WHITE SOX HEADLINES OF JUNE 27, 2016 “Smooth sailing for Sale in MLB-best 13

th win” … Brian Hedger and Scott Merkin, MLB.com

“Sales pitch: Ventura calls ace best in the AL” … Scott Merkin, MLB.com “Morneau takes BP for 1

st time since surgery” … Scott Merkin, MLB.com

“5 reasons not to count out the White Sox” … Phil Rogers, MLB.com “White Sox win consecutive series for first time since late April” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “Justin Morneau takes batting practice but won’t rush rehab process” … JJ Stankevitz, CSN Chicago “Sunday’s recap: White Sox 5, Blue Jays 2” … Chris Kuc, Chicago Tribune “Good times are back: Chris Sale leads White Sox to 5

th win in 7 games” … Chris Kuc, Chicago Tribune

“White Sox’s Justin Morneau getting back in swing of things” … Chris Kuc, Chicago Tribune “How Jason Benetti landed in the booth calling White Sox games” … Paul Skrbina, Chicago Tribune “Chris Sale gets 13

th win in Sox’ 5-2 victory over Jays”… Toni Ginnetti, Chicago Sun-Times

“Sox notes: Sale’s gem gives bullpen a break” … Toni Ginnetti, Chicago Sun-Times “Sale, White Sox bounce back to beat Blue Jays” … Scot Gregor, Daily Herald “Morneau making progress toward joining Chicago White Sox” … Scot Gregor, Daily Herald “Chicago White Sox’s Saladino always learning” … Russell Dorsey, Daily Herald “Levine: Chris Sale keeping White Sox in playoff picture” … Bruce Levine, CBS Chicago “Levine: Robin Ventura wont’ bow to detractors” … Bruce Levine, CBS Chicago “Sale pitches White Sox past Blue Jays, 5-2” … Associated Press “Chris Sale dominates Blue Jays, White Sox take series with 5-2 win” … Lauren Comitor, The Athletic

Smooth sailing for Sale in MLB-best 13

th win

By Brian Hedger and Scott Merkin / MLB.com | June 26th, 2016

CHICAGO -- Chris Sale pitched like an ace when the White Sox desperately needed him. With the team sitting one game below .500, fading further behind American League Central-leading Cleveland and facing an overused back end of the bullpen, Sale used 99 pitches to cover eight strong innings in a 5-2 victory over the Blue Jays on Sunday afternoon at U.S. Cellular Field. Sale became MLB's first 13-game winner this season, improving to 13-2, and matched his win total from last year. Sale has first-half starts lined up against the Astros most likely Saturday and against the Braves the following Friday, but he still would be available to start for the AL in the All-Star Game presented by MasterCard in San Diego if chosen. "With the way the bullpen was, he was fantastic today," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "Like yesterday, the ball was going to carry and it was going to be a tough day to pitch, but again, he was fantastic." "Just to have guys in my corner that believe in me like that, it gives me the confidence to keep going out there and doing what I got to do," Sale said. "I'm not here to try to prove anything to anybody." Sale struck out seven, walked two and yielded five hits, including home runs from Troy Tulowitzki and Junior Lake in the eighth to break up the shutout. The left-hander, who has been an All-Star in all four seasons that he has been a starter, has never won more than 17 in a season. David Robertson worked the ninth for his 20th save (10th in a row).

"He's one of the better pitchers in the game, stuff-wise, and he was tough on us," said Tulowitzki of Sale. "In the eighth, he made a couple mistakes. We took some good swings, but he was a little too much today." Marcus Stroman took the loss, allowing four runs on seven hits over five innings. He struck out four and walked four, and the Blue Jays have lost four of his last five starts. J.B. Shuck added an important insurance run in the eighth with his second home run in as many days, marking the first time in his career he has homered in back-to-back games. MOMENTS THAT MATTERED Leading with the long ball: Tim Anderson has yet to draw a walk this year, but he has certainly proven to be an explosive offensive force. Anderson hit one of the seven solo homers against the Blue Jays on Saturday and followed that up with another home run leading off the fifth Sunday. Anderson has seven multi-hit games in the 16 he has played. "It felt normal. I'm getting kind of used to it," Anderson said. "I feel like I'm getting in a good groove. I'm kind of finding myself and make adjustments." Stroman struggles: After losing reliever Gavin Floyd to the disabled list prior to the game, the Blue Jays could have used a start from Stroman that lasted at least six innings. Instead, he left after five trailing 4-0. After retiring the side in order in the first, Stroman allowed traffic on the basepaths in each of his next four frames, throwing just 54 of 91 pitches for strikes. "I know it didn't look like it, but I felt much better out there," Stroman said. "My sinker was where it needed to be, pretty much, for the most part of the game. I made a mechanical adjustment and it probably had a little something to do with [the walks], but my stuff felt great. It's just a matter of honing in that mechanical issue that I changed and being more consistent with it going forward." Starting with the small ball: The White Sox opened the scoring off of Stroman by pushing two across in the third. The first run of that inning scored on Adam Eaton's safety squeeze, bringing home Tyler Saladino, who made a great slide to beat Stroman's throw. Melky Cabrera, who had three hits, singled home Anderson with the second run. "We're going to have to do that," Ventura said. "We're going to hit some homers, but we're also going to have to score with the small stuff and be able to capitalize on it." Sticking with it: A nice play by Josh Donaldson helped Stroman escape the second unscathed despite allowing two hits and a walk. After back-to-back singles started the inning, Cabrera was thrown out at third by catcher Russell Martin trying to advance on a pitch in the dirt. Donaldson's initial tag, made between his legs while straddling the base, missed. His second attempt, when Cabrera slid past the base, recorded the inning's first out. Stroman later induced an inning-ending double play. QUOTABLE "It's starting to liven up again in here and really a lot of energy." -- Shuck, on the White Sox winning five of their last seven "This is what we needed. Stuff like this is what makes you turn the corner." – Sale RETURN TO WINNING WAYS The White Sox have won consecutive series against the Red Sox and Blue Jays. The last time the White Sox won two straight series was from April 22-27, when they swept the Rangers and Toronto. WHAT'S NEXT

Blue Jays: Marco Estrada (5-3, 2.70 ERA) will start for the Blue Jays on Monday at Coors Field. Estrada, who lost his last outing, has thrown seven straight quality starts. Tulowitzki will return to Colorado for the first time since the Rockies traded him to Toronto last season. First pitch is scheduled for 8:40 p.m. ET . White Sox: After a team off-day Monday, Jose Quintana (5-7, 3.04 ERA) takes the mound to start a three-game series against the last-place Twins on Tuesday at 7:10 p.m. CT. Quintana has six losses and two no-decisions over his last eight starts.

