WHITE SOX HEADLINES OF APRIL 8, 2016 “Latos’ 1-hit outing a promising return to form” … Joe Chasen, MLB.com “Abreu’s homer gives Sox game, series win” … Rick Eymer and Joe Chasan, MLB.com “Lawrie flashes defensive prowess vs. former team” … Joe Chasan, MLB.com “Danks, White Sox open home slate vs. Tribe” … Jordan Bastian, MLB.com “Late White Sox rally earns rest for David Robertson” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “White Sox earn series victory behind Mat Latos, Jose Abreu” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “Weather alters Indians rotation for series with White Sox” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “White Sox must quickly acclimate to new surroundings” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “White Sox bullpen busier than normal to start regular season” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “Thursday’s recap: White Sox 6, Athletics 1” … Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune “Mat Latos’ first White Sox start unqualified success in victory over A’s” … Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune “John Danks on White Sox home opener: ‘I hope it’s 20 degrees and sleeting’” … Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune “Flying under the radar could help White Sox create an organic buzz” … Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune “Latos pitches six scoreless innings in White Sox’ victory” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “Adam Eaton starts season in Nellie Fox territory” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “White Sox brace for chill of home opener” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “Chance the Rapper’s tie with White Sox ‘win-win for everyone’” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “Changes in the air for Chicago White Sox home opener” … Scot Gregor, Daily Herald “Mat Latos sharp as White Sox beat Athletics 6-1” … Michael Wagaman, Associated Press “White Sox hope to rally fans, starting with home opener” … Andrew Seligman, Associated Press “Firefighter injured after small fire at U.S. Cellular Field” … CBS Chicago “Fire reported at White Sox ballpark just before home opener” … ABC Chicago “White Sox play home opener against Cleveland” … ABC Chicago “Fire reported at U.S. Cellular Field before White Sox opener vs. Indians” … Erin Flynn, Sports Illustrated

Latos’ 1-hit outing a promising return to form By Joe Chasen / MLB.com | April 7th, 2016 OAKLAND -- It may have been just one start, but veteran right-hander Mat Latos took one giant leap toward proving that he can regain the form that saw him rank as one of the NL's most consistent pitchers from 2010-14, firing six scoreless innings on Thursday in his first start with the White Sox to lead them to a 6-1 win against the A's in the finale of a four-game series. Latos even flirted with a no-hitter until Chris Coghlan singled with one out in the fifth, a play that was immediately preceded by a foul fly ball down the left-field line that J.B. Shuck dropped after appearing to lose the ball in the high early-afternoon sun. That sequence led to one of the A's only scoring chances of the game, after a walk to Marcus Semien gave them runners on first and second with two outs. Latos got out of it when Coco Crisp then lined a hard grounder up the middle that was snared by ex-Athletic Brett Lawrie, who got the force at second base to end the inning.

Latos then cruised through a 1-2-3 sixth, exiting with a 2-0 lead after Jose Abreu's two-run homer. The White Sox would tack on four more runs in the ninth to put the game away, and Latos earned the win. He allowed only Coghlan's hit, with a walk and two strikeouts. Signed in the offseason for a relatively inexpensive $3 million, due to his up-and-down 2015, a healthy Latos could be a boon for Chicago, giving the club a good option at the back end of the rotation if he can return to form. "I just wanna get back to my old self, I wanna put up zeros on the board and I wanna compete with these guys," said Latos, referring to his rotation mates. "I know we're on the same team, but it's still a competition. With pitchers, I think that's the way we have to go about it. We're always trying to out-do one another, and I think that'll take everybody to the next level." "Just a really nice job, [with] all the lefties he was able to control the inside part of the plate with his fastball, and then the curveball, dropping it in there with that great arm action, he had a tilt on it. … Just a great job of him going out there and letting them hit it." Latos will most likely get his next chance to turn the page on last season and show he's back to the old Mat next Thursday in Minnesota.

Abreu’s homer gives Sox game, series win By Rick Eymer and Joe Chasan / MLB.com | April 7th, 2016 OAKLAND -- Jose Abreu's two-run homer in the sixth inning broke up a scoreless pitching duel and led to a series victory for Chicago, as the White Sox beat the Oakland Athletics, 6-1, Thursday to take three of four in the series and give Mat Latos his first win since last July. A's starter Kendall Graveman, who was still feeling the effects of a stomach flu, threw five scoreless innings before walking Melky Cabrera and giving up Abreu's homer to open the sixth. He allowed three hits total, walking one and striking out four in 5 1/3 innings. "I got through it," Graveman said. "There are times you're not going to feel 100 percent, and you still have to find a way to get outs." Latos, who last won July 21, retired 13 Oakland hitters before Chris Coghlan singled to break up a no-hit bid. "We got him out there a little bit, and I think even later he was spinning it pretty good. Breaking stuff was good," said White Sox manager Robin Ventura. Ventura noted that he "started to get a little concern there, just endurance-wise," but he was happy to see Latos stretch it out. Coghlan drove in the A's only run in the ninth. Latos left after giving up the one hit over six scoreless innings. He walked one and struck out two. Dioner Navarro, Tyler Saladino and Cabrera also drove in runs for the White Sox in a four-run ninth. Melky Cabrera lines a bases-loaded single to left field, scoring Dioner Navarro to give the White Sox a five-run lead "He didn't throw anything over the middle of the plate," A's catcher Stephen Vogt said. "He did a good job of not giving us the same look." MOMENTS THAT MATTERED Abreu finds his power: After being held mostly in check during the White Sox first three games, with no RBIs and five strikeouts, Abreu finally flashed the form that's made him one of the game's premier hitters,

lashing a 91-mph sinker just over the scoreboard in right field. He notched a third RBI with a sacrifice fly in the ninth. Coghlan's reprieve: When Coghlan made certain Latos would make no history with his single in the fifth, he did so immediately after left fielder J.B. Shuck lost his foul ball in the sun. Lawrie's return: Traded from Oakland to the White Sox in the offseason, Brett Lawrie showed off for his former team with a pair of sparkling defensive plays. In the fifth, he ended the inning and the first real A's rally of the game with a diving stop on a sharp grounder by Coco Crisp, flipping to second for the force. Then in the sixth, he changed direction on a ball that was deflected by Latos, firing to first to beat Billy Burns by a half-step. QUOTABLE "We set together a game plan today, I followed him. ... I can't take credit for something that he did, that was all him, I didn't shake him once -- actually I did, and then he kinda looked at me sideways, and then I was like 'OK, whatever you want.'" -- Latos on his batterymate, Navarro SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS The win was Ventura's 300th of his career as a Major League manager, all in his four-plus seasons with the White Sox. That gives him the 12th most managerial wins in franchise history. Jimmy Callahan, who helmed the team from 1903-14, is 11th with 309. WHAT'S NEXT White Sox: Lefty John Danks gets the start in Chicago's home opener Friday at 3:10 p.m. CT against the Cleveland Indians. He's 5-14 against the Tribe in his career. A's: Southpaw Eric Surkamp will be recalled from Triple-A Nashville to make the start in the Mariners' home opener on Friday at 7:10 p.m. PT. He replaces injured lefty Felix Doubront. Watch every out-of-market regular-season game live on MLB.TV.

