GO scores Brian Goodwin (advanced to 3B on Abreu sac fly), in the 8th. José Abreu’s sac fly lands him in 7th place in career RBIs in franchise history (one more than Carlton Fisk). Abreu leads the MLB in RBIs (92) this season. Watch game highlights on mlb.com:

Billy Hamilton to Rehab

Billy Hamilton CF 0
MLB Advanced Media, LP

August 21—Outfielder Billy Hamilton has been assigned to rehab at Charlotte Knights (AAA). Hamilton has been on the IL since August 1, with a right oblique strain.

Sunday, August 22, 2021 at 11:10 pm CDT
Tropicana Field
Reynaldo López, RHP vs.
Rays / Chris Archer, RHP

L, 9-0, 72-53 (.576), L2 | LP: Reynaldo López (2-1, 1.86) | Game 125

➤ Eloy Jiménez goes 1-for-4, extending his hitting streak to 11 consecutive games.

Tim Anderson is not in today’s lineup.

DEFENSE: Reynaldo López gives up 3 R/ER on 6 H, 0 BB, 4 SO on 4.0 IP. He goes 1-2-3 in the 2nd and the 4th. Garrett Crochet gives up 3 R/ER more on 1 H, 2 BB, 2 SO on 1⅔ IP. José Ruiz gives up 2 R/ER more on 2 H, 2 BB, 2 SO on 1⅓ IP. Ruiz balks in the 7th, scoring the runner on 3B (who he had walked, then advanced to 2B on walk #2). Ryan Burr gives up the last R/ER on 3 H, 0 BB, 0 SO, in the 8th. Fifteen of 22 runs scored by the Rays this series were scored with two outs. OFFENSE: Rays starter Chris Archer and reliever Shawn Armstrong strike out 8 Sox, allowing only 1 hit, through 4. Chris Mazza strikes out 2 more in the 5th and 6th. The scoreless Sox knock 7 H and draw 2 BB, against tough pitching, but can’t bring any home. Today is the second day of rest for Tim Anderson. The White Sox report that TA is experiencing “leg tightness.” Watch game highlights on mlb.com:

Week of August 9-15, 2021

August 9—Luis Robert activated from rehab
August 9—In/Outfielder Gavin Sheets optioned to Charlotte Knights (AAA)
August 9—Outfielder Luis González released (Claimed by Giants on 8/11)

Three-Game Series at Minnesota Twins

Twins win series 2-1

Monday, August 9, 2021 at 7:10 pm CDT
Target Field
Lucas Giolito, RHP vs.
Twins / Beau Burrows, RHP

W, 11-1, 67-46 (.593), W4 | WP: Lucas Giolito (9-8, 3.81) | Game 113

DEFENSE: Lucas Giolito dominates across 8.0 IP, in another 2-hit gem (1 R/ER, 0 BB, 8 SO). Garrett Crochet retires 3 and walks 1 (2 SO), in the 9th. OFFENSE: The White Sox open the series with a shock-and-awe 1st inning: for the second night in a row, Tim Anderson leads off the top of the 1st with a solo HR (12), Eloy Jiménez–DH fires off a 2-run HR (4), bringing in César Hernández (walked), and Luis Robert reaches on an E3, scoring Brian Goodwin (doubled). In the 2nd, Eloy Jiménez–DH outdoes himself with a 3-run HR (5), bringing in Tim Anderson (singled) and César Hernández (walked again). Luis Robert RBI 2B brings in Yoán Moncada (singled), in the 5th. Brian Goodwin sac fly, brings in José Abreu (singled), in the 7th. Tim Anderson RBI 1B, brings in Leury García (walked), in the 8th. And finally, Yoán Moncada slams a solo HR (10), in the 9th. Watch game highlights at mlb.com:

Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at 7:10 pm CDT
Target Field
Dallas Keuchel, LHP vs.
Twins / Griffin Jax, RHP

L, 4-3, 67-47 (.588), L1 | LP: Dallas Keuchel (7-6, 4.51) | Game 114

DEFENSE: Dallas Keuchel started off shaky, giving up 2 R on 1 H and 3 BB in the 1st, then was fairly solid in the 2nd through the 6th, before giving up a costly 2-run HR with 2 outs in the 6th (4 H, 4 R/ER, 4 BB, 1 HBP, 1 SO on 6.0 IP). Ryan Tepera retired 3 out of 4 (2 SO) in the 7th. Aaron Bummer allowed 1 H, issued 1 BB and struck out 3 in the 8th. OFFENSE: After a productive 3rd inning, in which Adam Engel 2-run HR (7) brings in César Hernández (singled), and José Abreu smacks a solo HR (22), the bats go silent. Watch game highlights at mlb.com:

Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at 12:10 pm CDT
Target Field
Reynaldo López, RHP vs.
Twins / Bailey Ober, RHP

