Robert, Sox’ hottest hitter, not in lineup for series opener vs. Cubs
The White Sox’ hottest hitter, Luis Robert Jr., was not in Friday's starting lineup due to adductor soreness. Manager Will Venable is hoping he returns Saturday for Game 2 against the Cubs.
“He felt it in the ninth inning (in Tampa Bay on Wednesday) on the stolen base,” Venable said. “Was able to finish (the game) and got a good eval, good information, feels good. So just being cautious, don't want to push him too much here.”
After a really slow start this season, Robert has a .983 OPS in July, which ranks top 20 in MLB.
White Sox pitcher Shane Smith, on the 15-day IL with a left ankle sprain, will throw live batting practice on Saturday.
For Cubs injury updates, pitcher Jameson Taillon (calf strain) threw a bullpen at Wrigley Field early Friday. The plan is to throw live batting practice in Milwaukee, then go to Triple-A Iowa for a rehab stint.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Javier Assad (oblique strain) threw three good innings in Arizona on Thursday. He'll throw a bullpen at Rate Field this weekend, so Cubs coaches can see him in person, then is expected to pitch for Iowa on Wednesday.
Catcher Miguel Amaya (oblique strain) caught Assad's game in Arizona. He's set to begin a rehab assignment in Iowa on Tuesday.
Cubs reliever Porter Hodge (shoulder impingement) is set to throw in Iowa on Saturday.
Two ex-Brewers:
White Sox starter Adrian Houser spent portions of seven seasons in Milwaukee playing for Craig Counsell. Houser has been a significant addition for the White Sox, posting a 1.89 ERA in 10 starts heading into Friday's action.
“He is throwing harder, a little bit harder for sure,” Counsell said before the game. “That's really it. The change-up to lefties is like a splitter, so it's a little different. I'd say just maybe the velocity is probably a big difference right now.”
According to StatCast, Houser's sinker, his most used pitch, is averaging 94.1 miles per hour this season, compared to 92.5 mph last season.
In 2024 Houser was released by the Mets after posting a 5.84 ERA. His next stop was the Cubs, but he was granted free agency after four decent starts at Iowa. He also pitched in the minors for Baltimore and Texas before signing with the White Sox on May 20.
“I think Adrian Houser's been a big deal for their rotation,” Counsell added. “When you have a starter that's delivered like 10 very, very good starts. That's a great thing for a team.”
The Cubs started Vidal Brujan at third base, which Counsell said was an effort to get more left-handed bats in the lineup against Houser.
Ready for anything:
White Sox rookie Colson Montgomery started at third base Friday. Since making his debut with the Sox, he's played shortstop 10 times and third base six times.
“My communication with him was really the first week that he got here and just let him know that he was going to play short the first few games, we were going to introduce third at some point and he should be prepared to play both every day,” manager Will Venable said.
“So beyond that, I haven't communicated with him. If he's not in the lineup for a reason, as a regular, I'll let him know. But otherwise he knows to expect to be ready at both positions.”
The Sox have high hopes for their recent first-round pick, Billy Carlson, as a defensive shortstop. So Montgomery and Miguel Vargas could end up at third and first, long-term.