Lawrie flashes defensive prowess vs. former team Second baseman impresses against A’s, who traded him in offseason By Joe Chasan / MLB.com | April 7th, 2016 OAKLAND -- It's like he never left Oakland. And in a sense, Brett Lawrie hasn't. After Lawrie was traded from the A's to the White Sox during the offseason, Chicago's schedule this year just happened to start with four games against his former club. And in the series finale, a 6-1 White Sox win on Thursday, Lawrie made sure his ex-teammates would have something to remember him by. In the bottom of the fifth, Lawrie came up big in a crucial spot. With two on and two out in a scoreless game, Coco Crisp sent a hard-hit grounder back up the middle that seemed destined to get through for what would have been a run-scoring single to give the A's the lead. It wasn't to be, as Lawrie dove to his right, made a backhand pick, and flipped to Tyler Saladino for the force out at second that ended the inning. One inning later, he made another highlight-reel play on the very next A's batter, robbing Billy Burns of a potential infield single. After Thursday's starter, Mat Latos, got his glove on the comebacker, Lawrie changed directions, barehanded the ball and threw out Burns at first. Jose Abreu made a nice sprawling pick of the throw at first base to complete the play.

Together, the two defensive gems helped support Latos' six shutout innings and gave the offense time to get going. Abreu's two-run homer in the sixth would give the White Sox a lead they wouldn't relinquish, thanks to Lawrie's leather and four runs in the ninth. Manager Robin Ventura praised the defense for helping Latos put up zeros in the fifth and sixth, saying Lawrie "made a nice play up the middle. There are some plays there that got us out of some tight spots." Alluding to the need of the defense to hold up its end of the bargain, Ventura added "we're gonna have to be able to … catch it, and he did a nice job of sprawling up the middle and getting it to second." Unfortunately for Lawrie, this is the South Siders' only visit to Oakland all season, and they don't play the A's again until they come to Chicago on Aug. 19-21.

Danks, White Sox open home slate vs. Tribe By Jordan Bastian / MLB.com | April 7th, 2016 The White Sox made some aggressive moves over the offseason to upgrade their lineup. When Chicago welcomes the Indians to U.S. Cellular Field on Friday for its home opener, fans on the South Side will get their first look at additions such as Todd Frazier and Brett Lawrie. In the opener of a three-game weekend set in Chicago, the White Sox will face a tall task in hard-throwing Indians righty Danny Salazar. He was supposed to take the mound against Boston on Thursday, but inclement weather pushed his first outing of the year to Friday. "I'm just going to take today as another day off," Salazar said after Thursday's postponement in Cleveland. "And now I'll go to Chicago and do my job over there." Salazar won 14 games, struck out 195 batters and posted a 3.45 ERA in a breakout showing for the Indians a year ago. He will be opposed by White Sox left-hander John Danks, who could be starting his final season with Chicago. The lefty is in the last season of his five-year, $64 million extension and has struggled in the past few years, even though he has offered durability for the rotation. Danks is 5-14 with a 5.29 ERA in 26 career meetings with Cleveland. Three things to know • Due to Thursday's postponement, the Indians could have started ace Corey Kluber on normal rest for Sunday's finale in Chicago. That could have created a scenario where Josh Tomlin (the fifth starter) faced a two-week rest period between starts. Under the circumstances, Cleveland opted to start Tomlin on Sunday, pushing Kluber back to Tuesday at Tampa Bay. • With the White Sox scheduled to throw three lefties -- Danks, Chris Sale and Jose Quintana -- this series, expect some adjustments in Cleveland's lineup. Rajai Davis will likely serve as the leadoff man, and outfielders Marlon Byrd and Collin Cowgill will also see time in the lineup. • White Sox manager Robin Ventura secured his 300th career managerial victory with Chicago's 6-1 win over the A's on Thursday. Now, Ventura's club returns home, where the White Sox are 62-53 all-time in home openers. Chicago has gone 12-2 in its past 14 home openers.

Late White Sox rally earns rest for David Robertson By Dan Hayes / MLB.com | April 7th, 2016 OAKLAND, Calif. -- David Robertson got some rest and Zach Putnam made his 2016 debut courtesy of a late White Sox rally on Thursday. After struggling for nearly two games, the White Sox blew open Thursday’s 6-1 victory over the Oakland A’s in the ninth inning as their hitters produced six singles in a span of seven at-bats. The string of offense helped turn a tight ballgame into one in which White Sox relievers could rest a little easier, Robertson in particular. The closer, who converted saves on Monday and Tuesday, was readying himself for a third save opportunity when the White Sox started a singles parade against Oakland A’s reliever Liam Hendriks. “Adding on there late was even better,” White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. “We’re hopefully going to use (Robertson) quite a bit. If we can stretch it out there in the ninth, get up by a little bit and save him.” Several innings after his best swing of the season resulted in a deep fly out, Avisail Garcia started the rally with a leadoff single to center in the ninth inning and the White Sox ahead 2-0. Austin Jackson entered as a pinch-runner for Garcia and stole second base. He moved to third on a Brett Lawrie bloop single that fell just in front of Oakland outfielder Josh Reddick and scored on Dioner Navarro’s RBI single off the right-field fence. Tyler Saladino, who earlier had the team’s first hit, kept the rally alive with a hard liner past first base for an RBI single and a four-run lead. Adam Eaton -- the first Sox player with four straight multi-hit games to start the season since Nellie Fox in 1955 -- kept the line moving with a single to load the bases. Melky Cabrera singled in a run to make it a 5-0 game and Jose Abreu, who put the White Sox up by two with a sixth-inning homer, had a sac fly. The late outburst couldn’t have come at a better time. Not only have the White Sox had difficulty stringing hits together, they’d also played in three straight one-run games to start the season. The last time a White Sox team did that to start the season was 1972. Robertson, who was warming in the bullpen Thursday and got up to throw late in Wednesday’s loss in case the team rallied, quickly took a seat with a six-run cushion. “It’s definitely nice at the end of the game to tack a few more on,” Saladino said. “Especially that push at the end, it really throws the momentum our way. We’ve played some close games and that just gave us a little extra breathing room right there.” The lead came in handy when Putnam gave up a single, threw a wild pitch and Chris Coghlan singled in a run for the A’s. Putnam struck out two to close it out.

