Holland Eyes Fourth Win, Hahn on Moncada, Kopech Shines for Birmingham and More…
Today’s News
Tonight’s Game
White Sox vs. Twins at Guaranteed Rate Field (7:10 p.m. CT, WGN) as the Sox attempt to even the three-game series at 1–1 after dropping the opener last night. Starting Pitchers: LHP Derek Holland (3–2, 2.02) for The Good Guys, RHP Phil Hughes (4–1, 4.32) for the Twins.
Holland is scheduled to make his seventh start of 2017 and second against Minnesota. He earned his third win of the year in his last start on May 4 at Kansas City, holding the Royals scoreless through the first six innings. He allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and seven strikeouts over 6.2 IP as the Sox won 8–3.
Derek has posted five quality starts in six outings this season. His ERA is the lowest among White Sox starters and among the lowest in baseball.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Twins (7:10 p.m. CT, CSN) in the finale of the three-game series. Starting Pitchers: RHP Miguel Gonzalez (3–2, 3.18) for the Sox, RHP Nick Tepesch (0–1, 5.40) for Minny.
Sox Note of Note
Twenty-four of White Sox’ first 62 scheduled games are at home. After the current six-game homestand, which continues this weekend with three vs. the Padres, the Sox travel out west for another 10-game road trip.
Quotes of the Day
GM Rick Hahn on top prospect Yoan Moncada (№10 pictured below), who is excelling at Class AAA Charlotte:
“He’s shown a fair amount of progress in each of those areas that we’ve asked of him. That said, we want to see that over an extended period of time. It’s awfully important to not lose sight of the fact this is a 21-year-old player, one who was not playing two years ago as of right now. It’s a guy who has fewer than 325 or so plate appearances above A-ball.
“We think the world of his talent and future and we think he is responding to the challenges we put ahead of him, but we’re not going to rush this. As satisfying as it may be for all of us to see him out there even tonight at the big-league level because it gives you that shot in the arm and shows there is progress in the rebuild, it’s not in the long term interest of Yoan Moncada or the club. He’ll be here when he answers all the questions we have for him with the developmental standpoint at the minor league level. He’s done a good job, but there is a benefit to letting him answer all of those and continue the repetitions at that level until that next stage takes place at this level.”
Highly touted pitching prospect Lucas Giolito, acquired in the offseason from the Nationals, has struggled so far at Class AAA Charlotte — but he continues to be positive.
“My sophomore year of high school, I didn’t really know where the ball was going. I walked a lot of guys, and there was one game where it just clicked. And from then on — sophomore, junior, senior year of high school — I shot up the rankings, and the talent started to show.
“I’m working as hard as I can to put it all together and hopefully have that one game where it clicks and it’s like, ‘Oh, I’m back and I’m good to go.’ If not, I can continue to work on it and feel incremental changes and put those together.
“It’s at a point where all I can do is keep working, trust the process. I’m putting the work in every day on the side to correct the issues and be a better pitcher.”
Sox Prospect of the Day
Class AA Birmingham RHP Michael Kopech, one of MLBPipeline.com’s top pitching prospects, delivered one of his finest starts of the season last night for the Barons at Pensacola. He allowed just one run, two hits and a pair of walks while striking out six. He won his second game of the year and lowered his impressive ERA to 2.70.
Grudzielanek, Harris Making a Major Impact in the Minors
It’s Hawk Time
Hawk Harrelson will throw out a ceremonial first pitch on Saturday, in conjunction with the Hawk Talking Alarm Clock giveaway (first 20,000 fans), presented by TOTAL Lubricants.
The evening will conclude with fireworks, presented by Magellan Corporation.
Beginning Today: All for a Good Cause
Photo of the Day
Long-time White Sox fan Lucas Neff, Allison Tolman and Ned, the stars of the new ABC series “Downward Dog,” were among those who enjoyed Dog Day festivities yesterday at the ballpark.
