Charlotte Knights Archives - Chris Ricchetti

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

Frankie Montas RHP 47 - Portrait — Keuchel

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 2^nd, 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 6^th and 7^th. After striking out the lead-off batter, in the 8^th, 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 2^nd, 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 3^rd. Seby Zavala RBI 1B scores Luis Robert (singled, advanced to 2B on Brian Goodwin BB), in the 4^th. Eloy Jiménez RBI 1B brings in Tim Anderson (singled, advanced to 2B on César Hernández soft bunt 1B), in the 5^th. Seby Zavala sac bunt (safety squeeze) brings in Luis Robert (singled, stole 2B, advanced to 3B on Brian Goodwin GO), in the 6^th. Luis Robert solo HR in the 8^th. 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.

Reynaldo López RHP 40 - Portrait — López

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 6^th and 7^th. Mike Wright, Jr. (called up yesterday) faces 7 A’s in the 8^th and 9^th, to complete the shutout (1 H, 1 BB, 1 SO). OFFENSE: The White Sox take an early lead in the 2^nd, 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 4^th. Tim Anderson 3B, in the 6^th, 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 1^st, on a lead-off BB, a 1B, and 2 SB, then retires three in a row (2 SO—both Ks). He opens the 2^nd with another lead-off BB, then retires the next three (0 SO). He faces bases loaded with no outs in the 3^rd, 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 4^th. 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 5^th, pitching a scoreless 1⅔ (1 H, 1 BB, 0 SO). Garrett Crochet steps in to make the last out (K) in the 6^th, before giving up a lead-off 3B to Elvis Andrus, who scores on a sac fly, in the 7^th. With one out and a man on, Aaron Bummer finishes the inning with a K, a BB, and a GO. In the 8^th, Bummer goes GO, 1B, 1B, before Liam Hendriks takes over, with one out and two on. Hendriks retires the next two to end the 8^th, then throws three consecutive Ks in the 9^th, 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 1^st, 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 4^th. Robert rinses and repeats in the 6^th, 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 1^st and 2^nd, 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 7^th (0 BB, 1 SO–K). In the 8^th, 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 9^th. OFFENSE: Eloy Jiménez RBI 2B scores Luis Robert (singled, advanced to 2B on José Abreu BB), in the 1^st inning, which ends with the bases loaded. Andrew Vaughn 2-run HR (15) scores Eloy Jiménez (walked), in the 5^th. José Abreu reaches on E5, scoring Zack Collins (singled), in the 9^th. In the 4^th, 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 2^nd, 3^rd, 6^th, and 7^th. They get three outs and a BB in the 8^th. 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 8^th, 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 9^th (1 BB, 2 SO–both Ks). Liam Hendriks goes 1-2-3, in the 10^th (1 SO). Ryan Tepera goes 1-2-3, in the 11^th, 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 1^st. In a productive 5^th, 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 9^th, 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 11^th, 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 1^st, 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 6^th, then FO, BB/CS, FO in the 7^th. In the 8^th, 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 3^rd. Eloy Jiménez–DH RBI 1B scores José Abreu (doubled), in the 6^th. 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 8^th. José Abreu’s sac fly lands him in 7^th 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 2^nd and the 4^th. 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 7^th, 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 8^th. 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 5^th and 6^th. 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

Beau Burrows RHP 41 - Portrait — Giolito

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 9^th. OFFENSE: The White Sox open the series with a shock-and-awe 1^st inning: for the second night in a row, Tim Anderson leads off the top of the 1^st 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 2^nd, 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 5^th. Brian Goodwin sac fly, brings in José Abreu (singled), in the 7^th. Tim Anderson RBI 1B, brings in Leury García (walked), in the 8^th. And finally, Yoán Moncada slams a solo HR (10), in the 9^th. 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 1^st, then was fairly solid in the 2^nd through the 6^th, before giving up a costly 2-run HR with 2 outs in the 6^th (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 7^th. Aaron Bummer allowed 1 H, issued 1 BB and struck out 3 in the 8^th. OFFENSE: After a productive 3^rd 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 1^st, allows a lead-off 2B and retires the next three in the 2^nd, then issues 2 BB, picking off one of them, in the 3^rd (1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 SO on 3.0 IP). Reliever Garrett Crochet goes 1-2-3 (2 SO), in the 4^th, then gives up a 1B and issues a BB with two outs, in the 5^th. 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 6^th, 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 7^th. Craig Kimbrel allows a 3B by Jorge Polanco on two outs, but retires the fourth batter, to end the 8^th (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

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

MLB Advanced Media, LP

Field of Dreams - Dyersville, Iowa — ESPN

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 6^th. Kopech retires the next three. In the 7^th, 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 8^th, Craig Kimbrel goes GO, BB, then 2 SO. Finally, in the 9^th, 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 1^st, 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 3^rd. Seby Zavala 2-run homer (4), in the 4^th. White Sox bats go quiet until the bottom of the 9^th, 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