White Sox earn series victory behind Mat Latos, Jose Abreu By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | April 7th, 2016 OAKLAND, Calif. -- Mat Latos is hopeful he’s over a rough two years and is ready to move ahead with his new team. The White Sox pitcher tapped into some of his past success on Thursday afternoon as he exceeded expectations in his 2016 debut. Latos delivered six scoreless innings and Jose Abreu homered as the White Sox poured it on late in a 6-1 victory over the Oakland A’s in front of 12,577 at the Oakland Coliseum. Injured the past two seasons and unpopular with some former Cincinnati Reds teammates after he made critical comments, Latos made a strong impression on the White Sox, who at 3-1 are off to their best start

since 2005. Though he still feels as if he has more work to accomplish, the right-hander is pleased after he allowed only one hit and walked one against the A’s. “Last year I had some bad karma from past stuff that was said,” Latos said. “I took it and then get kind of mentally messed up and kind of battling through something that I wasn’t used to with the knee. I’m used to having my legs under me and then really not understanding that I really have to work twice as hard if not more to get back to where I need to be. “I’m healthy, but I still feel like there’s more I could do. I still have to strengthen. I wouldn’t say I necessarily have 100 percent of my legs under because of that. But I’m good, I’m healthy. I’m strong and I think it shows today. It’s great to turn the page from last year and start off really well.” Latos’ spring offered few hints of what was to come Thursday. He built off Friday night’s outing in San Diego, one manager Robin Ventura described as encouraging. But even then, Latos only pitched 4 1/3 innings before he surrendered three earned runs. Thursday was different. Six of the first 13 hitters Latos faced hit ground balls as the right-hander kept his pitches down in the zone. Working with a fastball that ranged from 87-91, Latos used his entire arsenal to keep the A’s off balance. Through four hitless innings, Latos didn’t yield any hard-hit balls. “He did a great job getting ahead, which is the most important thing,” catcher Dioner Navarro said. “He mixed his pitches really well. He spotted his fastball really well. “He’s done it before, he’s been in that situation before. He knows what he has to do. I just try to guide him the best I can.” Latos gave all credit to Navarro for the way he handled him. When he arrived in camp, Latos said one reason he signed with the White Sox was to once again work with Navarro, whom he briefly played with in Cincinnati in 2012. Latos trusts Navarro and said he only shook him off once during an 88-pitch effort, only to step off the mound and go back to the veteran catcher’s gameplan. “I had a good pitch, or what I thought was a good pitch,” Latos said. “He kind of paused and kind of tilted his head at me and I stepped off the mound and was like ‘Whatever you want. Ok, boom let’s go.’ Called the pitch and we went after it.” Latos wouldn’t allow a hit until the fifth inning and even that took a misplayed fly ball by J.B. Shuck (he dropped a foul ball) and a 3-2 single by Chris Coghlan with one out. Latos, who didn’t complete five innings in any of his three spring training starts, looked as if he could be in trouble in the fifth when he issued a two-out walk to Marcus Semien. But Brett Lawrie made nice diving stop up the middle and flipped in time to second base for the force to get out of the jam. Lawrie made another diving stop in the sixth inning and Latos rode it to another perfect frame, one of four 1-2-3 three-up, three-downs. “There are a lot of things you see (in Arizona) that might not happen when you get to the regular season,” Ventura said. “So we didn’t really know. It being for real and being out there, the competitive part came out of him. You just tip your cap to him the way he did it.” The White Sox offense offered its own belated round of applause. After they were stymied by Oakland starter Kendall Graveman for five innings, the White Sox finally broke through.

Melky Cabrera, who earlier singled, drew a four-pitch walk to start the sixth inning and Abreu destroyed a 91-mph sinker down the middle, driving it out to right for two-run homer. The offense came to life in the ninth inning when Avisail Garcia opened with a single against reliever Liam Hendriks. Pinch runner Austin Jackson stole second and moved to third on Lawrie’s bloop single. Navarro ripped an RBI single off the right field wall to make it 3-0. Tyler Saladino and Cabrera also had RBI singles and Abreu’s sac fly made it 6-0. Adam Eaton also singled in the rally and is 9-for-16 to start the season. Eaton is the first White Sox player to open the season with four straight multi-hit games since Nellie Fox in 1955.

Weather alters Indians rotation for series with White Sox By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | April 7th, 2016 Two postponements have drastically changed Cleveland’s plans for its three-game series at the White Sox. Former American League Cy Young winner Corey Kluber is no longer scheduled to face the White Sox after Cleveland had its second game of a four-game series against the Boston Red Sox postponed by weather. The Indians will now start Danny Salazar on Friday against John Danks in the White Sox home opener at 3:05 p.m. CST. Cody Anderson faces Chris Sale on Saturday afternoon and Josh Tomlin draws Jose Quintana on Sunday afternoon. Cleveland had its opener cancelled on Monday as well as the finale on Thursday.

White Sox must quickly acclimate to new surroundings By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | April 7th, 2016 OAKLAND, Calif. - He doesn’t expect chaos or bedlam. But manager Robin Ventura thinks he could have a few confused players wandering aimlessly in the White Sox clubhouse on Friday morning. The White Sox are set to arrive home late Thursday night or early in the morning after they conclude a four-game series at the Oakland A’s. Their late arrival and afternoon home opener on Friday doesn’t give the team’s seven new players much time to figure out the logistics of the home clubhouse. The White Sox open at home against the Cleveland Indians at 3:05 p.m. CST on Friday. “That’s the schedule,” Ventura said. “It’s not ideal, but we’re going to have to deal with it.” “I wish we had a day to go home and get acclimated to it. It’s a little odd when you have so many guys coming in not going where to go, where their locker is at, the routine they would set for themselves. It’s a bit different, but we’ll be fine.” The team is only at home for three nights before it hits the road again. The White Sox travel to Minneapolis on Sunday night before they head to Tampa. Ventura thinks the real issue will be for players to acclimate to their cold surroundings. Most of the White Sox players probably haven’t felt a sub-60 degree temperature since they attended SoxFest in January. It has been warmer than normal in Oakland this week with an 83-degree temperature at first pitch on Wednesday night.

