Giolito finds his groove in first intrasquad outing
Lucas Giolito hasn't pitched in front of a live scoreboard since March 6.
That was the White Sox ace starter's lone appearance in the Cactus League before COVID-19 halted play, so he was well rested heading into Monday's intrasquad outing at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Giolito was also pleased with his start against teammates, for the most part.
"I felt very solid today," said the right-hander, who celebrates his 26th birthday Tuesday. "The only thing I'm harping on, in the first inning, you've got to come out with a little bit more sense of urgency. A little better rhythm and tempo, which we did find going into the second, third and fourth innings."
Giolito gave up 1 run on 2 hits and a walk in the first inning before retiring the next nine hitters he faced in the second through fourth and calling it a day.
"He had 27 pitches in the first inning and then was able to settle down afterward," acting Sox manager Joe McEwing said. "His focus today was at a different level. He focused and stayed within who he is throughout. It was nice to see him get up four times, get out there for four innings. Probably, he could have went out for the fifth but put him in a position that he goes home feeling like he wasn't overworked and successful."
Giolito had his fastball and changeup working in the intrasquad game as he tried to get a feel for his curve.
"The emphasis has been working on my breaking balls," said Giolito, who pitched a simulated game late last week. "Today was more of a curveball practice day, just throwing a lot more curveballs than I usually would in a start and in counts that I usually wouldn't throw them. I thought today, the way I was throwing my heater and my changeup, was one of those days where I could really rely on just those two pitches to get through the outing."
Backing Kopech:
Michael Kopech did not report to summer training camp in early July due to personal reasons, and the White Sox's promising starting pitcher announced he was opting out of the season late last week.
"We as a team, as an organization, especially us as players, we support Michael in everything he's going through," Lucas Giolito said. "It's just one of those things where he doesn't feel comfortable being here, and it's a very strange season to begin with. He's not the only player to opt out.
"It sucks not having him, but he's going to come back strong, ready to compete next season. It is what it is. We just keep moving forward."
Love fest:
Yermin Mercedes became an instant fan favorite during spring training, when he led the White Sox with 4 home runs and was second with 9 RBI.
The catcher was optioned to Class AAA Charlotte on March 16, but Mercedes is back on the Sox's expanded summer camp roster.
He still has to make the team but Mercedes is enjoying the ride, and the attention from White Sox fans.
"I love the fans," Mercedes said. "I know Chicago fans love me, they want me to play here in Chicago. The only thing I want to say is just wait. When they give me the opportunity, I promise I want to do the best for me, for my fans. Just keep working hard. I'm here right now in Chicago, working hard every day. I want to make the team. The fans, we need to wait a couple days. We'll see what happens."