Second chance for Chicago White Sox?
If the White Sox come out Friday and pick up where they left off in the second half, they have a shot at salvaging the season.
If they come out and fall flat, look for big roster changes by the July 31 nonwaiver trade deadline.
"Right now we're going to go into the break," manager Robin Ventura said Sunday after the Sox lost to the Cubs 3-1 at Wrigley Field to close the first half. "See what's there and see how we're playing coming out of it."
Even though the White Sox hit the all-star break with a loss, they won nine of their last 12 and are 5½ games out of the final wild-card spot.
Pitching sparked the surge, as the Sox allowed just 4 earned runs on 23 hits in 41 innings.
White Sox starters allowed 20 earned runs in 84⅓ innings heading into the break.
"We're pitching great," Ventura said. "Any time you can pitch like that you have a chance."
Over the final two weeks of the first half, the defense also clicked and that helped the pitching staff.
Shortstop Alexei Ramirez started fielding with a purpose, second baseman Carlos Sanchez continued his solid play, and new third baseman Tyler Saladino looked like a keeper after joining the Sox at Wrigley last Friday.
"Defensively, we're playing better," Ventura said. "I think that helps out with the pitching and limiting what the other side can get. And at that point you get opportunistic and you get a run here or there when you need it. You end up winning some games."
While winning 9 of 12 to end the first half, the White Sox continued to struggle scoring runs. They scored 3 runs or fewer in 5 of the 9 wins and still rank last in the major leagues with 292 runs.
"I don't know if it's baffling," Ventura said. "You like the feel of what these guys are bringing to the table every day. They haven't quit. They haven't given up on anything. That's what you can ask for."
Heading into the season, the Sox felt they had the pitching to win games by score of 2-1 or 3-2. But they also rank last in the American League in home runs (60), on-base percentage (.294) and slugging percentage (.355).
If the bats continue to snooze in the second half, the pitching is likely to collapse at some point.
"We're taking the pressure off the pitchers a little bit, but it's still not great," designated hitter Adam LaRoche said. "It seems like it's a 1-run game, 2-run game every night with very few comfortable leads."
The White Sox can't afford to relax when the second half opens Friday. They start with a day-night doubleheader against the AL Central leading Royals at U.S. Cellular Field.
After a four-game series against Kansas City, the Sox play a pair of interleague home games against the Cardinals.
If they can manage a 5-1 or 4-2 homestand while easing back into the season, general manager Rick Hahn might be encouraged enough to keep the roster intact the rest of the way.
If the White Sox stumble, players such as Jeff Samardzija, LaRoche, Ramirez and Melky Cabrera are likely to be wearing different uniforms in August.
"Sometimes you don't want the break to happen because you're playing well," Ventura said. "But it happens every year, so you have to be able to mentally stay with it.
"We have a doubleheader coming back into it, so we better be ready to go as soon as we come back. It's still not an easy road, but you continue to feel optimistic about what you saw in the last couple of weeks."
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Sox scouting report
White Sox vs. Kansas City Royals at U.S. Cellular Field
TV: Comcast SportsNet today Game 1, Saturday and Sunday; WGN today Game 2
Radio: WSCR 670-AM
Pitching matchups: The Sox' Jeff Samardzija (6-4) vs. Edinson Volquez (8-4) Game 1 today at 1:10 p.m.; John Danks (4-8) vs. Chris Young (7-5) Game 2 today at 7:10 p.m.; Jose Quintana (4-9) vs. Jeremy Guthrie (7-5) Saturday at 1:10 p.m.; TBA vs. Danny Duffy (3-4) Sunday at 1:10 p.m.
At a glance: The White Sox and Royals play a doubleheader to open the second half. Game 1 is a makeup of an April 25 rainout. The Sox are 2-4 vs. Kansas City this season (2-1 at home). The White Sox and Royals brawled during an April 23 game at the Cell. Samardzija has allowed only 1 earned run over his last 16⅔ innings. Sox ace Chris Sale, who didn't pitch in Tuesday's All-Star Game, is likely to start Sunday. The White Sox get an extra player for today's doubleheader and hard-throwing pitcher Frankie Montas is expected to come up from Class AA Birmingham. On Saturday, the Sox will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of winning the World Series.
Next: St. Louis Cardinals at U.S. Cellular Field, Tuesday-Wednesday
- Scot Gregor