(Short) Week of April 7-10, 2022

Photo credit: Getty Images

April 7—Seby Zavala (c) outrighted to Charlotte Knights. He will be missed!

Opening Day – April 7, 2022

➤ White Sox off

➤ Chicago Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks, RHP throws first pitch of the season against Milwaukee Brewers at 1:20 pm CDT at Wrigley Field

➤ Cleveland Guardians defeated by Kansas City Royals at Kaufmann Stadium by a score of 1-3. Starter Shane Bieber, healthy as a horse, gives up 1 R/ER on 3 H (0 BB, 0 K) on 4 ⅔ IP. | WP: Scott Barlow | LP: Triston McKenzie

Three-Game Series at Detroit Tigers

Sox win series 2-1 | Season vs. Tigers 2-1


Game 1

Friday, April 8 at 12:10 pm CDT
Comerica Park – Tigers Home Opener
Lucas Giolito, RHP at
Tigers / Eduardo Rodriguez, LHP

L, 4-5, 0-1 (.000), L1 | LP: Liam Hendriks (0-1, 18.00, 2) | BS: Liam Hendriks (1)

➤ Possible injury: Lucas Giolito exits with abdominal tightness, after 4

DEFENSE: Starter Lucas Giolito leaves after 4.0 IP with the Sox up 3-0 (2 BB, 6 SO). In his major league debut, Bennett Sousa LHP pitches a 1-2-3 (0 SO) 5th. In his first game with the White Sox, Kyle Click RHP goes HBP, BB, FO, exiting with 2 on the 6th (⅓ IP). In his first game with the White Sox, Kendall Graveman RHP allows a base hit that scores Click‘s HBP runner, then ends the 6th with a 6-4-3 DP. Graveman throws a 1-2-3 (1 SO) 7th. Aaron Bummer goes SO, 1B, BB, 1B, SO in the 8th to load the bases (⅔ IP). Closer Liam Hendriks steps in, allowing a 1B that scores 2 of 3 inherited ERs, leaving runners on the corners. Next, he throws a HBP for good measure to load the bases again and, finally, ends the 8th with a force out at 3B. Hendriks returns in the 9th with the Sox up 4-3, but blows the save, giving up a HR to Eric Haase, and the walk-off RBI 1B to Javier Báez (line drive to AJ Pollock at 9 hits wall, Pollock plays it off as a catch, convincing the umps, Tigers challenge, call is overturned, Austin Meadows scores from 3B). OFFENSE: Batting at the top of the order, the newly-acquired AJ Pollock goes 3-for-5, tallying his first RBI (1B scores Jake Berger from 2B) and scoring his first run (on a Luis Robert 2B) for the White Sox in the 2nd. With the game tied at 3, Andrew Vaughn smashes a go-ahead HR (1) in the 9th. NOTABLE: The White Sox picked Bennett Sousa in the 10th round of the 2018 draft (#288 overall). Sousa participated in spring training in 2020, 2021 and 2022. The White Sox signed free agent Kyle Click to a minor league contract in July 2021, then signed him to a big-league contract yesterday. Click was drafted by the Giants in 2011, debuted in 2017, and traded to the Pirates in January 2018. The White Sox signed Kendall Graveman after last season. In his first game with the White Sox, veteran infielder Josh Harrison goes 0-for-4, playing 2B and batting 7th in the lineup. The White Sox signed Harrison as a free agent on March 15.

Watch game highlights from mlb.com:

Lucas Giolito to Miss Starts

Lucas Giolito RHP 27
MLB Advanced Media, LP

April 9—Manager Tony La Russa says that Lucas Giolito will be placed on the IL shortly and will miss at least two starts. Righty Vince Velasquez will step into the starting rotation, and will pitch in the home opener on Tuesday.

Game 2

Saturday, April 9 at 12:10 pm CDT
Comerica Park
Dylan Cease, RHP at
Tigers / Casey Mize, RHP

W, 5-2, 1-1 (.500), W1 | WP: Dylan Cease (1-0, 1.80, 8) | SV: Aaron Bummer (1)

➤ Possible injury: AJ Pollock exits with hamstring tightness, in the 3rd. Pollock was already scheduled to go on paternity leave next week for the birth of his second child.

DEFENSE: Sporting a new stache, Dylan Cease gives up 1 R/ER on 2 H (3 BB, 8 SO) in 5.0 + 1 IP. After striking out four in a row in the 3rd and 4th, Cease issues 2 BB in the 5th, but fights his way out of the jam with K and LO, for the last two outs. Cease faces 1 batter in the 6th, allowing a 1B. Reynaldo López takes over with a man on, giving up 2 H and 1 BB, right out of the gate, then makes a stellar play at home for the first out. A 6-4-3 DP gets him out of the inning with Cease‘s ER scored and 1 ER of his own. Bennett Sousa replaces López after he BBs the first batter in the 7th. Sousa quickly retires the side with DP, FO, and returns in the 8th to SO the first batter (Austin Meadows) for his first career strikeout. José Ruiz finishes the inning with 1B, 4-6-3 DP. Aaron Bummer takes the mound in the 9th: 1B, 1B, K, K, K, for the save. OFFENSE: Eloy Jiménez 2-RBI 1B scores Luis Robert (singled) and José Abreu (doubled) in the 1st. Yasmani Grandal 2-run HR (1) scores José Abreu (singled) in the 6th. Andrew Vaughn RBI single scores Josh Harrison (doubled, advanced to 3B on Jake Berger sac bunt) in the 7th. NOTABLE: Josh Harrison gets his first hit—a lead-off 3B—for the White Sox in the 5th. Dylan Cease is 9-0 career against the Tigers.

Watch game highlights from mlb.com:

AJ Pollock possible injury:

Game 3

Sunday, April 10 at 12:10 pm CDT
Comerica Park
Michael Kopech, RHP at
Tigers / Tarik Skubal, LHP

W, 10-1, 2-1 (.667), W2 | WP: Kyle Crick (1-0, 6.75, 1)

DEFENSE: Looking to establish himself in the rotation this year, Michael Kopech gives up 1 R/ER on 2 H (2 BB, 3 SO) on 4.0 IP. He retires 7 in a row to end the outing. In the 2nd, new catcher, Reese McGuire fires one to 2B to catch Austin Meadows stealing. Kyle Crick (1 SO), Matt Foster and Kendall Graveman contribute a clean inning each in the 5th, 6th and 7th. And in his major league debut, lefty Tanner Banks faces 8 Tigers in the 8th and 9th, retiring 6 (4 SO) and walking 2—nice! OFFENSE: Fresh off his two-day suspension and back in the lead-off position, Tim Anderson knocks a 2B off his first pitch of the season. Luis Robert gets a base hit and steals 2B, giving the Sox 2 RISP after 6 pitches. José Abreu RBI 1B scores TA. Eloy Jiménez sac fly scores Robert. Sox are 3-for-3 on the season scoring in the 1st. José Abreu RBI 2B scores Luis Robert (grounded into a force out) and Josh Harrison RBI 1B scores Abreu in the 3rd. Danny Mendick RBI 2B to deep left scores Reese McGuire (reached on an error) in the 4th. Eloy Jiménez RBI 1B scores Tim Anderson (doubled) and Andrew Vaughn 3-run HR brings home José Abreu (walked) and Jiménez in the 7th. Andrew Vaughn RBI 1B scores José Abreu (singled, advanced to 2B on Eloy Jiménez GO) in the 9th. NOTABLE: The White Sox picked Tanner Banks in the 18th round of the 2014 draft (#528 overall). He must be thrilled/relieved to have made it to The Show at last!

Watch game highlights from mlb.com:

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.