Buehrle back at the Cell, wearing Jays uniform
Mark Buehrle made it back to Chicago last season as a member of the Miami Marlins, but his lone stop was at Wrigley Field.
On Monday, Buehrle returns to U.S. Cellular Field with his new team, the Toronto Blue Jays.
“I can't wait to see him,” said White Sox starter John Danks. “And I'm sure he'll get a big ovation from the fans for all he did and accomplished when he pitched here. He deserves it.”
Since he pitched for the Jays on Saturday, Buehrle won't be on the mound against the White Sox, his team from 2000-11.
The Sox are planning a video tribute for the popular left-handed starter, who ranks sixth in franchise history with 161 wins and seventh with 2,4762⁄3 innings pitched.
Buehrle also threw two no-hitters for the White Sox at the Cell, including a perfect game against Tampa Bay on July 23, 2009.
When his playing days are over, Buehrle is a logical choice to have his No. 56 retired by the Sox.
“I don't make those decisions, but he's worthy of it,” said White Sox manager Robin Ventura. “Everything he's done here, the numbers, years and everything else speak for themselves.”
Buehrle is 2-4 with a 5.06 ERA for the Blue Jays this season. The 34-year-old starter pitched against the White Sox on April 15 in Toronto and got the win after allowing 2 runs on 9 hits in 61⁄3 innings.
Road to recovery:Gavin Floyd was back with the Sox over the weekend, and the injured starting pitcher is looking forward to rehabbing his surgically repaired elbow in mid-June.Floyd had Tommy John surgery on May 7.#8220;I feel good,#8221; said Floyd, who hurt his elbow in an April 27 start against Tampa Bay. #8220;I'm only allowed to bend my arm a certain degree. It's a long journey, I know, but take it one step at a time. I have to start rehabbing on (June) 17th. I'm just excited to start the process.#8221;Floyd's contract with the White Sox is up at the end of the season, but the 30-year-old righty hopes to be pitching somewhere next season.#8220;Everybody heals differently,#8221; Floyd said. #8220;I'm praying for a faster recovery. I think Jose Contreras had the same thing I had and he came back in 10frac12; months. It's possible, but I'm not going to hold everything to coming back that early. I'm just going to take it one step at a time, enjoy the moment, come here and hang out with the guys, enjoy them and support them.#8221;Hawks fever:A large group of White Sox players and coaches hurriedly dressed after Saturday's win over Oakland and headed to the United Center to watch the Blackhawks beat the Kings and advance to the Stanley Cup Finals.#8220;I think it's great,#8221; Robin Ventura said. #8220;You've seen what happens when teams win around here. You just have a lot of respect for what they've done, having started out the season the way they did and then it doesn't end quite as hot as it did in the beginning. You look at how you pick yourself up.#8220;Last night, they (Kings) had the late goal. A lot of different things can happen at that point, but they stayed with it. I think Coach Q(uenneville's) done a great job. I'm happy for him, knowing what you go through, and you just pull for him.#8221;