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.

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 6th. Adam Engel RBI 1B in the 9th. 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 8th. Jiménez also shines defensively, making two difficult running catches in the 4th, and throwing Michael A. Taylor out at home in the 2nd. Gavin Sheets solo HR (6) in the 4th Yoán Moncada RBI groundout in the 8th. 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 9th. A Michael A. Taylor 1B brings in the automatic runner to win the game for the Royals in the 10th. 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 5th brings in Andrew Vaughn (1B) and Leury García (1B). Watch game highlights from mlb.com:

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 1st. He gives up a solo HR to Michael A. Taylor in the 2nd, and Hunter Dozier brings in Carlos Santana on a sac fly in the 3rd, 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 5th, 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 6th (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 8th. 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

University of Delhi

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 8th 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 2nd, 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 4th. 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 5th. Tim Anderson RBI 1B in the 8th, 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.

La Russa runs with the Beatles
La Russa runs with Forrest Gump
La Russa runs to the vault

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)

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 4th and final at bat of the game. Watch game highlights from mlb.com:

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

Billy Hamilton CF 0
MLB Advanced Media, LP

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.

Week of July 19-25, 2021

Four-Game Series vs. Minnesota Twins (Including 1 makeup)

Series split 2-2

Monday, July 19, 2021 at 4:10 pm CDT
Guaranteed Rate Field – 7-inning game
Lance Lynn, RHP vs.
Twins / Griffin Jax, RHP

L, 3-2, 56-37 (.602), L1 | LP: Garrett Crochet (2-5, 2.93) | Game 93

Tim Anderson extends his hitting streak to 16 consecutive games.

Tim Anderson extends the franchise record for the number of consecutive games in which a player records both a hit and a run scored to 12.

Lance Lynn pitches a complete 7-inning game, giving up just 1 R (5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 SO). But Griffin Jax and the Twins relievers strike out 9 White Sox through 7, and 2 more in the 8th. With the game tied at 1 at the start of the 8th (extra inning), Garrett Crochet gives up a base hit to Luis Arraez on the first pitch, Josh Donaldson reaches on a fielder’s choice, then Crochet strikes out Trevor Larnach. Ryan Burr steps in and the Twins score 2 runs on a Nelson Cruz sac fly and a Jorge Polanco RBI 1B. Burr strikes out Max Kepler to end the inning. Tim Anderson solo HR (9) in the 3rd. José Abreu scores Tim Anderson with an RBI ground-rule 2B in the 8th. Watch highlights from mlb.com:

Monday, July 19, 2021 at 30-45 minutes after Game 1
Guaranteed Rate Field – Makeup of June 28 (7 innings)
Reynaldo López, RHP vs.
Twins / José Berríos, RHP

W, 5-3, 57-37 (.606), W1 | WP: Aaron Bummer (2-4, 4.22) | Game 94

Tim Anderson is not in the lineup for this game.

José Abreu’s HR lands him in 4th place for career home runs (215) in franchise history—one ahead of Carlton Fisk (now 5th), and six away from tying Harold Baines for 3rd place.

Starter Reynaldo López goes 3 innings (2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 SO), and reliever Matt Foster goes 2 (2 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO). Codi Heuer, then Aaron Bummer wrap it up with a no-hit inning each. Twins starter, José Berríos is mostly unhittable through 6 innings, holding the White Sox to 2 solo HRs only—José Abreu (17) in the 1st and Yoán Moncada (7) in the 6th—before giving up the game in the 7th (final) inning. In the 7th, Brian Goodwin singles on an 0-2 count. Next, Andrew Vaughn is HBP. Then, rookie, left-handed hitter Gavin Sheets slams the first walk-off HR (12) of his career, scoring 3 RBIs to win the game. Watch game highlights from mlb.com:

Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at 7:10 pm CDT
Guaranteed Rate Field
Dallas Keuchel, LHP vs.
Twins / Bailey Ober, RHP

W, 9-5, 58-37 (.611), W2 | Ryan Burr (2-0, 1.96) | Game 95

➤ Sadly, Tim Anderson’s hitting streak ended on Monday with 16 consecutive games, and his franchise-record-breaking streak of games in which he recorded both a hit and a run scored ended on Monday at 12.