Friday’s forecast calls for rain and snow in the morning with wind, overcast skies and temperatures in the upper 30s in the afternoon, according to weather.com. While John Danks said Wednesday he’d love for 20 degrees and sleet, he’s probably in the minority. “It’s going to be cold, that’s probably more of an issue than anything,” Ventura said. “When we go back that’s the first thing we’re going to feel when we get off the plane. Both teams are playing in it so you might as well get used to it and get going.”

White Sox bullpen busier than normal to start regular season By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | April 7th, 2016 OAKLAND, Calif. -- Zach Duke hasn’t required many extra curricular activities to stay occupied in the White Sox bullpen this week. He only has two appearances, but the White Sox reliever has already been up and down at least four times. The left-hander isn’t alone as the White Sox have played in three consecutive one-run games to start the season — the most for the franchise to start since 1972. But Duke — who has only faced two batters — said Thursday he and his fellow relievers are up to the task, especially if it results in more wins. “It’s been real busy,” Duke said. “But it has been good, quality baseball. “Those are the situations that we want to be in.” Even though they’re built around pitching, the White Sox are hopeful their offense has improved enough to keep them out of one- and two-run games this season. They played in 91 of them last season, including a major-league high 59 one-run games. The White Sox were 29-30 in one-run games and 16-16 in two-run games. White Sox manager Robin Ventura is confident his pitchers can handle themselves and the requisite workload. Even though Nate Jones is back, the White Sox bullpen received a nice reinforcing piece when Matt Albers returned on a one-year deal. “You’d rather win by five every single time, but that’s not the way it always works,” Ventura said. “I know by reactions and the way they’re feeling, I like us in close games. I like our chances with that. “They’ve been used to it. They’ve been in a lot of close games in the past.” Duke likes how he and the relievers have had to stay focused on the games. Given that last year’s losing record, he’d rather do that than be worried about when he might next get into a game. “We thrive on those kinds of games,” Duke said. “It keeps you mentally engaged a little more and makes it more fun to watch.”

Thursday’s recap: White Sox 6, Athletics 1 By Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune | April 7th, 2016 Jose Abreu’s first homer of the season gave the White Sox an early lead, and the Sox added four ninth-inning runs to top the Athletics 6-1 on Thursday at Oakland Coliseum. The Sox hit six singles off A’s right-hander Liam Hendriks in the ninth to improve to 3-1 for the first time since 2005. At the plate

The Sox managed just two hits through the first five innings, but Kendall Graveman issued a leadoff walk to Melky Cabrera in the sixth before Abreu homered to right. On the mound Sox right-hander Mat Latos pitched six scoreless innings and held the A’s hitless through 4 1/3 innings. After Sox left fielder J.B. Shuck dropped a ball in foul territory, Chris Coghlan singled to left for the only A’s hit of the first six innings. In relief After Sox left-hander Zach Duke put runners on the corners to start the seventh inning, Matt Albers pitched the final two outs to hold the A’s scoreless. Key number 300 – Career victories for Sox manager Robin Ventura Up next Vs. Indians, 3:10 p.m. Friday. RH Danny Salazar vs. LH John Danks

Mat Latos’ first White Sox start unqualified success in victory over A’s By Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune | April 7th, 2016 Mat Latos showered the credit for his strong first start on catcher Dioner Navarro, but the White Sox right-hander also admitted he felt a bit of redemption in a 6-1 victory over the Athletics on Thursday. From catching flak for candid comments about his former Reds team to fighting to come back from a knee injury and a 4.95 ERA in 2015, Latos has encountered difficulties over the last year. But after posting a 10.38 ERA over three spring training starts with the Sox, he pitched six scoreless innings Thursday with one hit, one walk and two strikeouts to help lift the Sox to 3-1 for the first time since 2005. "Last year I had some bad karma from past stuff that was said, and got mentally messed up," Latos said. "I was battling through something that I wasn't used to with the knee. (I was) really not understanding I have to work twice as hard, if not more, to get back to where I need to be. "I'm healthy (now), but I still feel there's more I can do. I still have to strengthen. I wouldn't say I necessarily have 100 percent of my legs under me (yet), but I'm good, I'm healthy, I'm strong and I think it showed today. It's great to turn the page from last year and start off really well." Latos held the A's hitless through 4 1/3 innings. Then, after Sox left fielder J.B. Shuck dropped a fly in foul territory in the fifth, Chris Coghlan singled to left. Latos also issued his only walk in the inning before stranding the baserunners. He ended his day with a strikeout that prompted Josh Reddick to slam his bat and helmet to the ground in the sixth. "Outstanding," Navarro said of Latos. "Just what we were asking for. He did a great job getting ahead, which is the most important thing. He mixed his pitches really well. He spotted his fastball really well." At the start of spring, Latos said his previous working relationship with Navarro /when he went 14-4 for the Reds was one of the reasons he wanted to sign a one-year, $3 million deal with the Sox. That comfort level helped Thursday.

"I followed him," Latos said. "I can't take credit for something he did. That was all him. I didn't shake him off once. Actually I did, and he kind of looked at me sideways, and (I said), 'OK, whatever you want.' Me being comfortable with it was key." Jose Abreu hit a two-run homer off A's right-hander Kendall Graveman in the sixth to give the Sox all the runs they needed but they strung together six singles for four runs in the ninth off A's reliever Liam Hendriks to pull away. The Sox have options in the minor leagues if Latos or John Danks falter with Miguel Gonzalez, Erik Johnson and Jacob Turner at Triple-A Charlotte and Carson Fulmer at Double-A Birmingham. Nevertheless, despite Latos' slow spring start, general manager Rick Hahn said Monday he didn't think the team had seen his best yet. "He's going to build endurance and crispness in his stuff," Hahn said. "You feel the five (rotation) guys you are breaking with have earned the opportunity to have success. But you need to have options available should something not go according to plan."

