The White Sox continue to disappoint this season as their most recent series against the Rays from Tampa Bay resulted in a three game sweep and deeper plunge into the cellar of the worst division in baseball.
The first game Dylan Axelrod got roughed up in the second inning as the Rays plated five runs and put the game in cruise control. Jeremy Hellickson only allowed one run in seven innings of work before handing over the game to Cesar Ramos. Ramos, who gave up two earned in two innings, closed out the game.
The second game was set to be a pitchers duel, as two of the American League’s most promising pitchers toed the rubber: Matt Moore for the Rays and the Chris Sale for the Sox. The South Siders spoiled another great start by Sale, who allowed 3 runs, 2 earned over 7 innings with 9 punch outs. Sale got literally no run support from the anemic offense and the Sox got shutout by Moore and company.
The finale had the Rays’ ace David Price face off against John Danks. This game was probably the closest game the White Sox were to winning as they mustered eight hits, but left five men on base. The Rays on the other hand made the most of their opportunities and scored three runs off of five hits and left four on base. Price went the distance in this game and gave the Rays bullpen some much needed rest.
The White Sox will return to Chicago to take on the Cubs in a make-up game, and then head to the Motor City to face the Detroit Tigers for the first time this season.
Sox Notes:
Catcher, Josh Phegley, made his debut this series and collected his first major league hit and RBI in Friday’s game and his first career home run during the series finale off David Price.
According to Ken Rosenthal Matt Thornton is being targeted by the Red Sox.
The White Sox designated back-up catcher Hector Gimenez for assignment upon calling up Josh Phegley.
Alex Rios who is a valuable trade piece for the White Sox has a limited no trade clause that includes: Yankees, Diamondbacks, Rockies, Royals, Astros and Athletics.
Former White Sox slugger Jim Thome joined the White Sox front office as the special assistant to general manager Rick Hahn. Thome has not yet officially retired and would suit up if a team came calling.
The White Sox signed the number two international prospect Micker Zapata for $1.6 million.