White Sox lose 2-1 to Tigers as short starts tax their bullpen
The White Sox are in survival mode with their starting pitching.
Right-hander Elvis Peguero was used in an opener role in Monday’s 2-1 loss to the Tigers, allowing one run on three hits with three strikeouts in 1⅔ innings. The Tigers’ offense then was shut down by the pitching staff and some strong plays from the Sox’ defense.
Manager Will Venable said before the game that the team will need “contributions from multiple guys” on Tuesday, indicating a bullpen game, so it was important that the bullpen didn’t get too taxed Monday.
Sox starters have repeatedly failed to go deep into starts over the last month. Entering Monday, Sox starters had thrown the fourth-fewest innings (54) since July 28.
The bullpen kept the Sox in Monday’s game, but the Sox created few scoring chances and didn’t capitalize on the scoring opportunities they did generate.
The pitching staff held up remarkably well. Left-hander Tyler Alexander handled the bulk role, throwing 4⅓ shutout innings, striking out five and allowing two hits and one walk. Relievers Grant Taylor, Steven Wilson, Cam Booser and Brandon Eisert combined to allow one run.
Covering starts was always going to be a problem that the Sox would have to overcome in the second half of the season, with young starters surpassing career highs in innings and a lack of veteran depth to support them
“We’re asking a lot of our guys in the ’pen right now and we understand that,” Venable said. “You’ve seen us over the last couple of days have to bring in some reinforcements, and that’s what it takes.
“It’s an organizational effort to get through these stretches where you’re thin and catching up there with the consecutive short starts in a row.”
Montgomery’s power display
Shortstop Colson Montgomery continued to showcase his superb power in Monday’s game. He connected on a 0-1 changeup in the zone for a 401-foot solo homer to tie the game in the fifth. Montgomery is now fourth on the team with 10 homers, four behind Sosa’s team-leading 14.
His homer comes after his 452-foot blast on Sunday that was the longest homer of the season for the Sox. That home run allowed Montgomery to join Jose Abreu and Zeke Bonura as the only players in club history to record nine-plus homers and 25-plus RBI over their first 31 games.
“I wouldn’t really say I’m surprised by any of it,” Montgomery said. “You just never know what’s really going to happen until you get here in the big leagues and you face pitching.”
Injury updates
Third baseman Miguel Vargas (oblique) is progressing well since being placed on the 10-day injured list on Aug. 3, retroactive to Aug. 2.
Vargas hit in the cage and did some infield drills before Monday’s game.
Venable said he responded well and applauded Vargas’ communication with the medical staffers so they were able to catch the injury before it became a major strain.
Infielder Chase Meidroth (right thumb contusion) did some work in the cage, but Venable said Meidroth is “still not all the way there.”
Meidroth is slashing .252/.330/.319 on the season with three homers and 12 doubles. X-rays ruled out a fracture for Meidroth.