John Danks on White Sox home opener: ‘I hope it’s 20 degrees and sleeting’ By Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune | April 7th, 2016 John Danks is a native Texan, and he doesn't enjoy cold weather. But when the left-hander takes the mound for the White Sox home opener against the Indians on Friday at U.S. Cellular Field, he wants it to be "as cold as possible." "I feel like it's more of an advantage for the pitcher the colder it is," Danks said. "I'm not real concerned about the cold to be honest. I hope it's 20 degrees and sleeting." The Sox have played in mild weather consistently from the start of spring training through their exhibitions in San Diego and their four-game series in Oakland. So it might be a shock for some players to arrive in Chicago, where the forecast is for about 40 degrees for the 3:10 p.m. start. Nothing beats a day at the ball park, but finding the right tickets at a fair price can be tough. SeatGeek takes the hassle out of finding a great deal on tickets to any game. "There are times I'll go in the clubhouse and stand in front of the heater," Danks said. "But for me in my experience, once I'm out on the field your focus is on everything but the cold. You really don't even notice it. Plus I'm able to still work up a lather. By the time I'm on the field, I'm not worried about the cold." This will be the first time Danks has started a home opener, though he pitched the season opener in 2012 at Texas. "I feel fortunate I've pitched in front of atmospheres like that, so hopefully I won't be too jazzed up," Danks said. "But I'm excited about it." Danks, who posted a 5.40 ERA this spring, left Oakland for Chicago before the rest of the Sox so he could rest up better for the start. The Sox have a quick turnaround from their flight after Thursday's game until the Friday afternoon opener. "It's not ideal but we're going to have to deal with it," Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "It's going to be cold. That's probably more of an issue than anything. When we go back that's the first thing we're going to feel when we get off the plane.

"I wish we had a day to go home and get acclimated to it. It's a little odd when you have so many guys coming in not knowing where to go, where their locker is at, the routine they would set for themselves. It's a bit different, but we'll be fine."

Flying under the radar could help White Sox create an organic buzz By Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune | April 7th, 2016 The White Sox didn't exactly break the bank on free-agents last winter, so they have tried to come up with new ways to create a buzz such as: Baseball, big screen TVs, music and grilled sausage products are close to the hearts of most South Siders, so the Sox definitely had their four basic needs covered. Now comes the hard part: Getting those video-loving, munchies-munching, cap-wearing fans into the ballpark and convincing them to return more often. The Sox are back at the Cell on Friday for the home opener that features the Chicago debut of Todd Frazier and the humongous video board. With new players, a tighter clubhouse, a 3-1 start in Oakland and a realistic chance to contend if everything goes right, there's plenty of reason for optimism. The clumsily-handled departure of Adam LaRoche may have stung his former teammates, especially Chris Sale, but most Sox fans rejoiced at the prospect of not having to watch LaRoche walk back to the dugout after a strikeout so often. A LaRoche-free clubhouse may not help at the box office, but it sure doesn't hurt. Still, selling the Sox remains a challenge, partly because the 2015 version that was built up all winter long fell on its backside in April. The Sox never recovered, and even neglected to get any prospects at the trade deadline for free-agent-in-waiting Jeff Samardzija, pretending they were still in the wild-card playoff hunt. Acquiring stars like Samardzija, LaRoche, Melky Cabrera and David Robertson, seemed like a good idea at the time, but it didn't work out. So a "let's-wait-and-see'' approach in 2016 appears to be justified, lousy spring weather aside. Creating a Sox buzz has to be done organically. The new bells and whistles at the Cell may make the ballpark livelier — or at least louder if they replicate Wrigley Field's eardrum-puncturing video board sound levels — but will it do the job? Besides winning, is there really anything that can lure more Sox fans from their comfort zones out to the Cell? "That's always a tricky question, because people act like you need to have something beyond winning," manager Robin Ventura said. "But winning starts first. I don't care what anybody says. "And if you're winning, you seem to have more fun, regardless of the personality, or anything else. If you're losing, nothing is fun. It's hard to sit there and tell somebody, 'Aw, put it out of your mind,' because you can't." Of all the new faces on the roster, the only bona fide star the Sox added was Frazier, who appears to be a perfect fit so far. It didn't take long in spring training for Frazier to feel at home and he quickly became a team leader. "I've been real comfortable here," he said. "Not overly comfortable. You never want to be that way because you never know what could happen. But right now I'm excited to be here. It's a great club."

Frazier has the power and the presence to sell the Sox experience, so it'll be interesting to see how much the marketing department leans on him off the field. They have yet to find a way to tap into the marketing potential of Jose Abreu, perhaps their best player since Frank Thomas in his prime, or Sale, their most popular pitcher since Mark Buehrle. It doesn't help matters that Ventura has a low Q-rating after three straight losing seasons, or that general manager Rick Hahn keeps such a low profile you sometimes forget he replaced Ken Williams, a.k.a. the "LaRoche exterminator." It's up to the players to change the perceptions of the Sox. Winning the series in Oakland was an important first step, even if it was against the A's and three of the games ended when you were in bed. Better that you were asleep instead of the Sox. It's a start.

Latos pitches six scoreless innings in White Sox’ victory By Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun-Times | April 7th, 2016 OAKLAND, Calif. – Well, then. All the White Sox were looking for out of Mat Latos in his first career start for them was to get past five innings, something he couldn’t manage in three spring training starts. All Latos provided against the Oakland A’s in a 6-1 victory on Thursday afternoon was six scoreless innings of one-hit ball. He didn’t even give up the hit, a single, until the fifth inning, and that occurred only because left fielder J.B. Shuck dropped a foul fly giving Chris Coghlan another swing. How ‘bout that? “Outstanding,” catcher Dioner Navarro said. “Just what we were asking for. He did a great job getting ahead, which is the most important thing. He mixed his pitches really well and spotted his fastball really well.” Latos threw 88 pitches, 56 for strikes, and walked one while striking out two. “Just having that relationship in the past [with the Cincinnati Reds in 2012] and having success just kind of helped with the confidence a little bit,’’ Latos said. ‘We set together a game plan today.’’ The Sox, who head into their home opener against the Cleveland Indians after taking three of four games from the A’s – their first 3-1 start since they won the World Series in 2005 — feel good about their 1-2-3 all-lefty starters. But the back end of the rotation is a question mark in part because of the unknown entity that Latos is after the right-hander battled injuries pitching for three teams last season. His 10.38 ERA this spring did nothing to clarify what he’d be when the real games begun. It’s only one start, and the A’s lineup is not the 1927 Yankees, but Latos couldn’t have been better. He walked one, struck out two – including Josh Reddick as the last batter he faced – to record his first victory since July 21, when he pitched seven scoreless innings for the Marlins against the Diamondbacks. “Last year I had some bad karma from past stuff that was said and I took it and then get kind of mentally messed up,’’ Latos said, “and kind of battling through something that I wasn’t used to with the knee. I’m used to having my legs under me and then really not understanding that I really have to work twice as hard if not more to get back to where I need to be. “I’m healthy, I’m strong and I think it shows today.’’

