White Sox’ Ventura rests some starters
During the White Sox’ surge into first place in the AL Central, manager Robin Ventura has made few changes in his regular lineup.
That changed Sunday.
Mired in a 1-for-16 slump, first baseman Paul Konerko got the day off. So did catcher A.J. Pierzynski, center fielder Alejandro De Aza and third baseman Orlando Hudson.
Left fielder Dayan Viciedo got a partial break, taking over at designated hitter.
As it turned out, Eduardo Escobar moved from third base to left field in the third inning after Kosuke Fukudome exited with a sore right side, so Hudson got off the bench and played third.
Regardless, the Sox’ subs played well in a 4-2 victory over Seattle.
“It’s nice to be able to give Paul and some guys a break every once in awhile,” backup catcher Tyler Flowers said. “Obviously we’re sacrificing a little bit when Konerko’s not out there. But to be able to step in and get some big hits for the team is key.”
Flowers was 2-for-4, center fielder Brent Lillibridge was 1-for-4 with 1 RBI, and Escobar was 2-for-2 with 2 walks.
“It’s important because we’re here for that opportunity, and once we have that opportunity everyone has to contribute,” Escobar said through a translator. “It feels good to go out there and be a part of that.”
Danks update:
Ideally, John Danks would like to come off the disabled list this week and start against the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday night.
Realistically, Danks hasn’t pitched in a game since May 19, and he is in need of a minor-league rehab start. Maybe 2.
Danks passed another test before Sunday’s game against Seattle at U.S. Cellular Field.
He threw his first bullpen session and was able to throw curveballs and cutters in addition to fastballs and changeups.
“That was full-bore,” Danks said. “I was throwing everything. I even tried to sit down for five, six minutes to try to simulate between innings. It went well.”
How many pitches did you throw?
“I have no idea,” Danks said. “Coop (pitching coach Don Cooper) was too busy talking instead of counting.”
Danks said the pain in back of his throwing (left) shoulder has subsided, but he does have some general soreness from being sidelined so long. Still, he’s ready to get back on the mound.
“Whether it be in a rehab start or get out on the mound, I don’t know,” Danks said. “But I’m ready to get out there and face some hitters. That’s kind of the only time I can really gauge how I feel.
“Get some adrenaline going and have a hitter in there. Start thinking about getting him out rather than how I’m feeling every second.”
Who’s on third?
Brent Morel was back at third base for Class AAA Charlotte on Sunday night. The White Sox’ injured third baseman was 6-for-13 in his first four games with the Knights.
Morel (back) is eligible to come off the disabled list, and there is a chance he could be activated before Tuesday night’s game against Toronto.
Orlando Hudson was signed by the Sox after being released by the San Diego Padres on May 17. Hudson, a natural second baseman, has been OK defensively, and he’s batting .184 (7-for-38).
As for the possibility of the White Sox trading for Boston’s Kevin Youkilis, it appears remote at best.
The Sox reportedly have sent an advance scout to watch Youkilis, but the Dodgers, Giants and Diamondbacks appear to be more likely destinations.
Youkilis has $8 million remaining on this year’s contract, and he is owed $13 million next year with a $1 million buyout.