Chicago White Sox understand losing is part of rebuilding
As they battle the Philadelphia Phillies and San Francisco Giants for the worst record in the major leagues, the Chicago White Sox understand their plight.
"It is part of this, and we knew all along that there were going to be some challenging spots, especially at the big-league level," general manager Rick Hahn said. "You know that when the talent base rises up through the minors and gets here to Chicago, they will be entering into a solid environment and one that is conducive to winning."
The more games they lose this season, the higher the Sox pick in next year's amateur draft, which is loaded with talent.
"We know based on how the team is performing that we're going to have a high draft pick in all probability next year," Hahn said. "And, yes, part of the long-term plan is maximizing what we're able to get out of the draft and it does become easier the higher you pick.
"I wouldn't say that on a nightly basis we're paying attention to quite where we slot. We are aware, in our conversations we've had with (amateur scouting director) Nick Hostetler and his staff over the last several months, next year does appear to be a strong draft up top and very likely, based on our performance, we're going to be in a good position to make the most of it."
Facing the American League's top team Tuesday night, the Houston Astros, the White Sox managed to win an 8-5 decision at Guaranteed Rate Field, snapping a six-game losing streak.
Sox catcher Kevan Smith sparked the offense with a 2-run double and 2-run homer, establishing a career high with 4 RBI.
"A lot of us had a good night," said Smith, who is 9-for-24 (.375) over his last seven games. "A lot of guys on base, and I was fortunate enough to be in the right place and get a few hits."
Defensively, center fielder Adam Engel made a highlight catch in the fourth inning. Leaping over the wall, the rookie took a sure home run away from Houston's Brian McCann.
Manager Rick Renteria called it the White Sox's top catch of the season.
"He went up against the wall and brought it back," Renteria said. "Pretty good catch. A great catch."
Sox starter Derek Holland (6-11) earned his first win since June 13 despite allowing 3 runs on 5 hits and 7 walks in 5⅔ innings.
Robert update:
After missing a month with a sore knee, top outfield prospect Luis Robert is on the shelf again with a sprained right ankle. Robert, 20, was injured Monday running the bases for the Dominican Summer League White Sox.
He is expected to remain in the Dominican after the season for Instructional League activity.
Davidson on DL:
Matt Davidson, who leads the Sox with 22 home runs, landed on the 10-day disabled list Tuesday with a sore right wrist. Davidson was hit by a Marcus Stroman pitch last Tuesday and couldn't get back in the lineup.
Right fielder Avisail Garcia came off the DL on Tuesday and started against the Astros after missing two weeks with a strained ligament in his right thumb.