Chicago White Sox return Dunning to Schaumburg

A day after making his major-league debut and piling up 7 strikeouts over 4⅓ innings in the White Sox's 5-3 win over the Tigers, Dane Dunning was optioned back to Schaumburg Thursday.

That seems a little harsh, considering Dunning comported himself very well in his first start.

"This young man's pretty good," Sox manager Rick Renteria said. "We've always liked him and, unfortunately, the injury bug got him a little bit. I thought he showed very, very well yesterday."

Dunning did give up a 3-run homer on his 73rd and final pitch with one out in the fifth inning, but the overall outing was positive considering it was the 25-year-old righty's first time on the mound in over two years.

Dunning went down with a sore right elbow while pitching for Class AA Birmingham in June of 2018 and missed all of last season after having Tommy John surgery.

"When I first found out I tore my UCL, (it was) heartbreaking," Dunning said. "But now, seeing it at the back end, I'm thrilled."

Acquired with Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez from the Nationals in the 2016 Adam Eaton trade, Dunning will go back to Schaumburg where he can continue throwing live batting practice and simulated games.

There are days off coming Monday and Thursday next week, so the White Sox won't be needing Dunning for an extended stretch. He should be back as soon as the slot opens.

"Want to keep him working," Renteria said. "So he's going to keep working and then we'll see where we're at when we get to that point again."

With Luis Robert missing his second straight game Thursday with a sore right hand/wrist, the Sox recalled outfielder Nicky Delmonico from Schaumburg to take Dunning's roster spot. Robert is expected to be back in the lineup Friday night at Wrigley Field.