Sales pitch: Ventura calls ace best in the AL White Sox manager raves about 13-game winner following latest victory By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | June 26th, 2016

CHICAGO -- Robin Ventura was listening to a reporter's question following a 5-2 White Sox victory over the Blue Jays on Sunday, when the manager interrupted before he could finish. This particular inquiry dealt with Chris Sale's stature among American League starting pitchers. "He's the best," said Ventura without hesitation. "You can say I'm biased or not, he's still the best." Ventura's assessment and Sale's resume both were supported by the left-hander's stellar eight-inning effort at U.S. Cellular Field. In pushing the White Sox to a second straight series victory, Sale became MLB's first 13-game-winner, improving to 13-2, by allowing just a pair of solo homers to Troy Tulowitzki and Junior Lake before giving way to closer David Robertson. Sale struck out seven, walked two and threw 99 pitches. He needed fewer than 10 pitches to retire the Blue Jays in four of his innings on the hill. "Today, he was pretty much flawless," White Sox catcher Alex Avila said. "He had really good command with all of his pitches, working in and out. He changed speeds really well with his fastball along with the great command. He was throwing strikes, a lot of strikes, and he did a great job." "I feel good. There's no doubt about that," Sale said. "[Dioner] Navarro and Avila, those guys have really just kind of carried me through these games. They know what's working on a certain day and they know what fingers to put down in the right situation." Sunday's effort pushed Sale's career mark to 70-42 overall. He is 3-0 with a 2.45 ERA over his last three starts, and Sale is 7-1 with a 3.64 ERA and 56 strikeouts over 54 1/3 innings in eight home starts this season. Those 13 wins tie Sale for the fourth most by a White Sox pitcher before the All-Star break since 1933 and are the most since Jon Garland (also 13) in 2005. This effort became especially important in that Nate Jones and Robertson were the only relievers to even warm up, let alone get in the game. "When I'm on the baseball field, there's nothing I love more than winning. A close second is keeping my guys in the bullpen, too," Sale said. "They've been working their butts off and used a lot and doing a great job. Any time you can get them a day off and freshen them up a little bit, especially with the day off tomorrow too, that's big." "Definitely one of the best in the game, no question about that," said Blue Jays manager John Gibbons. "It's obvious when you watch him pitch." With the deserved accolades and support coming from Ventura and Gibbons, the question is whether Sale gets the same support as the AL starter for the 2016 All-Star Game presented by MasterCard. He's almost certain to earn a fifth straight All-Star nod.

But Sale didn't want any part of that question. He's as humble as he is talented and worried more about facing Houston and Atlanta before the first half concludes. "That's for you guys to talk about, not me," Sale said. "I still have a couple of more starts I believe. More work to do."

Morneau takes BP for 1

st time since surgery

Slugger won’t make White Sox debut until after All-Star break By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | June 26th, 2016

CHICAGO -- Justin Morneau took 25 swings on the field Saturday during White Sox batting practice, marking the first time he had done so during the ongoing rehab program in relation to offseason surgery to repair the primary flexor in his left elbow. Morneau already had hit Sunday when he met with the media, so he bounced back well from Saturday's test. "I didn't really take that many swings, but it's a good sign," Morneau said. "It started off well. It's different facing 65 [mph] than it is facing 95, too, so that'll be a test, and then getting in the game and swinging and missing and all that kind of stuff. It's a little more controlled when you know what's coming and you know every pitch is the same. But it's reacted well so far." Morneau's White Sox debut won't come before the All-Star break, as confirmed by the left-handed-hitting first baseman/designated hitter Sunday. He'll take BP the rest of the week, go on the road to Houston for the weekend series and then a Minor League rehab assignment will be determined. "As long as everything keeps going well, there's not really a timetable yet for that, but it's moving forward," Morneau said. "It's just seeing how it feels and making sure I'm not having any setbacks, I'm not going backwards. "We're running into the second part of the season, and if we have any setbacks at this point it kind of puts us pretty far back, so we kind of have to pay attention to it, pain versus reinjuring, that kind of thing. Just sort of try not to overdo it. It has felt good so far but try not to take 12 steps when you just need to take one at a time." Lawrie doesn't let up Brett Lawrie believes the first home run he hit Saturday bounced over the fence much like his second blast two innings later. But without a definitive call from the umpiring crew, the White Sox second baseman kept moving for his first career inside-the-park homer. "I think it actually hit the back wall and came back over, but nobody really stopped me," Lawrie said. "Until somebody stopped me that's when I was going to stop." "When in doubt, just play it out," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "He figured out how to get it in the air yesterday."

5 reasons not to count out the White Sox Young shortstop Anderson, Abreu resurgence bode well for second half By Phil Rogers / MLB.com| June 26th, 2016

CHICAGO -- Remember when the book on Francisco Lindor was that he was a magician in the field and a smart baserunner, but suspect as a hitter?

