Danish anxious to make first start for White Sox
Tyler Danish has been dreaming about starting a game for the Chicago White Sox for nearly four years.
What's one more day?
Selected by the Sox on the second round of the 2013 draft out of Durant High School in Plant City, Florida, Danish was brought up from Class AAA Charlotte on Friday to start Game 2 of a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers at Guaranteed Rate Field.
The weather had other ideas. Rain hit the South Side in the afternoon and washed out Game 1.
After the rains let up, Mike Pelfrey started Friday night's regularly scheduled game against the Tigers after a delay of 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Another straight doubleheader is scheduled for Saturday, starting at 1:10 p.m. Derek Holland is scheduled to start Game 1 for the White Sox with Danish getting the ball in Game 2.
Primarily a starter in the minor leagues, Danish did debut with the Sox last season as a relief pitcher and the right-hander made 3 appearances. He pitched 1⅔ innings and was roughed up for 2 earned runs on 6 hits and 3 walks.
The 23-year-old Danish said he learned from last year's experience.
"I think it's attack the zone," he said. "I walked a lot of guys when I was up here and that's what got me in trouble. So I think I took this year as trusting who I am as a person and believing in my stuff and who I am. I can't make it any better than it is and I'm going with that."
While going 1-3 with a 3.15 ERA in 8 starts with Charlotte this season, Danish threw an effective sinker. He'll lean on the same pitch when he starts for the Sox.
"You are going to give up hits as a sinkerballer," Danish said. "It's bound to happen. That's where I've grown and become confident and knowing to trust it. I give up two hits and I get two groundballs, I'm out of the inning real quickly. It's just trusting and understanding who you are and attacking and putting the guys in swing mode. My secondary stuff plays up when I do that."
While Danish isn't as highly rated as Charlotte rotation mates Reynaldo Lopez, Lucas Giolito and Carson Fulmer - or Class AA Birmingham starter Michael Kopech - he does have a chance to make a good impression on the Sox.
Danish also has a chance at replacing the injured Dylan Covey (left oblique strain) and staying in the rotation for more than one start.
"It's great opportunity," Danish said. "This is what I came into spring training wanting, to get back here. That was my ultimate goal. No matter how long I stay or what it is or whatever, I'm happy to be here and trying to get a win.
"These games matter. You never know what could happen. I'm trying the best I can to come out and be the best I can."