Giolito, White Sox go cold in 6-1 loss to Tigers
Born and raised in Southern California, it's very safe to assume Chicago White Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito prefers pitching in warm weather.
The conditions at Guaranteed Rate Field were far from that on Saturday, and Giolito struggled in the Sox's 6-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers.
After pitching 5⅔ innings and allowing 5 runs on 4 hits and 3 walks while also hitting 3 batters, Gioltio didn't blame the elements. It was 32 degrees when the 23-year-old righty threw his first pitch, the coldest temperature at a White Sox home game in two years.
"You have the rosin bag back there," Giolito said. "I didn't think I went to that enough today, but it's part of baseball. Early in the year you have some cold weather to deal with and that didn't really affect anything today. I just didn't pitch well."
In his first start of the season, Giolito struggled to stay closed while allowing 3 runs in 6 innings at Kansas City. He had the same problem against the Tigers.
"It was similar, very similar," Giolito said. "A little flying open, front side flying open. In the last outing I was able to make the adjustment later in the game. This outing, I was battling myself the entire time. Too many pitches getting away from me. Three walks, three hit batters, unacceptable."
The White Sox had a chance to take control of the game in the second when they loaded the bases with no outs against Michael Fulmer, Detroit's top starter.
They came up with nothing after Yolmer Sanchez flied out, Adam Engel struck out and Yoan Moncada grounded out.
"We couldn't get the timely hit," manager Rick Renteria said. "I'm sure as we move forward we'll get those opportunities again and hopefully we'll be able to capitalize. All in all, we just fell short today."
Minaya sent down:
After walking all four Tigers hitters he faced Saturday, relief pitcher Juan Minaya was optioned to Class AAA Charlotte.
The Sox will make a corresponding roster move before Sunday's game against Detroit.
Minaya ended last season as the White Sox's closer, and he was a pleasant surprise while converting 9 of 10 save opportunities.
This season, the 27-year-old righty made 3 appearances and allowed 3 runs on 2 hits and 5 walks in 1 inning.
"He just doesn't look as confident right now," manager Rick Renteria said. "You've got to attack the strike zone. There was no argument with him right now."
Magglio returns:
Magglio Ordonez signed his first professional contract with the White Sox in 1991.
Six years later, he made his major-league debut.
On Saturday, Ordonez was back on the South Side for the first time since 2011, his final season with Detroit before he retired.
"I'm from this house," the 44-year-old Ordonez said before throwing the ceremonial first pitch. "I grew up here. This is the organization that gave me an opportunity to play in the big leagues. I always appreciate the opportunity and also the support and fans. Im really happy to be back to Chicago. I always love this city and people. Glad I'm back."
She shoots and scores:
Kendall Coyne, who won an Olympic gold medal playing for the United States women's hockey team this year, also threw out a ceremonial first pitch Saturday.
Coyne actually flipped the ball to Miguel Gonzalez with her hockey stick, and it was a near perfect strike.
The Palos Heights native grew up a White Sox fan.
"Just to be able to be here and be with my family and be a part of this opening weekend, especially for the White Sox, is truly incredible," Coyne said.