Well, as the Indians' star shortstop continues to force his way into the Most Valuable Player conversation in his first full season in the Major Leagues, the White Sox have welcomed their own shortstop of the future, erstwhile point guard Tim Anderson. Like Lindor, Anderson arrived with questions to answer -- and he's answering them quickly. He's going to make his share of errors, but his athleticism plays well at shortstop. His quick-twitch bat works at the top of the batting order, even if he combines an aggressive approach with a high whiff ratio. Anderson's homer off Marcus Stroman on Sunday was his third in the past six games, but he'll tell you he's not a home-run hitter. He's never had double-digit homers in the Minor Leagues, so he's not just being humble. But what he may really be is a winning player. The White Sox haven't graduated a lot of those from their system to their lineup in the past decade. He's the exact kind of player they've been missing -- one who can use his speed and natural talent to put pressure on opponents, joining Adam Eaton in serving notice that they have a lot of ways to win besides just hitting home runs. The White Sox somehow didn't win on Saturday despite hitting seven home runs against the Blue Jays. But Chris Sale stepped up Sunday to help them win the weekend series and get back to .500. Sunday's win gave Chicago a 38-38 record, including an 8-8 mark since Anderson joined the lineup. That might not sound like much, but they had dropped 12 of 15 when he was promoted from Triple-A to take Jimmy Rollins' spot. Few teams have had as wild of a ride this season as Robin Ventura's team, which was 23-10 on May 9 to lead the American League Central by six games. Now the White Sox are seven games behind the streaking Indians in the division, and they're one of 11 teams within 2 1/2 games of a postseason spot in the AL. Anderson's energy and impact is the biggest of our five reasons you better not write off the White Sox, who start a three-game series with the Twins on Tuesday. The other four: 2. The essential ingredient -- Jose Abreu's bat -- is back For the White Sox to have shelf life, they need Abreu to be their version of Miguel Cabrera. He was that level of hitter in 2014, when he won the AL Rookie of the Year Award, but he took a baby step backward in '15. He headed into this season expecting a huge season, in part because GM Rick Hahn had added Todd Frazier to hit behind him. But he got off to a horrendous start. Lately, he looks like the guy the White Sox count on so heavily. Abreu, who had a 21-game on-base streak end with an 0-for-4 game on Sunday, has a slash line of .310/.357/.563 with five homers and 20 RBIs in 87 June at-bats. If he is on his way to rediscovering the groove he was in halfway through 2014 -- 1.032 OPS in June, 1.099 in July -- he will carry his team a long way toward October. 3. The starting rotation has better days ahead Yes, Sale is baseball's first 13-game winner. But even he and running buddy Jose Quintana went through some rough times recently. They were 4-4 with a 5.02 ERA in eight June starts before Sale beat Stroman on Sunday, holding the loaded Toronto lineup to solo homers by Troy Tulowitzki and Junior Lake over eight innings. Even with Sale and Quintana, factor in a slow start by Carlos Rodon, the nightmarish struggle of James Shields in his first four starts in a White Sox uniform and trouble finding a fifth starter and you have a 4.34 starter ERA, which ranks fifth in the AL. The good news is that Rodon has given up two earned runs or fewer in five of his past six starts, and Shields' track record tells us he'll figure it out soon if he's healthy, which everyone insists he is.

Sale and Quintana are sure to be mentioned in trade rumors if the Sox don't run their record to a comfortable level above .500, even if the Sox say it would take a king's ransom to consider dealing them. The bet here is that Sale's two most recent starts, including seven strong innings at Fenway Park on Tuesday, are the start of a turnaround for the rotation. 4. Frazier will make pitchers pay Acquired from the Reds last winter, Frazier has in many respects been the two-way player the White Sox needed at third base. He's hit 21 home runs, second to Mark Trumbo's 22 in the AL. But it took a single off Stroman on Sunday to get his batting average above the dreaded Mendoza Line. While turning into a more one-dimensional hitter than he's ever been, Frazier has continued the regression that started after a terrific first half last season (.284/.337/.585). It may be unrealistic to expect him to return to those heights, but perhaps he can channel 2014, when he hit .273 with a .336 on-base percentage and 29 homers. Frazier needs to clear his head, and with the All-Star break approaching, he will get that chance. Bet on him being a much tougher out in August and September than he's been so far. 5. Help is on the way It remains to be seen if Hahn will double-down on 2016 and trade more prospects to acquire another bat or a strike-throwing reliever or two, since the White Sox bullpen has walked an AL-high 112 in 228 1/3 innings. But he took a calculated risk that could pay off huge, signing Justin Morneau last month. Morneau spent the winter recovering from elbow surgery and only started taking batting practice on the field on Saturday. He feels good and is encouraged that he could be with the White Sox after the All-Star break, assuming a Minor League rehab goes well. Morneau won a National League batting title in Colorado two years ago. It's a stretch to expect that level of production, but he'll make the lineup longer as a regular DH and occasional first baseman, getting Abreu off his feet. He should be a solid addition, especially if Abreu, Frazier, Anderson, Eaton and a revitalized Melky Cabrera (.333, .961 OPS in June) already have the lineup rolling.

White Sox win consecutive series for first time since late April

By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | June 26th, 2016

The White Sox have been adamant the baseball they’ve played the past six weeks isn’t far removed from their torrid start to the season. Now they have something to show for it. Courtesy of a 5-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday afternoon at U.S. Cellular Field, the White Sox have back-to-back series victories for the first time since they swept the Texas Rangers and Toronto two months ago. With five wins in their last seven tries, the White Sox improved to 38-38 as they head into a much-needed day off. “It’s huge,” said outfielder J.B. Shuck, whose second homer in as many days provided an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth. “You feel kind of a weight lifted off the shoulders in the clubhouse. We’ve been grinding. Even some of our losses, we’ve been in games. We’ve come back, we’ve given ourselves a chance and one thing here or there kind of led us to losing and now it’s starting to work for us a little bit.” A week ago the White Sox were coming off yet another demoralizing road sweep against an AL Central opponent. They had played well in two of three contests against the Cleveland Indians but came up empty. That sweep followed one at the Detroit Tigers earlier in the month and another previous one during a hellish May weekend in Kansas City.

But starting with an extra-innings win at the Boston Red Sox on Monday night, the White Sox have started to put things together more consistently than they had of late. They capitalized on good pitching in the first two victories over the Red Sox and then the offense did the heavy lifting in an 8-6 win on Wednesday. Though they didn’t close out a sweep of Boston, the White Sox carried it over to their home series against Toronto. “We need some of those,” said closer David Robertson, who retired the side on 10 pitches in the ninth to convert his 20th save. “When you get your butt kicked and you get swept in places, you gotta come home and win some games. We’re playing a lot better baseball. We’re pitching better. Hopefully it continues and we stay strong.” Sunday’s victory was full of quality play in all aspects for the White Sox. -- Chris Sale was dominant for seven of eight innings and earned his 13th victory in 15 decisions. -- Robertson’s inning aside, Sale gave the bullpen another critical day of rest. “It’s kind of relaxing,” reliever Zach Duke said. -- Beginning with Adam Eaton’s major-league leading 10th outfield assist in the first inning, the defense turned in several big plays behind Sale, including double plays in the fourth and seventh. -- The offense provided several timely hits, whether Melky Cabrera’s two-out RBI single in the third or Shuck’s solo homer to increase the lead back to three runs in the eighth. Now the White Sox have a day to rest before they continue their homestand on Tuesday with the first of three against the Minnesota Twins. “I like the way we're playing,” White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. “I think offensively, we're swinging it a little bit, doing some things, and playing defense along with it. That's a good sign for us to be able to continue to do that. Pitchers are getting back to being healthy and getting after it. I like the way this is headed. I like the fire that these guys have shown and bouncing back in some tough situations.”