Jose Abreu provided the first two runs with a home run to right field, his first, with Melky Cabrera (leadoff walk) on base against A’s right-hander Kendall Graveman in the sixth. When the game was still tight, Matt Albers, contributing his second valuable relief job of the series, entered in the seventh after the A’s put runners on the corners against left-hander Zach Duke (leadoff walk, single) and retired pinch hitters Mark Canha and Andrew Lambo. The Sox broke it open with four runs on six singles in the ninth with Dioner Navarro (off the right field wall), Tyler Saladino (2-for-4) and Melky Cabrera doing RBI honors on theirs and Abreu hitting a sacrifice fly. Eaton doubled and singled in his last two at-bats, giving him nine hits in the four-game series. Eaton is the first Sox to open a season with four straight multihit games since Nellie Fox in 1955. “It was good just to add on,” Eaton said. “The last two years we would have settled for two runs and bit our nails in the ninth inning. It’s good to let the bullpen breathe easy.” It was really good for manager Robin Ventura, though, to see Latos like that. “His breaking stuff was good,’’ Ventura said. “Just a really nice job against all of the lefties, he was able to control the inside part of the plate with his fastball and the curveball dropping it in there. It had great arm action, kind of tilt on it. Guys played good defense behind him.’’

Adam Eaton starts season in Nellie Fox territory By Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun-Times | April 6th, 2016 OAKLAND, Calif. — Adam Eaton had two more hits in the White Sox’ 6-1 victory on Thursday, giving him nine for the season and making him the first Sox to open a season with four straight multihit games since Nellie Fox in 1955. Eaton singled in the ninth inning, when the Sox broke open a 2-0 game. They went on to defeat the Oakland A’s 6-1 and take three of four games. “It was good just to add on,” Eaton said. “The last two years we would have settled for two runs and bit our nails in the ninth inning. It’s good to let the bullpen breathe easy.” Closer David Robertson, who closed the Sox’ first two wins, was warming up in the ninth but was able to sit back down. Zach Putnam finished up. “What’s going on in here is special,” Eaton said. “We have some really good guys, guys who are having fun. You can feel it in here. A lot of guys getting along, and you’re excited to come to the ballpark. Proof is in the pudding taking three out of four and now we get to go home and play in front of the home fans.” Eaton’s poor start contributed to the Sox’ poor start in 2015. He has had a multi-hit game in each of the first four, and has reached base in 26 consecutive games dating to last season.

White Sox brace for chill of home opener By Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun-Times | April 7th, 2016 OAKLAND, Calif. – Maybe the shock of chilly Chicago air will give the White Sox a jolt after they travel home, finally, from the west coast after six-plus weeks of spring training and a seven days in warm and sunny California.

The Sox play their home opener against the Cleveland Indians Friday (3:10, CSN, 890-AM). It’s a challenging turnaround, especially for a team with lots of new players who don’t know their way around U.S. Cellular Field. But “that’s the schedule,’’ manager Robin Ventura said. It’s not ideal but we’re going to have to deal with it. It’s going to be cold, that’s probably more of an issue than anything. When we go back that’s the first thing we’re going to feel when we get off the plane.’’ The Indians opened at home, so they’ve had a few days to get reacquainted with the cold. “Both teams are playing in it so you might as well get used to it and get going,’’ Ventura said. “I wish we had a day to go home and get acclimated to it. It’s a little odd when you have so many guys coming in not going where to go, where there locker is at, the routine they would set for themselves. It’s a bit different but we’ll be fine.’’ John Danks, who makes his first start, has had a rough go against the Indians at home. He’s 1-8 with a 6.41 ERA in 12 lifetime starts against the Tribe at U.S. Cellular Field. “On my day I want it to be as cold as possible,’’ said Danks, who says he’ll pitch in short sleeves. “I feel like it’s more of an advantage for the pitcher the colder it is. I hope it’s 20 degrees and sleeting.’’ Using the bench Austin Jackson and Jimmy Rollins did not start Thursday afternoon, and Avisail Garcia played his first game in right field with Melky Cabrera at designated hitter as Ventura took steps to keep players fresh. Adam Eaton played his first game in center field, and J.B. Shuck started in left. Garcia “has never really been a DH so you want to get him out there at least moving around at different points,’’ Ventura said. “You don’t want him to become just a DH.’’ Latos’ turn Right-hander Mat Latos made his first start for the White Sox Thursday afternoon, and breezed through the first four innings without allowing a hit. “He’s had a couple outings that weren’t as good as we think he can be and I know he wants to be,” Ventura said. “We’re going to find out today and I think of late he’s been pitching a little better, it’s coming out of his hand a little better so hopefully we get that today.” Latos went into the game with 1-0 record with a 0.00 ERA over 9 1/3 innings covering 2 appearances (one start) against the Athletics during his career. Off the mark Jake Petricka has struggled with his command in his first two appearances out of the bullpen. “The message there is he’d better come in and be throwing strikes,” Ventura said. “He’s just walking too many guys right now, he knows that. Be more aggressive in the zone.” No tobacco Because the City Council banned tobacco altogether at sports stadiums last month, players who use it will have to be on guard for the first time. “I was raised to be a law-abiding citizen and if that’s the way it is, that’s the way it is,” Danks said.

It remains to be seen how or to what degree the ordinance will be enforced. Probables Friday: 3:10, CSN, 890-AM Danny Salazar (NR) vs. John Danks (NR) Saturday, 1:10, Channel 9, 890-AM Cody Anderson (NR) vs. Chris Sale (1-0, 3.86) Sunday, 1:10, CSN, 890-AM Josh Tomlin (NR) vs. Jose Quintana (0-0, 3.18)

Chance the Rapper’s tie with White Sox ‘win-win for everyone’ By Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun-Times | April 7th, 2016 Chance the Rapper will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the White Sox home opener Friday, but that’s not where the artist’s relationship ends with his favorite team. The West Chatham native, who introduced a new line of Sox hats this week, is expected to engage in a much more prominent relationship with the franchise as a team ambassador, a move that’s being hailed as a stroke of marketing brilliance for a franchise seeking to align itself with a younger audience. “We hope that his involvement with us connects him to incremental fans for him and, at the same time, connects us with the next or now generation of White Sox fans,’’ said Brooks Boyer, Sox vice president for sales and marketing. “It’s a win-win for everyone.’’ Chance the Rapper, 22, has always been something of an unofficial Sox envoy, wearing team hats in public and on stage. He wore one when he performed on “Saturday Night Live” in December. His three limited-edition caps, which he redesigned exclusively with New Era, will be available for purchase at 11 a.m. Friday. The artist who grew up on 79thst Street near the Red Line exit narrated a new the Sox’ new introductory video that will be played on their video screen: “There’s only black and white. From High Park to Park Ridge, we wear our hearts on our pinstripe jerseys.” “Our goal was to connect the people of Chicago, their work ethic and values, to our rich history, our connection with the city and our fans,’’ Boyer said. “We wanted a fresh, young voice to deliver the message, and Chance was happy to step in. He is a very talented guy. “Chance is a busy guy. Recording, touring, acting, and the like leaves little time for much else. But, he definitely is a Sox fan and has an open invitation to be around the ballpark any time his schedule allows.‘’ The 9FIFTY snap backs caps are priced at $40-45 at the Chicago Sports Depot and New Era Cap Corner at the White Sox ballpark in Chicago, New Era Cap stores and online at ShopNewEraCap.com and Shop.MLB.com.

