On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, the White Sox partook in one final non-televised scrimmage before Monday’s return to the airwaves. Today’s big story: the return of the Tim Anderson bat flip.
Here’s a recap of some of the game’s highlights thanks to the media members in attendance.
Gonzalez Struggles in His Return to the Mound
Gio Gonzalez got things started for the “Home” team today, and his return to the mound in intrasquad action was not kind to him right away. The first three hitters of the inning reached base – Garcia singled, Vaughn and Collins both walked – and one run scored off a Yermin Mercedes single. However, the lefty settled down in his next two innings this afternoon.
It is important to note that, based on this tweet from James Fegan, Gonzalez seemed to be focusing on his offspeed pitches today and less on results. Not a bad idea in your first return to the mound from live pitching in awhile.
Gonzalez appears to be the odd man out in a five-man rotation with six potential starters, but it will be interesting to see the role he plays in the bullpen. It appears his arm is being stretched out as a starter still, which is good news for a team that continues to need pitching depth.
The King of Bat Flips Makes His Return
Before today, the White Sox had hit seven intrasquad home runs. They added three more today, and two came off of the bat of Tim Anderson. His first homer was hit off of Evan Marshall, and his second came off of Carson Fulmer. We know of three hits he had today – he led off the game with a single. But who cares about the single, because the Bat Flip King reminded us all why he is still on top today.
Anderson continues to prove that he is a scouting and player development win for the White Sox. Coaches have already raved about his work during Summer Camp. If he can improve his defense and maintain a respectable level of hitting, he will be around the South Side for quite some time.
A Future Slugger Leaves the Yard
Back in Spring Training 1.0 in March, I’m on record as saying I left Arizona most impressed by Andrew Vaughn. He looks like he’ll be major league-ready sooner than anyone would’ve really thought. Vaughn continued to impress this afternoon, taking Gonzalez deep on a ball that apparently hooked just inside the left-field foul pole.
He also added some defense for good measure, according to MLB.com’s Scott Merkin.
It’s not likely that Andrew Vaughn sees any big league action this season but look to 2021 to be the year the young man gets an extended chance to make his case for a spot on the Major League roster.
A Future Arm Impresses in His Three Innings
Dane Dunning made an appearance today in what will be his first “season” since returning from Tommy John Surgery. The right-hander, by all accounts, had an excellent day on the mound, throwing three scoreless innings and striking out one. He allowed no runs in his outing. As one of the more advanced young arms in the Sox system, Dunning might find a way to make an impact on the big league roster this season.
Part of Dunning’s future success might be credited to Yasmani Grandal in the future. As the young hurler continues to develop his repertoire, it appears that Grandal has helped him figure out a changeup grip that works better for him. I’ll be watching that pitch very carefully once Dunning makes his way to the South Side.
Other Game Notes
- The following pitchers were not singled out but did make an appearance today: Steve Cishek, Aaron Bummer, Carson Fulmer, Evan Marshall, Ross Detwiler, and Codi Heuer.
- Yermin Mercedes continues to make his best pitch to land on the Opening Day roster, making a diving catch in LF today on a ball off the bat of Eloy Jimenez.
- Zack Collins had a solid day at the plate, as well. According to Daryl Van Schouwen, he doubled to the opposite field, singled, and walked in today’s action.
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Featured Photo: Chicago White Sox/Twitter