L, 1-0, 67-48 (.583), L2 | LP: José Ruiz (1-2, 3.57) | Game 115

DEFENSE: Notified just today that he would be starting, in place of the originally scheduled Lance Lynn, Reynaldo López goes 1-2-3 in the 1st, allows a lead-off 2B and retires the next three in the 2nd, then issues 2 BB, picking off one of them, in the 3rd (1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 SO on 3.0 IP). Reliever Garrett Crochet goes 1-2-3 (2 SO), in the 4th, then gives up a 1B and issues a BB with two outs, in the 5th. Both runners advance on a pickoff E1, but Crochet works himself out of the jam with a swinging strikeout to end the inning—4 SO on 2.0 IP. In the 6th, José Ruiz gives up the only run—a solo HR—to Jorge Polanco (1 BB, 2 SO). Matt Foster goes 1-2-3 (1 SO) in the 7th. Craig Kimbrel allows a 3B by Jorge Polanco on two outs, but retires the fourth batter, to end the 8th (1 SO). OFFENSE: Twins starter Bailey Ober allows 6 hits (1 BB, 1 SO) on 5⅓ IP, and the Twins bullpen allow none, collectively striking out four more White Sox to complete the shutout. Watch game highlights at mlb.com:

Yasmani Grandal to Rehab

Yasmani Grandal C 24
MLB Advanced Media, LP

August 11—Catcher Yasmani Grandal has been assigned to rehab at Birmingham Barons (AA).

Carlos Rodón to Injured List

Carlos Rodón Wears 1917 Throwback Uniform
MLB Advanced Media, LP

August 11—Carlos Rodón, who was to start in tomorrow’s Field of Dreams game vs. the Yankees, has been placed on the 10-Day injured list, with left shoulder fatigue.

Three-Game Series vs. New York Yankees

Yankees win series 2-1

2021 Field of Dreams Logo
MLB Advanced Media, LP
Field of Dreams - Dyersville, Iowa
ESPN
MLB Advanced Media, LP Lynn
10-3, 2.04, 130
Andrew Heaney LHP 38 - Portrait
MLB Advanced Media, LP Heaney
7-8, 5.45, 126

Thursday, August 12, 2021 at 6:15 pm CDT
Field of Dreams – Dyersville, Iowa
Lance Lynn, LHP vs.
Yankees / Andrew Heaney, LHP

W, 9-8, 68-48 (.586), W1 | WP: Liam Hendriks (7-2, 3.08) | Game 116

➤ MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred commits to returning to the Field of Dreams next season.

➤ The game is managed by bench coach Miguel Cairo, as Tony La Russa misses the game to attend the funeral of his sister’s husband.

DEFENSE: In what was a magical night for baseball and for the nation (5.9 million viewers), Lance Lynn throws a nice start against a tough Yankees lineup—4 H, 4 R/ER, 2 BB, 7 SO on 5.0+ IP. Lynn gives up a solo HR to Brett Gardner and walks Joey Gallo before he is relieved by Michael Kopech, in the 6th. Kopech retires the next three. In the 7th, with one out and a man on (bunted single), he walks DJ LeMahieu, after an unfavorable call that would have meant a SO. Too visibly enraged to continue, Kopech is relieved by Aaron Bummer, who gets the last two outs, giving up a BB in the process. In the 8th, Craig Kimbrel goes GO, BB, then 2 SO. Finally, in the 9th, Liam Hendriks delivers his sixth blown save of the season. Tyler Wade singles on Hendriks’ first pitch. He strikes out the next two. Then Aaron Judge slams a 2-run HR—his second of the night—making it 7-6 White Sox. He walks Joey Gallo, before giving up another 2-run HR to Giancarlo Stanton. Yankees lead 8-7. Hendriks strikes out Luke Voit for the last out. Courtesy of Tim Anderson, it will be the fourth blown save of the season that results in a win for Hendriks. OFFENSE: José Abreu solo HR (23), in 1st, earns him the distinction of hitting the first HR in Iowa in MLB history, and puts him in third place on the White Sox career homers list, with 222 career HRs, behind Frank Thomas (438) and Paul Konerko (432). Tim Anderson RBI double and Eloy Jiménez 3-run homer (6), in 3rd. Seby Zavala 2-run homer (4), in the 4th. White Sox bats go quiet until the bottom of the 9th, when Tim Anderson saves the day with a glorious 2-run walk-off HR—the eighth home run scored in the picture-perfect game. The series resumes on Saturday in Chicago. Watch game highlights at mlb.com:

TA’s walk-off smash

Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 6:10 pm CDT
Guaranteed Rate Field
Dylan Cease, RHP vs.
Yankees / Jameson Taillon, RHP

