White Sox’ Floyd appreciates the support
White Sox starters have been bumpy on the bump is recent games, not that it has really mattered.
The way the Sox are swinging the bats, pitchers are feeling little or no pressure.
On Saturday, Jake Peavy got the win despite allowing 7 runs in 6 innings as the White Sox scored 14.
On Sunday, Gavin Floyd got the win even after allowing 5 runs on 10 hits in 5 innings. The right-hander also hit three Cleveland batters.
“We’ve been hitting the ball real well and it’s nice, for sure,” Floyd said after the Sox beat Cleveland 12-6. “Obviously, you want to go out there and put zeros up there.
“They’ve kept us in the past couple games and they’ve really been fighting back. Our pitching staff, we’re trying to fight, too. But it’s nice when they put up a lot of runs and keep us in the game.”
Floyd’s curveball was flat Sunday, and he didn’t seem to work well with catcher Tyler Flowers. Much like Peavy the day before, Floyds didn’t think he pitched that poorly.
“I felt really good with it (curveball), actually,” Floyd said. “I was trying to throw it in the dirt. It might have gone more towards the batter than I anticipated. I hit Lou (Marson, in the mouth).
“I was just trying to throw it in the strike zone and it got away from me. I felt really good with everything. But hitting guys, obviously, you don’t want to put baserunners on.
“I felt good. You try to battle out there and keep us in the game. The offense definitely came out and put us ahead.”
Danks does some throwing:
On the 15-day disabled list with a left-shoulder strain, White Sox starter John Danks did some light throwing before Sunday’s game against Cleveland.
“Just kind of getting a baseline to see where we’re at,” Danks said. “It felt better than it did a few days ago, so that’s a good sign.
“I didn’t want to cut it loose; I didn’t want to push it too much. But it was definitely a positive.”
Danks is traveling with the Sox to Tampa Bay, and he hopes to throw a regular sideline during the three-game series.
“My goal is to try and get on my regular side routine and hopefully stay in good enough shape that I can come back in 15 days and pitch,” Danks said.
“It’s (soreness) in the back of my shoulder still a little bit, but I was feeling it kind of down my arm and that’s gone. So I guess that means it’s getting better.”
Morel update:
Brent Morel said a five-day break from baseball has done wonders for his aching back.
On the 15-day disabled list with a lumbar back strain, Motel took flips Friday and Saturday and went through a full cage session Sunday.
“I feel perfectly normal,” Morel said. “Just getting my conditioning back, getting my arm back in shape, I feel ready to go.”
Morel said he might begin a rehab stint with Class AAA Charlotte on Wednesday. With Morel out, the Sox signed Orlando Hudson to take over for Morel at third base.
Manager Robin Ventura has said Morel won’t lose his starting job because of injury, so he could platoon with Hudson if his back stays healthy.
Utility infielder Eduardo Escobar (.140) could be the odd man out when Morel returns from the DL.