Changes in the air for Chicago White Sox home opener By Scot Gregor / Daily Herald | April 7th, 2016 If you're a fan of jumbo videoboards and Chance the Rapper, chances are you're going to enjoy Friday's home opener and the rest of the season at U.S. Cellular Field. Fans attending Friday's Chicago White Sox game against the Cleveland Indians should immediately notice the three new videoboards in left, center and right fields. "Obviously, this adds a lot of flexibility to our game presentation and ultimately creates a better entertainment experience for our fans," said Brooks Boyer, the Sox's vice president of sales and marketing. "I think every year we've tried to add improvements for our fans in the ballpark." The biggest add is the videoboard in center field, which is 8,000 square feet. That is four times larger than the old board. The videoboards in left and right fields are roughly 2,500 square feet each. "We're excited to show what it looks like to go from having the smallest videoboard in baseball to one of the best displays we'd be able to have," Boyer said. The White Sox also are excited to have Chance the Rapper -- a South Side native -- on board. Reportedly close to signing on with the Sox as a club ambassador, the popular 22-year-old musician is going to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, and he narrated the introduction video that will air on the center-field board before the opener. There's more. Chance the Rapper designed the logos on three limited-edition White Sox caps. The 2,000 caps go on sale Friday at the Chicago Sports Depot and New Era Cap stores. As for the Sox themselves, there also is going to be a different look this season with eight new players on the 25-man roster. Third baseman Todd Frazier (Cincinnati Reds) and second baseman Brett Lawrie (Oakland Athletics) were acquired in trades. Catchers Dioner Navarro and Alex Avila, shortstop Jimmy Rollins, center fielder Austin Jackson and starting pitcher Mat Latos -- who was sharp in Thursday's debut at Oakland -- all joined the White Sox as free agents on one-year contracts. Jerry Sands is the final newcomer; the reserve outfielder/first baseman was claimed off waivers from the Cleveland Indians. "We have some new pieces, new faces," outfielder/designated hitter Adam Eaton said. "A lot of optimism here in the clubhouse. We're looking to erase last year and the woes of last year. We're looking forward to a new year, and we're excited to be here."

Mat Latos sharp as White Sox beat Athletics 6-1 By Michael Wagaman / Associated Press | April 7th, 2016 OAKLAND, Calif. -- Mat Latos is still working to get full strength in his legs. That's to be expected after he dealt with left knee issues the past two seasons.

All the other signs are encouraging for Chicago's right-hander - and that's a bonus for manager Robin Ventura's ballclub. Latos gave up one hit over six shutout innings for his first win since last July, Jose Abreu hit a two-run homer and the White Sox beat the Oakland Athletics 6-1 on Thursday to give Ventura his 300th career win. "He was spinning it good, control-wise," Ventura said. "I started to get a little concerned just endurance-wise because even in spring training he didn't make it quite as far as he would like. It being for real and being out there, the competitive part came out of him." A free agent who struggled this spring after signing with Chicago in the offseason, Latos (1-0) was stellar in his White Sox debut while striking out two and walking one. He retired 13 of the first 14 batters and didn't allow a baserunner until Chris Coghlan's one-out single in the fifth - one pitch after left fielder J.B. Shuck dropped Coghlan's foul ball. Afterward, Latos pantomimed flipping pages in a book when asked how much the win meant after what he went through in 2015. "Last year I had some bad karma from past stuff that was said . then just getting kind of mentally messed up and battling through something I wasn't used to with the knee," Latos said. "I wouldn't say I have 100 percent of my legs under me because of that but I'm healthy, I'm strong." Abreu homered on a 1-1 pitch from Oakland starter Kendall Graveman in the sixth. The White Sox slugger added a sacrifice fly during Chicago's four-run ninth. It's been a good start to the season for the White Sox, who outscored the A's 16-10 while taking three of four in the series. Zach Duke, Matt Albers, Nate Jones and Zach Putnam combined to pitch the final three innings, completing the four-hitter for Chicago. Dioner Navarro, Tyler Saladino and Melky Cabrera added RBI singles in the ninth. Graveman (0-1) pitched well, too, despite being ill with flu-like symptoms earlier this week. He allowed three hits in 5 2/3 innings with four strikeouts and one walk. "We just didn't string together enough good at-bats against Latos," A's catcher Stephen Vogt said. "He pitched really well. We need to be better for Kendall when he's throwing that well." Coghlan singled home Oakland's lone run in the ninth off Putnam. STILL THE MAN There was some uncertainty about who the A's closer would be after Oakland pitched lefty Sean Doolittle in the first two games and then used right-hander Ryan Madson in Wednesday's win. Manager Bob Melvin said he's open to using both relievers in the role depending on the circumstances but was adamant that the job is Doolittle's. "If there is some matchup in the eighth that would suggest more of a lefty ... we would make an adjustment that way," Melvin said. "But as we sit here Sean's our closer when you're breaking down where our bullpen is." TRAINER'S ROOM

White Sox: Latos had not won since July 21 with Miami. After leaving the Marlins, he was winless in six games (five starts) for the Dodgers last year and two relief outings with the Angels. ... SS Jimmy Rollins was given a planned day off. Athletics: LHP Felix Doubrant is seeking a second opinion on his injured left elbow. Doubrant has been on the disabled list since getting hurt while pitching in Oakland's final spring training game. "Until we have a resolution in what we're doing going forward, I'm not sure yet," Melvin said when asked what the plan is for the starter. UP NEXT White Sox: LHP John Danks, who starts Friday's home opener against Cleveland, needs 14 strikeouts to reach 1,100 with Chicago. Athletics: LHP Eric Surkamp will be called up from the minors to start in Seattle on Friday.

