White Sox rained out; Danks to start Wednesday
The White Sox and Indians were rained out Tuesday night, and no makeup date has been announced.
The Sox close out the series Wednesday at Progressive Field, but Phil Humber isn't going to make the start. John Danks stays on schedule and pitches against Cleveland.
Humber gets pushed back to Monday night, and he'll make his season debut against the Orioles at U.S. Cellular Field.
With an unexpected break in the schedule, it's a perfect time to check out what's going on down on the farm:
Class AAA Charlotte
The Knights are off to a 2-3 start in the International League.
With White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham off to a slow start — .154 batting average, 5 strikeouts in 13 at-bats — Brent Lillibridge is already lurking as an everyday replacement.
Charlotte second baseman Tyler Kuhn is another potential candidate to replace Beckham.
Kuhn is off to a great start, hitting .421 (8-for-19) with 4 RBI. Kuhn forced the Sox to take notice last season when he batted a combined .333 at Charlotte and AA Birmingham.
A collegiate standout at West Virginia and 15th-round draft pick in 2008, Kuhn was invited to spring training and batted .222 in eight Cactus League games.
Third baseman Dallas McPherson appeared in 11 games with the White Sox last year. He is back at Charlotte and hitting .457 in the early going. Catcher Josh Phegley is batting .400.
The Knights' pitching staff is subpar, but Anthony Carter is the closer and has a save. The 26-year-old right-hander did not pitch well in spring training (5.79 ERA in four games) but has been successful in the minor leagues.
Jhan Marinez, acquired from the Marlins as compensation for manager Ozzie Guillen, is also pitching out of the bullpen with Charlotte. He has 5 strikeouts in 2.2 innings.
Class AA Birmingham
Top prospect Nestor Molina was scheduled to start against Huntsville on Tuesday night. Acquired from the Blue Jays in the Sergio Santos trade, Molina lost his first start for the Barons after allowing 2 runs on 5 in 4 innings.
Simon Castro, acquired from the Padres in the Carlos Quentin trade, lost his first start after allowing 5 runs (4 earned) on 9 hits in 5 innings. The right-hander did have 7 strikeouts in his debut.
First baseman Andy Wilkins, a favorite of broadcaster Ken “Hawk” Harrelson, had 1 home run and 7 RBI for the 1-4 Barons heading into Tuesday's play.
Outfielder Jared Mitchell got off to a slow start at .176 with 7 strikeouts in 17 at-bats.
Class A Winston-Salem
Through three games, top outfield prospect Trayce Thompson was batting .273 with 3 RBI and 2 stolen bases.
Starter Andre Rienzo claimed the lone win after allowing 1 run on 2 hits in 5 innings.
Class A Kannapolis
Switch-hitting outfielder Keenyn Walker, last year's top draft pick (No. 47 overall), got off to an awful start for the Intimidators, batting .158 with 11 strikeouts in 19 at-bats.