Danks’ blast gives Sox a boost
Monday started out on a down note for the White Sox.
Even though it comes as no surprise considering the damage that was discovered by an MRI last week, Sox starting pitcher Gavin Floyd is going to have season-ending elbow surgery Tuesday in New York.
The 30-year-old Floyd is signed through this year, and recovery time is estimated at 14-19 months.
When the right-hander had to make an early exit from his April 27 start against Tampa Bay at U.S. Cellular Field, it was likely his last game in a White Sox uniform.
Floyd was 0-4 with a 5.18 ERA in 5 starts this season.
“It’s tough,” rotation mate Chris Sale told reporters Monday after the Sox beat the Royals 2-1 in 11 innings to avoid a three-game sweep. “(Floyd) is an outstanding pitcher and an even better person.”
Initially, the Sox were in equally tough shape during Monday’s makeup game against the Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Poor weather in Kansas City on Friday forced the AL Central rivals to play the game on the scheduled day off.
Still stinging from Sunday’s 6-5 loss to the Royals in 10 innings — the White Sox were 1 strike away from winning in regulation before Billy Butler came through with a two-out, 2-run double against closer Addison Reed in the ninth — the frustration spilled over into Monday.
In the seventh inning, Alexei Ramirez appeared to put the Sox in front 2-1 with a home run off K.C. starter James Shields, but the drive to left field was ruled foul after the umpiring crew reviewed videotape.
Trailing 1-0 in the ninth inning, the White Sox loaded the bases with no outs against Royals closer Greg Holland, but Paul Konerko grounded into a home-to-first double play.
Holland intentionally walked Conor Gillaspie, and Ramirez singled up the middle to tie the game at 1-1.
But Jordan Danks, who was pinch running, was tagged out after being caught in a rundown between third base and home.
“He got caught in no man’s land,” Sox manager Robin Ventura told reporters. “Even in the dugout, you’re thinking about trying to send him. It’s too late to tell him to stop. That wasn’t his fault. That’s on us. That’s just an aggressive play. I’d rather be like that than not be aggressive.”
Danks stayed in the game, and he redeemed himself for the baserunning blunder in the 11th inning.
Facing Kelvin Herrera with two outs, Danks launched a 435-foot home run to right-center field, and Reed closed out the Royals in the bottom of the 11th.
“I knew that was going to be my shot to do something,” Danks said. “I wasn’t trying to do too much. But you’ve got a guy throwing 97, 98 (mph), he’s going to provide most of the power. Like coaches have been telling you since Little League, get something good to hit.”
Sale overcame some early trouble and delivered another ace-like start, allowing 1 run on 6 hits in 7 innings.
“I kind of fell into a groove,” Sale said. “Sweeps will kill you. James Shields was awesome, actually. But to keep our heads in the game and grind it out, it says a lot about who we are.”
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White Sox scouting report
White Sox vs. New York Mets at Citi Field
TV: Comcast SportsNet Tuesday; WCIU Wednesday
Radio: WSCR 670-AM
Pitching matchups: The Sox Hector Santiago (1-1) vs. Matt Harvey (4-0) Tuesday; Jake Peavy (3-1) vs. Jeremy Hefner (0-3) Wednesday. Both games start at 6:10 p.m.
At a glance: This is the first time the White Sox are playing the Mets on the road. They won 2 of 3 interleague games vs. New York at home in 2002. Santiago makes his second start of the season. He pitched 5 innings at Texas last Thursday and earned the win after allowing 1 run on 2 hits. Harvey is off to a sensational start, and the 24-year-old righty ranks third in the National League in ERA (1.56) and sixth in strikeouts (46). Peavy is scheduled to face the Mets after missing his last start with back spasms. The Sox are 3-3 on their road trip, which started in Texas and moved to Kansas City. Heading into Mondays play, Mets catcher John Buck led the NL with 29 RBI and was second with 10 home runs.
Next: Los Angeles Angels at U.S. Cellular Field, Friday-Sunday
Scot Gregor