Gonzalez delivers first solid start for Chicago White Sox
Saturday wasn't all gloom and doom for the Chicago White Sox.
Lost in another disappointing offensive effort at U.S. Cellular Field was the solid showing of No. 5 starter Miguel Gonzalez.
Making his fourth start for the Sox, the 31-year-old right-hander pitched 6 innings and allowed 2 runs on 6 hits. Gonzalez had 8 strikeouts and he didn't walk a batter.
"I think going through it, after the first inning, he was great," manager Robin Ventura said. "He had a nice little cutter and a nice split to go with it. He got some guys chasing on that. Impressed with what he did. It was a nice job."
Gonzalez settled down after giving up 1 run on a pair of singles in the first inning. He also allowed a solo home run to Lorenzo Cain in the sixth.
"Strike one and try not to do too much and walk guys," Gonzalez said. "That's really huge for me. Staying tall and staying closed, and that's what we did. It was a little short (6 innings), but we battled out there."
In his first 3 starts for the White Sox, Gonzalez allowed 9 earned runs on 19 hits and 10 walks in 15⅔ innings.
"I try not to worry about those things, man," Gonzalez said when asked if he needed a positive start to keep his job in the rotation. "We can't control that. What we can control is what we do out there and do the best we can."
Second chance for Johnson:
On May 5, Erik Johnson got a shot to start for the Sox.
Coming up from Class AAA Charlotte for what he hoped was an extended run, Johnson promptly tripped and splattered against the Boston Red Sox.
After throwing 108 pitches in 5 innings while allowing 4 runs on 8 hits and 3 walks, Johnson was shipped back to Charlotte.
Before leaving U.S. Cellular Field, Johnson said he was determined to make it back to the White Sox.
"I know I have more to offer to this team, and I know I expect more out of myself," he said. "The biggest thing I noticed coming here was the energy, commitment, the drive and the camaraderie among these guys. These guys show up day in and day out to put up (wins). I'm happy to help this team as best I can in any situation I can."
Johnson is going to get another look from the Sox, who are bringing the 26-year-old right-hander back up from Triple-A Monday to pitch Game 2 of a doubleheader against Cleveland.
In 2 starts for Charlotte since being sent back down, Johnson allowed 5 earned runs on 10 hits and 5 walks in 13⅔ innings. He also had 9 strikeouts.
Where's Jake?
Jake Petricka has been on the 15-day disabled list since May 5 with a right-hip impingement, and there is still no timetable on the Sox relief pitcher's return.
"He's still sore with the hip," manager Robin Ventura said. "I wouldn't expect it just to be the 15 days. It's going to be a little bit longer. He still feels a little something there."
In 9 appearances this season, Petricka has allowed 4 earned runs on 8 hits and 8 walks over 8 innings.