Justin Morneau takes batting practice but won’t rush rehab process By JJ Stankevitz / CSN Chicago | June 26th, 2016 Justin Morneau took 25 swings during batting practice on Saturday and bounced back well enough to hit in the cage Sunday morning, clearing another hurdle as the 35-year-old eyes his White Sox debut sometime after the All-Star break in July. Saturday was the first day Morneau took batting practice since undergoing elbow surgery in the offseason. The 2006 American League MVP said he doesn’t have a hard timetable on when he’ll go out on a minor league rehab assignment but plans to keep taking batting practice and travel with the White Sox to Houston next weekend and make a determination from there. “We have a plan that we want to make sure to not come back too soon and don't come back at less than what's going to be useful,” Morneau said. “You push it as much as you can, but you have to be smart about it, too, and realize that coming back too soon and not being completely healthy is going to hurt in the long run. It's a fine line of figuring out the best way to do it. But so far it's been good.” Morneau has 13 seasons of major league experience but admitted he was nervous stepping in for batting practice on Saturday. He quickly felt better after taking a few swings and didn’t experience anything unexpected during or after his first batting practice session.

“It's different facing 65 than it is facing 95, too, so that'll be a test and then getting in the game and swinging and missing and all that kind of stuff,” Morneau said. “It’s a little more controlled when you know what's coming and you know every pitch is the same. But it's reacted well so far.” Morneau traveled with the White Sox to Cleveland and Boston last week and has maintained a presence in the team’s clubhouse since signing a one-year, $1 million deal on June 9. The longtime Minnesota Twins first baseman was in the dugout when the White Sox blasted seven home runs on Saturday and had memories flash back of his time playing here as an opponent (in 64 games at U.S. Cellular Field, he hit 15 home runs with an .836 OPS). “I saw that and went, 'There's a reason I remember I like hitting here,’” Morneau said.

Sunday’s recap: White Sox 5, Blue Jays 2 By Chris Kuc / Chicago Tribune | June 26th, 2016 Chris Sale became the first 13-game winner in the majors when he pitched the White Sox past the Blue Jays 5-2 on Sunday at U.S. Cellular Field. The Sox took two out of three from the Jays to capture their second consecutive series victory and improved to 38-38 overall. At the plate Melky Cabrera went 3-for-4 with an RBI and Tim Anderson and J.B. Shuck each went 2-for-4 with a home run to pace the Sox's offense. Troy Tulowitzki and Junior Lake each had homers for the Jays. On the mound Sale went eight innings, allowing two runs on five hits while walking two and striking out seven to improve to 13-2. David Robertson recorded his 20th save of the season. In the field The Sox's Adam Eaton picked up his league-leading 10th outfield assist when the right-fielder gunned down Josh Donaldson trying to stretch a single into a double in the top of the first inning. The quotes "I feel good, there’s no doubt about that. (Dioner) Navarro and (Alex) Avila, those guys have really just kind of carried me through these games. They know what’s working on a certain day and they know what fingers to put down in the right situation. You have to credit them as well." -- Sale on Sox catchers "He's the best. You can say I'm biased or not, he's still the best." Sox manager Robin Ventura on Sale "It’s a lot of fun. We’re behind each other and just having fun out there." -- Anderson Big number 28: The Sox have allowed two runs or fewer 28 times this season, tied with the Cleveland Indians for most times in the American League. Up next Vs. Minnesota Twins, 7:10 p.m., Tuesday; CSN+. RHP Kyle Gibson (0-5, 6.05) vs. LHP Jose Quintana (5-7, 3.04)

Good times are back: Chris Sale leads White Sox to 5

th win in 7 games

By Chris Kuc / Chicago Tribune | June 26th, 2016 Thanks to consecutive series victories for the first time in a couple of months, the good times are starting to roll again in the White Sox clubhouse. After Chris Sale and the Sox dispatched the Blue Jays 5-2 on Sunday at U.S. Cellular Field, smiles were flashed and music blared as players talked about putting their recent disastrous stretch behind them. "This is what we needed," said Sale, who became the majors' first 13-game winner. "Stuff like this is what makes you turn the corner. We've been listening to some music lately and it's been fun. Anytime you can come in after a game like that (and) a couple of good series … it picks you up." Sale picked up his teammates and carried the Sox to their fifth victory in their last seven games by going eight strong innings, allowing two runs on five hits while walking two and striking out seven. The Sox took two of the three from the Jays to capture their second series in a row, the first time they've done that since sweeping the Rangers on April 22-24 and Jays on April 25-27. "I like the way we're playing," manager Robin Ventura said. "Offensively, we're swinging it a little bit, doing some things and playing defense along with it. That's a good sign. Pitchers are getting back to being healthy and getting after it. I like the way this is headed. I like the fire that these guys have shown and bouncing back in some tough situations." J.B. Shuck and Tim Anderson each went 2-for-4 with a home run and Melky Cabrera went 3-for-4 with an RBI to provide the offense for Sale. The left-hander got ahead of Jays hitters and worked quickly on a steamy day to match his win total of last season. Sale carried a shutout into the eighth inning before Troy Tulowitzki and Junior Lake touched him for solo homers. David Robertson came on in the ninth and earned his 20th save. "(Sale) is one of the better pitchers in the game, stuff-wise, and he was tough on us," Tulowitzki said. "If you don't attack early you're going to be behind in the count. He was just pumping strikes. It's unfortunate that we made a lot of first-pitch outs or two-pitch outs, because he was able to work deep into the game." After belting seven home runs in a losing effort Saturday, the Sox played some small ball to pick away at Jays starter Marcus Stroman in the series finale. In the third, Adam Eaton squeezed home Tyler Saladino, and Cabrera later followed with a two-out single to score Anderson. The Sox added two more in the fifth when Anderson led off with his third career homer and then with one out Eaton raced home on a Stroman wild pitch. In the eighth, Shuck provided an insurance run with his second home run in as many games as he found the seats in right. "Early in the year we were having fun, we were scoring runs (and) we were winning games," Shuck said. "(Then) we kind of pressed a little bit and got away from it. We're getting back to it. It's starting to liven up again in here and (there's) really a lot of energy."