Dallas Keuchel‘s intermittently-world-class, but inconsistent pitching results in a five-inning, no-decision start (4 H, 2 R/ER, 2 BB, 6 SO). White Sox win in a spectacular 8th inning comeback—José Abreu 3-run HR (18), Billy Hamilton RBI 1B, and Andrew Vaughn (pinch hitting) RBI 1B (thanks to Adam Engel‘s beautiful slide, beating the tag at Home), building upon their earlier lead—Yoán Moncada 2-run HR (8) in the 3rd; and José Abreu RBI 2B, and Brian Goodwin RBI 1B in the 1st. Watch game highlights from mlb.com:

Luis Robert to Rehab

Luis Robert CF 88
MLB Advanced Media, LP

July 20—Outfielder Luis Robert has been assigned to rehab at Winston-Salem Dash (A+).

Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at 7:10 pm CDT
Guaranteed Rate Field
Dylan Cease, RHP vs.
Twins / Michael Pineda, RHP

L, 7-2, 58-38 (.604), L1 | LP: Dylan Cease (7-6, 4.21) | Game 96

Five beautiful strikeouts notwithstanding, Dylan Cease struggles against the Twins lineup all night, giving up 7 H and 3 R/ER on 5.0 IP (2 BB, 5 SO). The bullpen performs worse. Offensively, the White Sox *appear* threatening, but 10 hits (5 XBH), 2 walks, 2 ROEs and 3 stolen bases yield just 2 runs in total. Andrew Vaughn 1B and 2B. Billy Hamilton 1B and 2B. Tim Anderson 1B and 2B. Leury García 2B. Yoán Moncada 2B. Adam Engel 1B. José Abreu 1B. Watch game highlights from mlb.com:

Three-Game Series at Milwaukee Brewers

Brewers win series 2-1

Six of the best starting pitchers in Major League Baseball face off. Collectively, they’ve thrown 794 strikeouts this season, as of the start of the series.

Friday, July 23, 2021 at 7:10 pm CDT
American Family Field
Lucas Giolito, RHP vs.
Brewers / Freddy Peralta, RHP

L, 7-1, 58-39 (.598), L2 |LP: Lucas Giolito (8-7, 3.78) | Game 97

Lucas Giolito fights his way out of some close calls, holding the Brewers to just 1 run on 6.0 IP (6H, 1 R/ER, 5 BB, 3 SO). But Aaron Bummer and Ryan Burr issue 2 walks (each) and give up 1 hit (each) in the 7th, setting up an RBI groundout, a run-scoring walk, and a grand slam for the Brewers. The Brewers pitching dominates the White Sox offense, but Andrew Vaughn says “NO!” to a shutout with a solo HR (11) in the 8th. Tony La Russa believes that Brewers third baseman Luis Urías is “ducking,” and when the next batter (first baseman Rowdy Tellez) also walks, scoring a run, La Russa takes it up with home plate umpire John Libka and gets himself ejected. Not to be outdone, Tim Anderson aggressively protests the ump’s low strike zone during José Abreu’s at bat (including a well-placed “you f’ing suck!”), earning Tim his own early exit. Watch game highlights from mlb.com:

Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 6:10 pm CDT
American Family Field
Carlos Rodón, LHP vs.
Brewers / Corbin Burnes, RHP