White Sox hope to rally fans, starting with home opener By Andrew Seligman / Associated Press | April 7th, 2016 CHICAGO -- The White Sox expected to give their fans plenty to cheer about last year, and they believe they are finally ready to do that. Chicago hosts the Cleveland Indians in the home opener on Friday, hoping to deliver on the promise of last season when some big moves had the team eyeing even bigger things. The season did not go the way the White Sox anticipated. The early returns this time are at least encouraging. "There's a certain amount of confidence that's in there with all these guys coming together," manager Robin Ventura said. "They seemed to hit it off pretty early in spring training as far as getting work in, getting the right kind of work in, gaining confidence. Until you win games, it only goes so far. But so far, we like the way it feels." The White Sox thought they had a playoff contender a year ago after a series of high-profile acquisitions, only to stumble to a 76-86 record. Now, after finishing fourth in the AL Central and posting their third straight losing season, they hope to deliver on the promise of 2015. They send John Danks to the mound Friday, with Cody Anderson starting for Cleveland, after opening with three wins in a four-game series at Oakland. The only defeat came when Carlos Rodon got outpitched by Sonny Gray in a 2-1 loss Wednesday, so it was a solid start for a team that never could pick itself up after struggling early on a year ago. The offseason additions of third baseman Todd Frazier, shortstop Jimmy Rollins, catchers Alex Avila and Dioner Navarro, and outfielder Austin Jackson seem to be helping. They have added to the batting order and defense while providing leadership qualities that were missing last season. The veterans have also taken some of the load off key returning players such as Adam Eaton and Jose Abreu. "You've got veteran guys," Ventura said. "You're starting to learn how to stay with an at-bat, how to take an at-bat late in the game. They've been through a lot of those things. For young guys, you can learn from it. ... And they're willing to take the time and talk baseball. These guys get along fairly well. I think that's part of it - the trust factor."

Eaton was off to a strong start, going 7 for 11 with an RBI through the first three games. That was a big change from a year ago, when struggled in a big way early on and took about five weeks before he drove in a run. He has also been playing right field over the shaky Avisail Garcia with Jackson in center, tightening the outfield defense. Garcia, the designated hitter for the first three games, still figures to see time in right with Eaton and Melky Cabrera rotating into the DH spot. The White Sox figure to be tested by a Cleveland team that also has eyes on a playoff spot after struggling early and coming up short down the stretch a year ago. The Indians, rained out at home Thursday against Boston, boast one of the deepest rotations and best managers in baseball. Can they close the gap in the AL Central on World Series champion Kansas City? That hinges on whether they can score after ranking 11th in the American League in runs, 13th in homers and stranding more runners than any AL team but the New York Yankees.

Firefighter injured after small fire at U.S. Cellular Field CBS Sports | April 7th, 2016 CHICAGO (CBS) — A Chicago firefighter was injured early Friday morning while responding to a small fire at U.S. Cellular Field. The fire started at about 2:25 a.m., about 11 hours before the gates open for the White Sox home opener against the Indians, according to the Fire Department. The fire started in a storage area on the first floor inside the stadium near Gate 3 behind first base. The sprinkler system kicked in and kept the fire from spreading. “We had our overnight crew here. They were alerted by the alarm system that there was a fire in our warehouse, which was contained by the sprinkler system. The Chicago Fire Department arrived, extinguished the fire completely, and now we’ll be ready for baseball,” White Sox spokeswoman Sheena Quinn said. Firefighters put the fire out around 3 a.m. One firefighter was taken to Mercy Hospital and Medical Center for treatment. He was taken out of the stadium on a stretcher, and was wearing an oxygen mask. Sources said he suffered heat exhaustion. His injuries were not considered life-threatening. No other injuries were reported. The White Sox use the room where the fire started to store promotional items and other paper goods. “It’s got our extra promos, giveaways, caps, posters, things of that nature. It’s just a facility essentially where we store our extra stuff,” Quinn said. The Fire Department was using large fans to vent smoke from the inside of the stadium. The White Sox said Friday afternoon’s game would go on as planned. “We’re just happy that everyone is okay, and that we’ll be ready for baseball,” Quinn said. The cause of the fire was under investigation. The Fire Department’s Office of Fire Investigations and the Chicago Police Bomb and Arson Unit were investigating, but police said there was no immediate indication the fire was intentionally set.

Fire reported at White Sox ballpark just before home opener ABC Chicago | April 7th, 2016 CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago Police Bomb and Arson Unit detectives are investigating an early Friday fire at U.S. Cellular Field that left a firefighter injured. The fire was reported about 2:25 a.m. in a first-floor storage unit near a kitchen at the stadium, located at 333 W. 35th St. It was out shortly after 3 a.m. The firefighter was taken to Mercy Hospital and Medical Center with injuries that were not thought to be life-threatening, according to fire media. The Chicago White Sox are scheduled to play their season home opener Friday afternoon. Police say it is standard to call the Bomb and Arson Unit in for fires at high-profile locations. The White Sox said at the time of the fire staff were present at the ballpark, which is staffed 24 hours, but that none was injured.

White Sox play home opener against Cleveland ABC Chicago | April 7th, 2016 CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago White Sox's home opening game will be 3:10 p.m. Friday against the Cleveland Indians at U.S. Cellular Field. The game is sold out except for a limited number of tickets for the standing-room-only sections. Christine O'Reilly, White Sox Senior Vice President of Community Relations The ceremonial first pitch will thrown by Chance the Rapper, who grew up on Chicago's South Side. John Rzeznik, lead singer of the Goo Goo Dolls, will sing the national anthem. New food offering A presentation of the flag by the Navy Recruiting District Chicago and the Naval Service Training Command Great Lakes also will be held. U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets and F/A-18C Hornets from Virginia Beach, Va., will do a flyover. On Saturday, the Sox will play Cleveland again at 1:10 p.m. Football player Darius Fleming, a Chicago native who played for Notre Dame and the New England Patriots will throw the ceremonial first pitch. Joshua Davis, a finalist for "The Voice," will perform. Tickets can be purchased at www.whitesox.com and at all Ticketmaster locations.

Chance the Rapper and the baseball experiment By Erin Flynn / Sports Illustrated | April 7th, 2016 A fire was reported at U.S. Cellular Field early Friday morning ahead of the White Sox’s home opener against the Cleveland Indians, according to the Chicago Tribune. The Chicago Police Bomb and Arson unit is investigating the cause of the fire, which broke out at around 2:25 a.m. in a storage room inside the park, according to ABC 7 Chicago.

One firefighter sustained non-life threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital. A spokesperson for the White Sox said Friday’s game against the Indians, which is scheduled to start 4:10 p.m. ET, is not expected to be delayed. The White Sox are 3–1 after opening their season on the road with a four-game series against the Athletics.