White Sox’s Justin Morneau getting back in swing of things By Chris Kuc / Chicago Tribune | June 26th, 2016 Justin Morneau is a former American League Most Valuable Player, four-time All-Star and has led the National League in hitting. Still, the veteran felt some jitters when he stepped into the batting cage at U.S. Cellular Field this weekend.

"I couldn't remember the last time I was actually nervous taking batting practice," Morneau said Sunday. It was his second consecutive day of facing live pitches, his first sessions since undergoing surgery on his left elbow in December. "Once I got into it, it felt better," he said. "I think there will be those steps along the way and I try to let myself know the elbow is going to hold together and be all right. (I'll) keep going … and try to stay positive." Morneau took about 25 swings Saturday and Sunday and was encouraged at his progress as he looks to extend his major-league career as a left-handed bat for the Sox after signing as a free agent June 9. He plans to continue taking batting practice over the next week both home and on the road and said he will not rush his comeback, which for now is scheduled for soon after the All-Star break. "We have a plan that we want to make sure to not come back too soon and don't come back at less than what's going to be useful," he said. "You push it as much as you can, but you have to be smart about it, too, and realize that coming back too soon and not being completely healthy is going to hurt in the long run." Regular guy: During the Sox's 5-2 victory over the Blue Jays on Sunday, Alex Avila was back behind the plate, a day after serving as designated hitter. The catcher's hot bat has prompted manager Robin Ventura to find a spot in the lineup for Avila. "I'm swinging the bat well so he wants to keep my bat in there," said Avila, who went 0-for-3 on Sunday to snap a three-game hitting streak. "Sometimes you go through stretches where the ball finds more holes." Avila said playing DH allows his legs and psyche to get a rest. "When I'm catching my job is to try to get the opposing team out, whereas when I'm DH I don't have to worry about that," Avila said. "So it's like a mental day off." Mound matters: After an off day Monday, the Sox will continue their six-game homestand when they face the Twins on Tuesday. The probable starting pitching matchups: Jose Quintana vs. Kyle Gibson; James Shields vs. Ricky Nolasco and Carlos Rodon vs. Tommy Milone.

How Jason Benetti landed in the booth calling White Sox games By Paul Skrbina / Chicago Tribune | June 26th, 2016 Their lives changed because of a chunk of concrete and a boy named Jason. Rob and Sue Benetti were strolling hand in hand down Shields Avenue on July 31, 1983. He was studying to be a pilot. She was expecting their first child in four months. Both were expecting to see the White Sox play the Yankees that day. Suddenly, Rob was walking no more. Sue was terrified. The Benettis never made it to that 12-6 Sox defeat, their walk interrupted by a lump of stray fascia that fell from what seemed like the sky and found the back of Rob Benetti's head and neck near old Comiskey Park. "Another few inches and I would have been dead," Rob says. "Here's a Cubs fan going to a Sox game with the woman of his dreams and bam." He pauses.

"It flew right over her head." "I turned to Rob to say, 'What was that?'" Sue says. "He was already on the ground." Forty days later, on Sept. 9, Jason Benetti was born, 10 weeks premature and nine days before the "Winning Ugly" White Sox clinched the American League West. For a time, Rob and Sue weren't sure Jason would leave the University of Chicago Hospital. He was hooked to oxygen machines thanks to a lung disorder. Doctors warned he might be developmentally disabled. Jason Benetti was around 3 months old when he finally came home. Rob Benetti was there, too, thanks to severe back and neck injuries. He missed 31/2 years of work and was legally disabled. He spent that time at home with Jason, who later was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that affects muscle coordination, movement and balance. A little more than 32 years later, after Jason was announced as the new White Sox play-by-play TV announcer in January this year, the dots Rob Benetti began to connect during the trying times before and after Jason's birth form a circle in his mind. The concrete. The near-miss. The trauma. Another foot and Jason Benetti might not be here, in his dream job calling games for the team he grew up rooting for. Another foot and Sue Benetti might not be here either. Another foot and … "Call it fate; call it whatever," Rob says. "A million other things had to happen for him to get that job. … But it makes you wonder." Pipe dream comes true His flight changed because of a cigar. A stogie in his mouth during the most important job interview of his 32 years on Earth didn't seem like the best idea. So Jason Benetti rejected the overture. Besides, Benetti doesn't smoke. He wasn't about to start, even if the person offering was Jerry Reinsdorf as the two sat inside the White Sox chairman's office at the Advocate Center in early December 2015. "He said, 'Good, it's a terrible habit,' and he stokes one," Benetti says. The meeting, some two months after he first called the White Sox at the urging of Cubs play-by-play man Len Kasper, went well. Except for the smell. The smoke infested the only suit Benetti had with him. He had squeezed the unplanned trip to Chicago ahead of calling a Michigan State basketball game and fresh off a Syracuse game for ESPN, for whom he still does some work. "I leave Jerry's office and I smell like Caesar's Palace," Benetti says. "I'm like, 'Oh, my gosh. How am I going to do this game?' " Benetti found a dry cleaner but had to rearrange his travel plans to Michigan. Soon he found himself wondering how his imagination had collided with reality.

