Humber solid in first start for White Sox
It’s a good thing Philip Humber had 11 days of rest before getting back on the mound again Monday night.
Humber, the White Sox’ fifth starter, made his regular-season debut against the Orioles and was pretty good. The right-hander allowed only 1 run on 6 hits in 51⁄3 innings, but he had to make an early exit after throwing 115 pitches.
Humber was supposed to start at Cleveland last Tuesday, but the game was postponed due to bad weather and Humber was skipped.
“It’s unfortunate when you get that rainout and end up skipping him and keep everyone else in line,” manager Robin Ventura said. “You really don’t like doing it, but it happens once in a while. If anyone is going to be ready, he’s prepared. He’s excited about pitching.”
Hickey update:
White Sox batting practice pitcher Kevin Hickey was transported back to Chicago from Dallas over the weekend.
Hickey was found unresponsive in his hotel room on April 5 when he failed to show up for the Sox’ April 5 workout before opening the season against the Texas Rangers the following day.
Hickey, a relief pitcher for the White Sox from 1981-83, is in the intensive care unit at Rush University Medical Center where he remains unresponsive. The Sox says he is “showing small signs of improvement.”
Good times:
Between early batting practice, pregame stretch, regular batting practice and the actual games, the White Sox have been a very busy bunch under new manager Robin Ventura.
The atmosphere is much more businesslike, but Ventura said there is still room for fun.
“I think part of the job is staying focused on what needs to happen,” Ventura said. “We have fun. When work needs to be done, you do the work. Sometimes it doesn’t always seem like it’s fun, but we’re having fun. I’m having fun. It’s just when there’s work to do, you’re doing the work.”
Big night:
In Class AAA Charlotte’s 14-2 win over Durham on Monday night, third baseman Dallas McPherson sparked the win by going 3-for-6 with a home run and 3 RBI.
Designated hitter Dan Johnson was 1-for-2 with 2 walks and 4 RBI and center fielder Jordan Danks was 2-for-3 with 3 RBI. Before the game, Danks was presented with the Gold Glove he won last season.