Heading into today’s finale against Toronto, the White Sox have won five of their last eight games and will look to complete the series sweep. Due to the timing of the South Sider’s latest surge and the publication of most power rankings, media outlets used the recent Houston series as an indicator of the club’s recent performance.
As you keep that in mind, here’s a full recap of where the team finds itself in the new week.
MLB.com: 17
Previous Ranking: 17
Voters: Alyson Footer, Anthony Castrovince, Paul Casella, Mark Feinsand, Nathalie Alonso, Doug Gausepohl, Mike Petriello, Sarah Langs, Andrew Simon, David Venn, and Brett Blueweiss.
Released on Sunday, June 19, 2022.
The Athletic: 16
Previous Ranking: 18 (+2)
Conducted by Fabian Ardaya and Steve Berman. If you’re a subscriber of The Athletic, click here for the reasoning behind this ranking.
Released on Monday, June 20, 2022.
Bleacher Report: 21
Previous Ranking: 21
The White Sox improved to 18-16 on the road this year with a 4-2 week away from Guaranteed Rate Field, though they did drop two of three to the Houston Astros after sweeping the Detroit Tigets. Veteran Johnny Cueto tossed seven shutout innings in a win on Saturday, and he has a 2.95 ERA in 42.2 innings on the year.
via Joel Reuter
Released on Tuesday, June 21, 2022.
ESPN: 17
Previous Ranking: 16 (-1)
A borderline panic has descended upon the south side of Chicago as the White Sox’s disappointing start to the season endures. Frustrated by some of Tony La Russa’s more enigmatic decision making, and even more esoteric explanations, chants calling for his dismissal started erupting during Chicago’s home games. The frustration is easy to understand.
And while it’s also easy to point out that the White Sox have been treading water while trying to get to a healthier place, the sad reality is that the injury treadmill keeps spinning with no signs of slowing down. The current drama is centered around the forearm strain that sent closer Liam Hendriks to the IL. The extent of the injury is unclear at this point but if it’s a bad one, the White Sox are really in trouble. While Kendall Graveman can step in to close, an already thin relief staff would be exposed that much more.
via Sean Doolittle
Released on Thursday, June 16, 2022.
USA Today: 17
Previous Ranking: 18 (+1)
Early 2021 hero Yermin Mercedes was claimed off waivers by the Giants.
via Jesse Yomtov
Released on Monday, June 20, 2022.
NBC Sports Edge: 15
Previous Ranking: 15
It was a party on the South Side of Chicago on Monday as Tim Anderson returned from the injured list, Luis Robert collected his 10th RBI in the last seven games, and Andrew Vaughn went 4-for-4 in an 8-7 defeat of the visiting Blue Jays. Vaughn, here in his sophomore season, is rounding into a key offensive catalyst for the White Sox as they look to make up ground in the American League Central race. The 24-year-old has batted .330/.381/.505 across 202 total plate appearances.
via Drew Silva
Released on Tuesday, June 21, 2022.
CBS Sports: 16
Previous Ranking: 17 (+1)
Given all of their problems, you simply cannot say enough about what Johnny Cueto has given them. He was basically a lottery ticket and he’s having his best season since 2016.
via Matt Snyder
Released on Monday, June 20, 2022.
Sports Illustrated: 17
Previous Ranking: 21 (+4)
Yasmani Grandal usually has a low batting average, but he typically has hit for enough power and drawn enough walks to make up for it in the past. That’s not been the case in 2022, as the switch-hitting catcher/DH has logged a league-worst .237 slugging percentage with just five extra-base hits (three doubles, two home runs) in 201 plate appearances. He’s the least valuable player on baseball’s most disappointing team.
via Will Laws
Released on Monday, June 20, 2022.
FanSided: 17
Previous Ranking: N/A
There are few words to describe what the Chicago White Sox have done this year that wouldn’t get you fired from a job. It has been bad. It has been ugly. This favorite to win the American League Pennant is so lost even with a wild card spot within reach if they can ever get their act together. Can they? Tony La Russa looks ready to walk the bases loaded to start a game.
The White Sox have dealt with some major injuries this year, losing shortstop Tim Anderson for the offense and starting pitcher Lance Lynn. Minus closer Liam Hendriks as well, they haven’t had anyone step up in their place. The White Sox are too talented to completely fade away. They also have too many weaknesses to catch up again.
via Tim Boyle
Released on Monday, June 20, 2022.
The Week Ahead
The White Sox have a prime opportunity to continue their recent hot stretch through the entirety of the weekend. They will welcome the Baltimore Orioles to town for a four-game series that begins on Thursday night.
Follow us on social media @SoxOn35th for more White Sox updates.
Featured Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
“The White Sox are too talented to completely fade away. They also have too many weaknesses to catch up again.” probably true. but the 7-6 against the bluejays showed some tenacity they have not had.