The notion of being the White Sox's announcer began as a pipe dream many years ago in south suburban Homewood. Benetti revealed in an assignment he wanted to be just that. Now, with one of his idols, Ken Harrelson, announcing he was going to scale back to a mostly road-game schedule, he was one step closer. "I would like to be the White Sox sportscaster," he wrote in his assignment. "As long as I don't look like Harry Caray." A four-word message — "I bet you will!" — and a smiley face were written by his teacher on the paper next to the part where Benetti wondered in pencil whether one day he'd find out how sportscasters do it. The auditions were born in his bedroom, where he'd turn down the volume while playing video games and offer his own analysis. They continued in high school, where Benetti, who played the tuba but couldn't march with the band, began calling play-by-play of the music his bandmates played. That led to the Homewood-Flossmoor High School radio station. Eventually, Benetti landed in the booth for five years calling games for the Syracuse Chiefs, the Nationals' Triple-A affiliate, and working a variety of sports for various outlets while trying to make a name for himself. It was a name with which Steve Stone wasn't familiar. Yet. "How much do you know about extraterrestrials on Pluto?" said Stone, whose broadcasting career began in 1983 as Harry Caray's color man with the Cubs. "That's how much I knew about Jason Benetti." But when Benetti's name began to be thrown about, Stone quickly learned who he was, who he is. Stone began to receive texts and calls telling him Benetti was more than fit for the job. Standing out His understanding changed because of law school, and all of school, really. After earning three bachelor's degrees — broadcast journalism, economics and psychology — from Syracuse, Benetti moonlighted as a law student at Wake Forest while calling baseball and basketball games. He took his final final exam in a hotel room in Scranton, Pa. "I liked the LSAT (law school admission test) logic games, which I think means I have the flu," Benetti says. "I thought it would be helpful to me to understand people. And it has been. There's always two sides. "Over the last half-decade-plus I used to get mad, 'Why do you remind me that I walk like this?'" he says. "They don't mean that. These people are trying to help me." Even when he doesn't need it. In elementary school, kids loved to push him around — not maliciously, but in his wheelchair. "It wasn't something I recognized as a kid," Benetti says of having of cerebral palsy. "I wasn't like the bubble boy from 'Seinfield.' " By seventh grade, Benetti began to understand he stood out. He could feel the eyes on his lazy right eye. He sensed the gazes cast upon his unorthodox gait.

He walked funny. People looked at him funny. Benetti, whose sense of humor often is self-deprecating, didn't think it was funny. He found any excuse to stay home from school. And often he did. "I was kind of angry," he says. "You don't want to be in that environment." Benetti "wasn't good at the sports," but he still enjoyed them. Was a hell of a H-O-R-S-E player. Benetti remembers a teacher who "let me go out and play basketball." Benetti wasn't the manager type, but the same teacher also involved Benetti in strategy, let him help run practice. "One kid came up to me in gym class and said, 'You know why he lets you be the assistant coach?' I go, 'Why?' He said, ' 'Cause he feels sorry for you,'" Benetti says. "I don't want that to stick with me." In some ways, though, it has. And Benetti has done something about it. In 2015, he helped launch the Cerebral Palsy Foundation's "Just Say Hi" campaign. He has done work with several organizations to raise awareness about his condition. But he hardly sees himself as a martyr for people with disabilities. "I can't speak for the disability world on the whole," he says. "A flight attendant said to me a couple weeks ago, 'Do you need help with your bag?' I was like, 'I got it here.' They want to help." 'Personalities that click' He isn't going to change his style. During a game in early May, Benetti sat two chairs to Stone's left during a commercial break and was giving him the business. "Your shirt looks like a TV station that's gone off the air," Benetti said. "It's a fashion tragedy." Stone, a man Benetti looked up to, could only laugh. Their funny bones are kindred spirits. While Benetti's mind is a never-ending fountain of one-liners, his studious nature is no joke. "There's a way Jason can get away with comments like that, because he's gracious and he's a good listener and he's prepared," says Benetti's longtime friend Adam Doster. "That comment in another context could come across as totally obnoxious." During the car ride home together after the White Sox turned a 9-3-2-6-2-5 triple play, Stone suggested the answer to the next question in Sox Math, which quickly has become a popular segment of broadcasts, should involve those numbers, in that order. And so the next day, it was. "Our senses of humor are very close," Stone says. "You just have two personalities that click." Finding ways to fit in The more things change for Jason Benetti, the more he stays the same.

It's not lost on Benetti that he's sitting in a restaurant bearing the name of one of the most famous broadcasters in Chicago sports history, Harry Caray. It's still surreal to Benetti that Caray for years shared a booth with his partner, Stone. It's no surprise, either, that the man people have been staring at since he was a boy now commands attention for very different reasons. After finishing a plate of chicken and a long conversation at the downtown restaurant, Benetti can't make his way out of the place without being stopped for hellos and handshakes. "This is really strange, but really awesome," Benetti says. Strange but awesome that Benetti finds himself in a booth interviewing Frank Thomas or Commissioner Rob Manfred. That he regularly visits with Robin Ventura, Benetti's favorite player growing up. That he finds himself standing in awe of Chicago media legends Ron Magers and Tom Skilling on the field before a recent game when Ventura taps Benetti on the leg with a black bat. "Did you tell him you watched him when you were a kid?" Ventura asks, pointing toward Magers. "I said I enjoyed his work, but I didn't want to make him feel old," Benetti says. Before he knows it, Benetti has joined the conversation. He always finds a way to fit in. "It's been like a very comfortable, old shoe," Stone says. "The fit is great." Stone is confident that viewers' views of Benetti will change. "The best thing that will happen to Jason, and its happening now, is when he makes a transformation in all the fans' eyes from that guy who has cerebral palsy to, 'What a good broadcaster that guy is,' and they take that completely out of the equation," he says. "He's not just a guy that has this certain thing. He's a great broadcaster. He's a wordsmith." That, Stone says, is not going to change.

Chris Sale gets 13

th win in Sox’ 5-2 victory over Jays

By Toni Ginnetti / Chicago Sun-Times | June 26th, 2016 What does it mean to a team when its ace takes the mound? “You know you have a great chance to win, and especially with Chris Sale,’’ White Sox outfielder Adam Eaton said. “Any team has their top three [starters] and they’ll always be giving their best—but especially with Sale. “We don’t want to put any more pressure on him because he puts a lot on himself, but you know you’re going to have a great chance [to win].’’ But the “Sale’’ effect can work two ways. “When you face an ace, you’re excited,’’ Eaton added. “I think some of your best at-bats come when you’re facing a top guy. When you know you have to bring your `A’ game it helps you focus. You see a mountain and you want to climb it.’’ There was no chance for that Sunday for the Toronto Blue Jays against the major league’s victory leader.

