Chicago White Sox honor Minoso by wearing No. 9

Playing the Cubs in front of a big crowd of 36,386 at U.S. Cellular Field on Friday, the Chicago White Sox all wore 1959 era throwback No. 9 uniforms to honor the late Minnie Minoso.

“It's an honor as a Cuban,” Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez said through a translator. “It's a big honor for me to be able to wear this jersey today.”

A star player for the White Sox from 1951-57, 1960-61, '64, '76 and '80, Minoso died on March 1 at the age of 90.

Minoso, who was born in Cuba, was the Sox' first black player.

“My parents and grandparents said he was one of the greatest,” said White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu, who also is from Cuba. “I don't remember him playing because I was too young. But they always told me about his legacy, how he played here and what he did.

“When I came to the U.S. and had the opportunity to meet him, it was a special moment because all the background that my father told me about him, I could realize it when I met him. He was a great person, he was outstanding with me, and it's an honor when you're able to be around a person as good as him.”

The Sox also wore No. 19 patches on their uniform sleeves Friday in memory of former standout pitcher Billy Pierce, who died on July 31.

Top prospect injured:

Micker Adolfo, the White Sox' No. 6 best prospect according to Baseball America, had successful surgery to repair a fractured left fibula and ligament damage in his ankle.

Adolfo, an 18-year-old outfielder, injured the leg sliding during a game with the Arizona Rookie League White Sox.

“He'll be without restriction by spring training,” said Sox general manager Rick Hahn. “We are talking about a kid who would be a senior in high school right now.

“He certainly has youth on his side in terms of this recovery. We certainly have a great deal of development time ahead of us on our side, so that in all probability this is not a long-term major setback. Obviously, it's disappointing he wasn't able to get through the whole season healthy.”

Adolfo batted .253 with no home runs and 10 RBI in 22 games with the AZL White Sox this season.

Heated words:

In Wednesday's win over the Angels, White Sox closer David Robertson was upset with Mike Scioscia, calling the manager “bush league” for coming out in the ninth inning to argue with home-plate umpire Fieldin Culbreth after Erick Aybar was called out on strikes.

“I felt that Scioscia was very bush league, coming out there and standing in front of home plate after the play had already been reviewed,” Robertson said. “I felt like once it has been reviewed, it has been reviewed on film and he's called out, there's no reason for you to come back out and argue the call.”

On Friday, Sox manager Robin Ventura said he understands Robertson's frustration.

“Guys are emotional, man,” Ventura said. “They play. Do I think Scioscia is? No, but when a guy is on the mound and he's emotional, he's in the middle of it, stuff gets said.”

Johnson update:

Micah Johnson, who opened the season as the Sox' starting second baseman before being replaced by Carlos Sanchez on May 15, is still on Class AAA Charlotte's disabled list.

Johnson injured his hamstring two weeks ago. He is rehabbing in Arizona and is expected to be back with Charlotte in 7-10 days.

Roster move:

The White Sox activated Emilio Bonifacio from the disabled list Friday. To clear a roster spot, Leury Garcia was optioned back to AAA Charlotte.

In 45 games with the Sox this season, Bonifacio is batting .169.