2021 MLB at Field of Dreams Post Game Celebration — Heaven or Iowa?

2021 MLB at Field of Dreams Tim Anderson Walk Off HR — Heaven or Iowa?

Jameson Taillon RHP 50 - Portrait — Cease

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 6^th and 7^th. Craig Kimbrel gives up a solo HR (0 BB, 1 SO), in the 8^th. Matt Foster preserves the 4-4 tie (1 BB, 1 SO), in the 9^th. In the 10^th, 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 1^st. Luis Robert solo HR (2), in the 2^nd. Eloy Jiménez sac fly scores César Hernández (singled, advanced to 3B on José Abreu double), in the 3^rd. José Abreu solo HR (24), in the 9^th. Luis Robert RBI 1B scores the automatic runner, and three are stranded, in the 10^th. Watch game highlights at mlb.com:

2021-08-14 Sox v Yankees at Guaranteed Rate Field — 1919 Throwback Jersey Night

2021-08-14 Jersey Night - Sox v Yankees at Guaranteed Rate Field — 1919 Throwback Jersey Night

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 5^th. 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 9^th, 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 6^th. In the 9^th, 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 8^th, 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 9^th inning of the Field of Dreams Game, on August 12.

Week of July 26-Aug 1, 2021

July 26—Eloy Jiménez activated from rehab

Luis Robert Rehab Progress

Luis Robert CF 88 — MLB Advanced Media, LP

July 26—Outfielder Luis Robert to continue rehab at Charlotte Knights (AAA), moving up from Winston-Salem Dash (A+).

Four-Game Series at Kansas City Royals

Royals win series 3-1

Monday, July 26, 2021 at 7:10 pm CDT
Kauffman Stadium
Dallas Keuchel, LHP vs.
Royals / Mike Minor, LHP

L, 4-3, 59-41 (.590), L1 | LP: Dallas Keuchel (7-4, 4.32) | Game 100

DEFENSE: Dallas Keuchel allows 4 R on 6.0 IP (6 H, 4 R/ER, 1 BB, 3 SO), including 2 solo HRs by Jorge Soler, and a third by Andrew Benintendi. Cori Heuer (1-2-3, 0 SO) and Garrett Crochet (2 H, 1 BB, 2 SO) finish out the game, pitching a scoreless inning each. OFFENSE: Andrew Vaughn 2-RBI 1B in the 6^th. Adam Engel RBI 1B in the 9^th. Fresh off the IL, Eloy Jiménez goes 0-for-4, but is visibly excited to be back in the lineup. Watch game highlights from mlb.com:

Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at 7:10 pm CDT
Kauffman Stadium
Dylan Cease, RHP vs.
Royals / Brad Keller, RHP

W, 5-3, 60-41 (.594), W1 | WP: Reynaldo Lopez (1-0, 2.00) | S: Liam Hendriks (25) | Game 101

DEFENSE: Dylan Cease allows 3 R on 6.0 IP (6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 SO). Reynaldo López (1 SO), Michael Kopech (3 SO), and Liam Hendriks (1 SO) pitch a 1-2-3, no-hit inning each. OFFENSE: Eloy Jiménez 3-run HR (1) off Kyle Zimmer in the 8^th. Jiménez also shines defensively, making two difficult running catches in the 4^th, and throwing Michael A. Taylor out at home in the 2^nd. Gavin Sheets solo HR (6) in the 4^th Yoán Moncada RBI groundout in the 8^th. Watch game highlights from mlb.com:

Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 7:10 pm CDT
Kauffman Stadium
Lucas Giolito, RHP vs.
Royals / Kris Bubic, LHP

L, 3-2, 60-42 (.588), L1 | LP: Ryan Burr (2-1, 3.26) | Game 102

DEFENSE: Lucas Giolito gives up just 1 R, striking out 7, on 6.0 IP (4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB). Aaron Bummer (2 SO) and Michael Kopech (0 SO) pitch a no-hit inning each, before Liam Hendriks gives up the tying run—a Salvador Perez solo HR—in the 9^th. A Michael A. Taylor 1B brings in the automatic runner to win the game for the Royals in the 10^th. OFFENSE: The White Sox 5 H are all off starter Kris Bubic (3 SO). The Royals bullpen strikes out 6. Danny Mendick 2-RBI 1B in the 5^th brings in Andrew Vaughn (1B) and Leury García (1B). Watch game highlights from mlb.com:

Carlos Hernández RHP 43 - Portrait — Rodón

Thursday, July 29, 2021 at 1:10 pm CDT
Kauffman Stadium
Carlos Rodón, LHP vs.
Royals / Carlos Hernández, RHP

