The White Sox treated today’s game like an exhibition rather than a crucial divisional matchup in a shortened season, and they predictably lost. Despite having several well-rested relievers able to throw, the team was burned by trusting non-roster invitees to complete multiple innings against the heart of the Cleveland lineup. The White Sox fall to 8-7 and back to third place, while Cleveland improves to 9-7.
W: Zach Plesac (1-1) | L: Drew Anderson (0-1) | SV: None
Notable Performances
Yoan Moncada: 1-for-5, HR, RBI
Yoan Moncada led off today for the first time of the year, and he provided the only offense for the White Sox.
Managing
The White Sox turned to Drew Anderson in the third and fourth innings today. Anderson pitched a clean third, but was rocked for six runs in the fourth. Despite it being obvious that he would not be able to complete the inning, nobody warmed in the bullpen until the majority of the runs had scored.
Of course, bullpen games mean that many pitchers will need to appear, but one should certainly question why Drew Anderson was chosen so early. Typically, competing teams do not trust pitchers with his limited track record to win crucial games. Moreover, the majority of what has been a fairly solid White Sox bullpen was well-rested and available to pitch. It is one thing to lose games, but it is another to not even play your best players.
Moment & Player of the Game
Zack Burdi made his MLB debut today and delivered a scoreless inning with two strikeouts. In an otherwise forgettable game, Burdi stood out as a positive for the White Sox.
Looking Ahead
The White Sox will be featured on Sunday Night Baseball tomorrow at 6:10 PM CT. Shane Bieber will start against Lucas Giolito.
Be sure to follow us on social media @SoxOn35th for more updates!
I agree whole heartedly that Renteria using Anderson in a critical game like Saturdays was criminal and he deserves to be fired for doing so. Plus, he left him in to finish the inning, so that the game would be entirely out of reach. He might as well left him in for the rest of the game, since he apparently was intent on giving this game to Cleveland to ensure they finish in 2nd place and not the Sox. If I was Hahn, I would put him on short notice that another stunt like this one over the rest of the season, and he will be fired immediately! His actions in this game were inexcusable.
Also, how many low sliders out of the zone are the Sox big name hitters going to swing at over and over again. Have they no clue as to what the Cleveland pitchers are doing to them???? Where is the hitting coach on this one??