Garcia arrives on the Sox scene
Avisail Garcia flew from North Carolina to Chicago on Friday after Alex Rios was traded, and just before the White Sox played the Twins in Game 2, he tweeted: “I’m home” and linked a photo of U.S. Cellular Field.
Yes, Garcia is home.
With Rios now playing for the Texas Rangers, right field looks like Garcia’s spot with the Sox for years to come.
Garcia arrived too late to start against Minnesota in Game 2 of the day-night doubleheader, but he pinch hit for Blake Tekotte in the seventh inning and struck out on three pitches.
Garcia stayed in the game and played center field in the eighth and ninth before moving to right field in the 10th inning.
The 6-foot-4, 240-pounder came to the plate in the bottom of the 10th and was hit on the left triceps by closer Glen Perkins’ 98-mph fastball, but he stayed in the game and was OK afterward.
After sweeping the Yankees at the Cell earlier in the week to open the homestand, the White Sox lost both ends of the doubleheader to Minnesota. The Sox fell 7-5 in Game 1 and 3-2 in 10 innings in Game 2.
Twins reliever Brian Duensing was the winning pitcher in both games.
Only 22 years old, Garcia is already an obvious hope for the White Sox’ future.
“I just try to play my game and try to do something for my team that helps my team win,” Garcia said.
It was a long day for the young outfielder, who has quickly become a fan favorite.
“I was really excited (that) they know my name, how big the crowd (was),” Garcia said. “I feel pretty excited because they cheered me. I feel pretty excited because I have a new family now with new guys and new friends. I just have to say hi to everybody and I’m really happy to be here.”
Leesman fares well:Charlie Leesman made his first major-league start in Game 2 and, as expected, he was optioned back to Class AAA Charlotte after the game.But the left-hander showed he deserves another look with the White Sox at some point after pitching 5 innings against the Twins and allowing 1 run on 4 hits while striking out eight and walking five.#147;All day today, I couldn#146;t wait to get to the park so I could take some stress off of me,#148; Leesman said. #147;From the first pitch to the last pitch, it was the most intense, exhilarating feeling I#146;ve ever felt. It was awesome.#147;I#146;m always the toughest critic on myself. Five walks, you never want to see that. But the five walks aside, I think I was very happy with how I did.#148;Ramirez ends power skid:Alexei Ramirez homered in Game 1 for the first time since April 3, the White Sox#146; second game of the season. Ramirez broke a 451 at-bat homerless streak.He also hit a home run in Game 2.#147;Yeah, of course it feels good,#148; Ramirez said through an interpreter. #147;It gives me some confidence, but I#146;m just focused on contributing in whatever way they want me to contribute this year.#148;Brother act:John Danks and Jordan Danks started a major-league game together for the first time Friday in Game 1#146;s 7-5 loss to the Twins.John Danks started for the White Sox and allowed 3 runs on 4 hits in 6 innings. Since Alex Rios was traded to Texas right before the game and Dayan Viciedo (sore left thumb) was also scratched, Jordan Danks started in right field and was 1-for-2 with a walk.The Danks brothers started in the same minor-league game on May 12 at Class AAA Charlotte.#147;It was cool,#148; John Danks said of Friday#146;s Game 1. #147;We#146;ve been waiting a long time to play together and to finally be on the field at the same time, it was fun.#148;