L, 5-0, 60-43 (.583), L2 | LP: Carlos Rodón (8-5, 2.49) | Game 103

DEFENSE: Carlos Rodón allows 8 H and 4 R on 4.0 IP (4 ER, 0 BB, 4 SO), starting with a 2-run HR by Salvador Perez in the 1^st. He gives up a solo HR to Michael A. Taylor in the 2^nd, and Hunter Dozier brings in Carlos Santana on a sac fly in the 3^rd, making it 4-0 Royals. Rodón’s velocity is a few MPH lower than normal through the first couple of innings. With Reynaldo López pitching in the 5^th, Jorge Soler reaches on an E6 (Leury García), then advances to third on a Hunter Dozier 2B, and scores on a Michael A. Taylor sac fly. López goes 1-2-3 in the 6^th (1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO on 2.0 IP). Ryan Burr delivers 2.0 no-hit innings, giving up 2 BB (0 SO). The White Sox turn a 4-5-3 double play to finish out the 8^th. OFFENSE: Royals starter, Carlos Hernández, gives up just 4 H and 1 BB to the White Sox on 6.0 IP (4 SO). Their bullpen allows just one more hit and strikes out 5, for the shutout. Watch game highlights from mlb.com:

July 29—Evan Marshall, RHP moved from 10-day to 60-day IL (to make room on 40-man roster)

2021 Trade Deadline

The 2021 Major League Baseball Trade Deadline is Friday, July 30 at 4:00 pm EDT.

Three-Game Series vs. Cleveland Indians

White Sox win series 2-1

Friday, July 30, 2021 at 7:10 pm CDT
Guaranteed Rate Field
Lance Lynn, RHP vs.
Indians / J.C. Mejia, RHP

W, 6-4, 61-43 (.587), W1 | WP: José Ruiz (1-1, 2.90) | S: Liam Hendriks (26) | Game 104

DEFENSE: Lance Lynn gives up 3 R on 7 H for a 5-inning no decision (3 ER, 1 BB, 7 SO). Garrett Crochet and Aaron Bummer pitch a clean inning each. But Ryan Tepera’s White Sox debut in the 8^th is less-than-illustrious. He gives up a HR and a 1B, then issues a BB, before being replaced by José Ruiz, who retires the next three to end the inning (the first out comes on a sac bunt that loads the bases with Indians). Lethal Liam Hendriks goes 1-2-3 (2 SO) for the save (26). OFFENSE: In the 2^nd, a one-in-a-million situation occurs when Cleveland outfielders Bradley Zimmer and Daniel Johnson collide at the center-field wall, both running to catch Yoán Moncada’s line drive, which rebounds out of Zimmer’s glove, sending it over the wall for a solo HR that should have been a lineout. Brian Goodwin RBI 1B brings Moncada in from second base, in the 4^th. Then, with one out and two on, Leury García grounds into a force out at second, beats the throw to first for a base hit, and brings in a run. Andrew Vaughn run-scoring BB in the 5^th. Tim Anderson RBI 1B in the 8^th, before José Abreu HBP with bases loaded and no outs forces the final run of the game. “Controlled pandemonium” ensues…

La Russa Rushes Infield

When James Karinchak hits José Abreu in the noggin with a 96 MPH fastball, Tony La Russa rushes out of the dugout to confront Indians catcher Roberto Pérez—a run that launches a thousand memes (see below). Both benches clear, but no blows are exchanged. In the end, Abreu hugs Karinchak and takes his base.

Tony La Russa on tempers flaring after José Abreu HBP

Watch game highlights from mlb.com:

July 30—SS Danny Mendick and RHP Ryan Burr optioned to Charlotte Knights (AAA)

Triston McKenzie RHP 24 - Portrait — Keuchel

Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 6:10 pm CDT
Guaranteed Rate Field
Dallas Keuchel, LHP vs.
Indians / Triston McKenzie, RHP

L, 12-11, 61-44 (.581), L1 | LP: Michael Kopech (3-1, 2.55) | Game 105

Rookie catcher Seby Zavaya goes 4-for-4, becoming the first Big League player ever to slam his first three career HRs in a single game—and the second of his three consecutive homers just happens to be a Grand Slam! He tops off the night with a 1B on his 4^th and final at bat of the game. Watch game highlights from mlb.com:

Jimmy Lambert RHP 13 - Portrait — Lambert

Cal Quantrill RHP 47 - Portrait — Lambert

Sunday, August 1, 2021 at 1:10 pm CDT
Guaranteed Rate Field
Jimmy Lambert, RHP vs.
Indians / Cal Quantrill, RHP

W, 2-1, 62-44 (.585), W1 | WP: Liam Hendriks (5-2, 2.47) | Game 106

Game highlights from mlb.com

Billy Hamilton to Injured List

August 1—Outfielder Billy Hamilton is back on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain, the same injury that landed him there on June 6. This is Hamilton’s third time on the IL this season.

Mercedes to Charlotte Knights

Yermín Mercedes 1B 24 - Portrait — MLB Advanced Media, LP

July 2—After a record-setting start to the season, super slugger Yermín Mercedes hit an extended slump and has been optioned to the Charlotte Knights (AAA). Mercedes had batted just .155 over his last 30 games.