L, 7-5, 68-49 (.581), L1 | LP: Liam Hendriks (7-3, 3.42) | Game 117

DEFENSE: Dylan Cease pitches a solid 5-inning no decision (4 H, 3 R/ER, 0 BB, 6 SO), before Tony La Russa burns through six relievers to finish out the game (10 innings)—Garrett Crochet (1 BB, 4 SO on 1⅔ IP) and Ryan Tepera (1 BB, 1 SO on ⅓ IP) give up no runs in the 6th and 7th. Craig Kimbrel gives up a solo HR (0 BB, 1 SO), in the 8th. Matt Foster preserves the 4-4 tie (1 BB, 1 SO), in the 9th. In the 10th, Liam Hendriks gives up a 1B to Aaron Judge, who scores the automatic runner, followed by a 2-run HR to Joey Gallo, making it 7-4 Yankees with no outs. Hendriks retires the third batter, before José Ruiz steps in to deliver the last two outs, in order. OFFENSE: Eloy Jiménez RBI ground out scores Tim Anderson (singled, advanced to 3B on José Abreu double), in the 1st. Luis Robert solo HR (2), in the 2nd. Eloy Jiménez sac fly scores César Hernández (singled, advanced to 3B on José Abreu double), in the 3rd. José Abreu solo HR (24), in the 9th. Luis Robert RBI 1B scores the automatic runner, and three are stranded, in the 10th. Watch game highlights at mlb.com:

Sunday, August 15, 2021 at 1:10 pm CDT
Guaranteed Rate Field
Lucas Giolito, RHP vs.
Yankees / Nestor Cortes, LHP

L, 5-3, 68-50 (.576), L2 | LP: Lucas Giolito (9-9, 3.83) | Game 118

DEFENSE: Lucas Giolito labors against the Yankees lineup. He faces 22 batters in 4.0 IP, allowing 6 H, and giving up 3 R (2 ER), with 3 BB and 8 SO. He is relieved by Ryan Tepera, in the 5th. Tepera walks Giancarlo Stanton, who steals 2B on a wild pitch. He strikes out Kyle Higashioka, who reaches on a passed ball by Seby Zavala. But Tepera makes it through the inning without giving up a run (2 SO). José Ruiz issues 2 BB and retires 4 (2 SO) on 1⅓ IP. Aaron Bummer issues 2 BB (1 intentional–Aaron Judge) and retires 5 (3 SO) on 1⅔ IP. In the 9th, Matt Foster gives up a 2B, a 2-run HR, and a 1B, then retires the next three. César Hernández makes 3 errors—2 throwing and 1 fielding. OFFENSE: Yankees left-handed starter, Nestor Cortes, Jr., pitches 6.0 strong innings against the White Sox (7 H, 1 R/ER, 1 BB, 7 SO). Andrew Vaughn solo HR (14) in the 6th. In the 9th, Zach Collins RBI 2B scores Yoán Moncada–DH (walked), and Tim Anderson RBI 1B scores Luis Robert (singled), before César Hernández hits into a game-ending double play. Tony La Russa is ejected in the 8th, following a rather subdued confrontation with the HP umpire regarding a third strike called on Eloy Jiménez. Watch game highlights at mlb.com:

Leury García Injured

August 15—Veteran super-utility man and struggling hitter Leury García has been placed on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to August 13, due to a concussion sustained when he banged his head into the wall jumping for Giancarlo Stanton’s go-ahead HR in the 9th inning of the Field of Dreams Game, on August 12.

100 Years of MLB Radio

By Chris Ricchetti

August 5, 2021—Today marks the 100th anniversary of the first live broadcast of a major league baseball game over commercial radio.

At 6:00 pm, on the evening of November 2, 1920, Pittsburgh-based station KDKA had aired the first commercial radio broadcast—coverage of the returns of the Warren G. Harding-James M. Cox presidential election (the first in which white women were allowed to vote), announced by Leo Henry Rosenberg (1896-1988), to a small audience of shortwave radio listeners. The eighteen-hour broadcast—originating from the top floor of one of the buildings at the two-million-square-foot Main Works of the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company in East Pittsburgh—lasted until noon the following day. Real-time information about the election was supplied to KDKA via telephone by reporters at the Pittsburgh Post and the Pittsburgh Sun.

Then, on April 11, 1921, KDKA broadcast the first live sporting event—a boxing match between Johnny Ray and Johnny Dundee—originating from Motor Square Garden (Pittsburgh).

These events led up to the first baseball broadcast, on August 5, 1921 from Forbes Field in Pittsburgh. The play-by-play coverage of the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Philadelphia Phillies was voiced by Harold W. Arlin (1895-1986), who had been the primary announcer on KDKA’s evening broadcasts during the previous months. The twenty-five-year-old Arlin announced the game using a repurposed telephone receiver as a microphone, and other makeshift equipment, situated behind home plate. The Pirates—who went on to finish second in the National League standings with a record of 90-63—won the August 5th game by a score of 8-5.

The 1921 Pirates roster included the colorfully named infielders, Rabbit Maranville (5’5″, 155#), Cotton Tierney (5’8″, 175#), and Pie Traynor (6′, 170#), and outfielder, Possum Whitted (5’8½”, 168#).