“He’s one of the best in the game,’’ Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said of the lefty who notched his 13th win in the 5-2 victory. “It’s obvious when you watch him pitch. He’s got a dynamite fastball, a good changeup and he’s got that sweeping breaking ball that he’ll throw that will run down and in to those righties. “He’s definitely one of the best, no question about that.’’ Sox manager Robin Ventura disagrees only slightly. “He IS the best,’’ he said of Sale (13-2). For seven innings, Sale held the powerful Blue Jays scoreless on five hits, but he had defensive help. In the first inning, Eaton’s throw from right got Josh Donaldson out at second trying to stretch a single. In the fourth and seventh, the Sox infield turned rally-killing double plays. “Especially in the first inning when you’re still trying to find yourself a little bit, and then double plays,’’ Sale said lauding his teammates. “When I’m on the baseball field, there’s nothing I love more than winning. A close second is keeping guys in the bullpen, too,’’ he added of resting the taxed relief corps. “They’ve been working their butts off and used a lot and doing a great job.’’ The Sox gave Sale an early 2-0 lead in the third and added two more in the fifth, including rookie Tim Anderson’s third home run. The Blue Jays ended the shutout bid in the eighth with solo homers from Troy Tulowitzki and Junior Lake, but Sox outfielder J.B. Shuck extended the lead in the eighth with a home run. Ventura had closer David Robertson (20thsave) finish things to secure the series win. “After they touched [Sale] a couple times in the eighth, I think he reared back and let it go,’’ Ventura said. “You start looking at how many innings he was getting after it, and you’re trusting that Robby can come in there.’’ The victory gave the Sox their first back-to-back series wins since April and lifted their record back to .500 (38-38). Sale accounts for about a third of those wins so far, and he is the first Sox pitcher to collect 13 wins before the All-Star break since Jon Garland did it in 2005. But talk of starting the All Star game for the American League squad is fodder for others. “I’m not here to try to prove anything to anybody,’’ Sale said, deferring praise to his teammates. “The guys are in your corner and are fighting for you and believe in you like my guys do, and it gives me the confidence to be the best I can. “I feel good, there’s no doubt about that. [Catchers] Dioner Navarro and [Alex] Avila have really kind of carried me through these games. They know what’s working on a certain day and they know what fingers to put down. You have to credit them as well.’’

Sox notes: Sale’s gem gives bullpen a break By Toni Ginnetti / Chicago Sun-Times | June 26th, 2016 An eight-inning effort by Chris Sale was important Sunday on its own—but it meant even more for the White Sox’ strained bullpen. The workload has been heavy for the relievers of late, and it has come with consequences. Relievers have been summoned to work at least three innings in 15 of the last 20 games, with six of those involving working four or more innings. “When you’re calling on them that early [in games] and you have to fill that many innings, the workload just piles up,’’ manager Robin Ventura said. “They’ve been used quite a bit. I think we’ve had too many games where we’ve had to bring guys in in the fifth inning. That takes its toll.’’ David Robertson pitched the ninth Sunday for his 20th save, and no one else needed to warm up. “With the way the bullpen was, [Sale] was fantastic,’’ Ventura said, adding Monday’s off day will also be welcome rest for the relievers. “They need it,’’ Ventura said. “It’s no secret that [Saturday, a 10-8 loss] quite a few guys weren’t available. They need a break. It’s that simple.’’ SOLID IN CENTER J.B. Shuck was projected out of spring training to be a reliable pinch hitter and fourth outfielder in waiting at Class AAA Charlotte. Since being recalled May 20, his defensive work in center field has changed that perspective. He also has contributed some key hits of late, including another home run on Sunday after hitting his first on Saturday. “I think when you start looking at trying to fill different spots, we need him to be out there,’’ said Ventura, who added Shuck has “stabilized’’ the center field spot since Austin Jackson suffered a torn meniscus in the left knee. “We are better with him there and keeping Adam [Eaton] in right. “I know [Shuck] is a good corner guy, but I think Adam is much better at right, so when you get a guy who can play center, who can put it in play and grind out at-bats, it’s good stuff from him.’’ Shuck, who has started 12 of the last 16 games, has a chance to remain with the team when Jackson returns, Ventura said. GETTING IN THE SWING Justin Morneau will continue taking batting practice this week and on the road next week before a decision is made on when he might start a rehab assignment. Morneau said watching the Sox hit seven home runs Saturday reminded him “there’s a reason I remember I like hitting here.‘’ A VOTE FOR BUEHRLE Former Sox great Mark Buehrle, who pitched for Toronto the last three seasons, remains unsigned this year. He visited U.S. Cellular Field on Friday, and Sale is among those who would love for the lefty to return to the South Side. “It was definitely good to see him. When guys like that come around, it’s definitely a boost.

“It’d be nice to see him in a White Sox cap in the Hall of Fame.’’

Sale, White Sox bounce back to beat Blue Jays By Scot Gregor / Daily Herald | June 26th, 2016 The Chicago White Sox's clubhouse was understandably numb following Saturday's 10-8 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. According to Elias, the Sox became the first team in major-league history to lose a game when hitting at least 6 more home runs than their opponent. The White Sox hit 7 solo homers in the setback to the Jays, and they also gained the dubious distinction of being one of only three teams in history to go deep seven times in a loss. The Sox were in a state of shock, without a doubt, but there was some optimism as well, given Chris Sale was starting against the Jays on Sunday. "He's one of the best in the game," Toronto manager John Gibbons said after Sale sparked the White Sox to a 5-2 victory at U.S. Cellular Field. "It's obvious when you watch him pitch." Yes, it is. "He's the best," Sox manager Robin Ventura said when asked if Sale is the American League's top starter. "You can say I'm biased or not, he's still the best." It's hard to argue with Gibbons or Ventura. Increasing his major-league leading win total to 13 and lowering his ERA to 2.79, Sale pitched 8 innings and allowed 2 runs on 5 hits while walking two and striking out seven. The 27-year-old ace had a 3-hit shutout after the seventh inning before Troy Tulowitzki and Junior Lake hit solo home runs in the eighth. Over his last 3 starts -- all wins -- Sale (13-2) has allowed 6 earned runs on 15 hits in 22 innings to go with 23 strikeouts and 4 walks. "I feel good," he said. "There's no doubt about that. (Dioner) Navarro and (Alex) Avila, those guys have really just kind of carried me through these games. They know what's working on a certain day and they know what fingers to put down in the right situation." Sale cruised through much of the game by simply altering his fastball. "Today, he was pretty much flawless," Avila said after catching Sale. "He had really good command today with all of his pitches working in and out. He changed speeds really well with his fastball today along with the great command. He was throwing strikes, a lot of strikes, and he did a great job." Even with the home run off Sale, Tulowitzki agreed with Avila. "With Sale, if you don't attack early you're going to be behind in the count," the Blue Jays' shortstop said. "He was just pumping strikes. It's unfortunate that we made a lot of first-pitch outs or two-pitch outs because he was able to work deep into the game. But that's the way you've got to attack him because he was able to pound strikes.