L, 6-1, 58-40 (.592), L3 | Carlos Rodón (8-4, 2.24) | Game 98

Brewers lead-off man, Kolten Wong, homers off the first pitch from Carlos Rodón, who strikes out the next 3 batters, to end the 1st. In the 2nd, Rodón gives up another HR, hits Manny Piña, and makes a throwing E1. It’s 2-0 Brewers. Rodón throws a 1-2-3 third inning. Then in the 4th, an intended sac bunt by Luis Urias lands him on 2B (Tyrone Taylor advances to 3B), on an E2 (Zack Collins). The next batter brings in Taylor, and Urias also scores when Rodón issues a walk with bases loaded. Happens to the best of us. Rodón gets subbed out in the top of the 5th, when Jake Burger is sent in to pinch hit with bases loaded (4 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO on 4.0 IP). White Sox score just 1 R, on a bases-loaded walk drawn by Zack Collins, in the 5th. Also in the 5th: on a Leury García groundout, base runner Yoán Moncada steps over home plate, but is credited with a run scored anyway. Brewers challenge, and the call on the field is overturned. White Sox then unsuccessfully challenge the validity of the ruling, claiming that Brewers did not challenge the play within the 20-second time limit. No score. Watch game highlights from mlb.com:

ESPN Sunday Night Baseball
ESPN

Sunday, July 25, 2021 at 6:08 pm CDT
American Family Field – Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN
Lance Lynn, RHP vs.
Brewers / Brandon Woodruff, RHP

W, 3-1, 59-40 (.596), W1
WP: Lance Lynn (10-3, 1.91) | S: Liam Hendriks (24) | Game 99

In the most exciting matchup of the series, both Lance Lynn (#2 ERA) and Brandon Woodruff (#3 ERA) turn in stellar performances. Lynn holds the Brewers to 1 run and strikes out 6 with no walks on 6.0 IP (6 H, 1 R/ER). And… out of nowhere, on an 0-2 count, the very same Lance Lynn knocks a 2-RBI 1B in the 2ndhis first hit since his last start with the Cardinals on 09/28/2017, and his first at bat since 04/10/2019. “It’s got to be a good day when you drive in more than you give up,” Lynn tells La Russa after the game. Also in the 2nd, Seby Zavala RBI 1B. Watch game highlights from mlb.com:

Week of April 26-May 2, 2021

Three-Game Series vs. Detroit Tigers

White Sox win series 2-1

Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 7:10 pm CDT
Guaranteed Rate Field
Lucas Giolito, RHP vs.
Tigers / José Ureña, RHP

L, 5-2, 12-10 (.545), L1 | LP: Lucas Giolito (1-2, 5.68) | Game 22

Watch game highlights from mlb.com:

Luis Robert to Injured List

Luis Robert CF 88
MLB Advanced Media, LP

April 27—Luis Robert placed on 10-day injured list with flu-like symptoms.

Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 7:10 pm CDT
Guaranteed Rate Field – Rained Out
Carlos Rodón, LHP vs.
Tigers / Casey Mize, RHP

Postponed due to rain. Rescheduled for tomorrow (April 29) at 3:10 pm CDT as the first game of a split doubleheader. Second game starts as scheduled at 7:10 pm CDT.

Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 3:10 pm CDT
Guaranteed Rate Field – Make up of April 28 (7 innings)
Carlos Rodón, LHP vs.
Tigers / Casey Mize, RHP

W, 3-1, 13-10 (.565), W1 | WP: Carlos Rodón (4-0, 0.72, 36) | S: Liam Hendriks (5) | Game 23

Watch game highlights from mlb.com:

Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 7:10 pm CDT
Guaranteed Rate Field – 7-inning game
Dylan Cease, RHP vs.
Tigers / Matthew Boyd, LHP

W, 11-0, 14-10 (.583), W2 | Dylan Cease (1-0, 2.96, 29) | Game 24

DEFENSE: Dylan Cease delivers what is surely the best start of his career, pitching a beautiful 3-hit, 7-inning shutout, striking out 9 with no walks. Cease dominates (he’s 7-0 against the Tigers) with an unpredictably varied fastball and effective off-speed pitching. His synergy with veteran catcher Yasmani Grandal is magnificent. OFFENSE: The White Sox score the first 7 runs on singles—4 in the 2nd, 3 in the 5th. But the 2-reliever, 10-at-bat bottom of the 5th inning is not over. Yoán Moncada (3-run HR) and Yermín Mercedes (solo HR–449’) extend the lead to 11-0—all before Alex Lange can get the last out. Rookie Andrew Vaughn goes 3 for 4. Watch game highlights from mlb.com:

Crochet to Injured List

Garrett Crochet LHP 45
MLB Advanced Media, LP

April 29—Prior to the start of today’s doubleheader, Garrett Crochet was placed on the 10-day injured list with an upper back strain, retroactive to April 26.

April 29—Luis Robert activated from IL

Three-Game Series vs. Cleveland Indians

Indians take series 2-1

Friday, April 30, 2021 at 7:10 PM CDT
Guaranteed Rate Field
Dallas Keuchel, LHP vs.
Indians / Shane Bieber, RHP

L, 5-3, 14-11 (.560), L1 | LP: Dallas Keuchel (1-1) | Game 25

Turns out that 3 ER, 1 BB and 11 SO on 6.0 IP is a *bad* day for Not Justin (now 3-2, 2.76, 68). Dallas Keuchel gives up 4 ER, issues 4 BB, and strikes out 4 in his 6.0 IP. Sox are first on the board when Yermín Mercedes scores on a Luis Robert 2B (officially E8). Cleveland scores 4 runs in the 3rd (1B with 2 RBI, GO with 1 RBI, 1B wih 1 RBI off Keuchel), and the Sox take 2 back (Tim Anderson and Yoán Moncada 1Bs with 1 RBI each), making it 4-3 Cleveland until José Ramírez hits a solo HR off Evan Marshall in the 8th. Watch game highlights from mlb.com:

Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 3:05 pm CDT
Guaranteed Rate Field
Lance Lynn, RHP vs.
Indians / Triston McKenzie, RHP

W, 7-3, 15-11 (.577), W1 | WP: Lance Lynn (2-1) | Game 26

Indians starter Triston McKenzie strikes out 5 of the first 6, then loads the bases with White Sox on BBs with 2 outs, before issuing a 4th run-scoring BB in the 2nd. Adding insult to injury, Tim Anderson launches a Grand Slam, making it 5-0 Sox. McKenzie answers by striking out Adam Eaton to end the inning. McKenzie strikes out 6 of 10 in the first 2 innings, but ends up down 5-0. Ouch. Lance Lynn pitches beautifully through 4 ⅔, then gives up 2 runs before making the 3rd out. In the 5th, Lynn retires 3 but lets an Austin Hedges solo HR through —2 SO, 2 BB, 4 H, 3 ER on the day. Reliever-starter Michael Kopech serves up a solid 3 innings (3 SO, 0 BB, 1 H, 0 R), lowering his ERA to 1.45. Aaron Bummer closes out the 9th, striking out 2 and fielding a soft GO for the win. Leury García 2B with 2 RBI in the 4th. Sox win with 7 runs on 4 hits. Watch game highlights from mlb.com:

May 1—Lance Lynn activated from IL

Sunday, May 2, 2021 at 1:10 pm CDT
Guaranteed Rate Field
Lucas Giolito, RHP vs.
Indians / Zach Plesac, RHP

L, 5-0, 15-12 (.556), L1 | LP: Lucas Giolito (1-3, 4.99) | Game 27

Indians starter Zach Plesac was determined to redeem his two previous losses against the White Sox. And he did—6 SO, 4 BB, 3 H, 0 R on 5 ⅔ IP. White Sox starter Lucas Giolito pitches a nice 5 ⅓ innings, striking out 8 and giving up only 1 ER (3 BB, 2 H), but his teammates are unable to score against Plesac. Watch game highlights from mlb.com:

Injury Luis Robert suffers a right hip flexor strain from an awkward fall near the bag on a ground-ball 1B in the 1st. X-rays are “negative.”

Louis Robert to Injured List (Again)

Luis Robert CF 88
MLB Advanced Media, LP

May 3—Luis Robert has suffered a complete tear of the right hip flexor and will be out for an extended period and may be out for the season. His logical replacement, Adam Engel, continues to recover from a strained right hamstring sustained in spring training. Engel and rookie Andrew Vaughn will likely share the starting center field position.