"You see his fastball range anywhere from 88 to 98 (mph). He mixes and matches. Being able to take speed off his fastball, really, I think makes him able to go longer in games. He's a different pitcher than what he was." Sale thinks the White Sox are a different team after winning their second straight series. Before taking two of three from Toronto, they won three of four against the Red Sox at Boston. "It's huge," Sale said. "You look at the teams we went up against, too, Boston and Toronto, those are two of the best in the league. I don't look at stats or this or that, but just judging by what I hear on TV they are as good as they get. "This is what we needed. Stuff like this is what makes you turn the corner. We've been listening to some music lately and it's been fun."

Morneau making progress toward joining Chicago White Sox By Scot Gregor / Daily Herald | June 26th, 2016 It has been almost nine months since Justin Morneau last swung a bat, so the 35-year-old first baseman/designated hitter is not getting too excited after taking an estimated 50 swings with his new team, the Chicago White Sox, this weekend. Still trying to make it all the way back from December elbow surgery, Morneau is gradually easing his way back into the batter's box. "I think it's just seeing how it feels and making sure I'm not having any setbacks, I'm not going backwards," Morneau said. "We're running into the second part of the season, and if we have any setbacks at this point, it kind of puts us pretty far back. "So we kind of have to pay attention to it, pain versus reinjuring, that kind of thing. Just sort of try not to overdo it. It's felt good so far, but try not to take 12 steps when you just need to take one at a time." The next step for Morneau? He will continue taking batting practice with the White Sox through the weekend and might be ready for a minor-league rehab assignment next week. "We'll see how b.p. goes the rest of the week," the left-handed hitter said. "As long as everything keeps going well, there's not really a timetable yet for that (rehab), but it's moving forward." Morneau signed a one-year, $1 million contract, plus incentives, with the Sox on June 9. He batted .310 in 49 games with Colorado last season and hit .319 for the Rockies in 2014, winning the National League batting title. "(Saturday), I was nervous hitting for the first time," Morneau said. "I couldn't remember the last time I was actually nervous taking batting practice. Then once I got into it, it felt better. "I think there will be those steps along the way and I try to let myself know the elbow is going to hold together and be all right. Keep going through those and try to stay positive through it." Role model: Chris Sale was an up-and-coming star and Mark Buehrle was an established veteran when the two left-handed pitchers were White Sox teammates in 2010-11. Buehrle, who is no longer pitching but not officially retired after spending the past three seasons with Toronto, was at Friday night's Sox-Blue Jays game, and he talked with Sale.

"It was definitely good to see him," Sale said. "It gives you a little boost. He looks good. He looks like he could pitch again." Does Sale think Buehrle would attempt a comeback after such a lengthy layoff? "I don't know if that's going to work," he said. There has been some talk about the White Sox signing Buehrle so he can officially retire, but the workhorse starter might take a pass since he never was too keen on getting attention. "For me personally, I would like to see it," Sale said. "When you think of Mark Buehrle, you think of him in a White Sox uniform. I don't think he could go out any other way, and it would especially be nice to see him in a White Sox hat when he goes to the Hall of Fame."

Chicago White Sox’s Saladino always learning

By Russell Dorsey / Daily Herald | June 26th, 2016

Chicago White Sox infielder Tyler Saladino wants to learn everything he can. He already has learned more about the game in almost his first full year in the big leagues than he ever knew. Although his role has changed in his second season, his desire to be a student of the game has not. "There's a lot different dedication in the big leagues. One of the great things about baseball, it's a neverending class. You never know everything. If you think you do, you'll be brought back in your place real quick," Saladino said. "The biggest thing is probably the significance of a routine. "We all have our role, so we can just make sure you're ready to do your job. I'm just trying to learn as much as I can." When the Sox called up Saladino from Class AAA Charlotte last season, he was thrust into action, playing 68 games. He hit .237 with 4 home runs and 20 RBI and provided some stability in the infield as the team's everyday third baseman. This season as the White Sox's utility infielder, Saladino has been productive with 4 home runs and 20 RBI while playing solid defense. Gaining baseball knowledge isn't the only thing important to Saladino. He also has seen the effect and value the team has in the community. Whether it's autograph signings or White Sox Charities, each event has been an eye-opening experience. "When you're in a small minor-league town, you don't really have as much of an impact on what's going on," he said. "Whether it's the community, the fans and their families. When you're here, you have a much more direct impact on what's going on and you see that a lot." Moving to a new city can be an adjustment, especially for a baseball player used to being in different cities, but Chicago has grown on Saladino. He enjoys that there always is something to do. "Life is a lot different. I could go without the traffic," Saladino said, laughing. "But Chicago's a nice city and it's beautiful. It's nice being by the water, too. Growing up in San Diego, that does something for me. Just being able to see some water."

Levine: Chris Sale keeping White Sox in playoff picture

By Bruce Levine / CBS Chicago | June 26th, 2016

CHICAGO (CBS) — Ace left-hander Chris Sale continues to keep the Chicago White Sox in the American League playoff picture. On Sunday, Sale won his MLB-best 13th game, leading the White Sox to a 5-2 victory against the Blue Jays at U.S. Cellular Field. He has now won 13 of Chicago’s 38 games this season. At 38-38, the White Sox trail the Blue Jays by 2.5 games for the second AL wild-card spot. Sale had the help of solid run support from the offense. He went eight innings, allowing two runs while throwing 99 pitches, saving the worn-out bullpen any more stress after a hectic week of less-than-stellar stating pitching. Closer David Robertson had an easy ninth inning, picking up his 20th save of the season. Sale allowed five hits and walked two while striking out seven. “He was fantastic,” manager Robin Ventura said. “That was especially true with the wind blowing out, and we knew the ball was going to carry. He got the double play when we needed it, and the defense was strong as well.” Chicago won its second straight series for the first time since April 27. The White Sox took three of four from the Red Sox in Boston before winning two of three from the Blue Jays this weekend. “I really like the way we are playing,” Ventura said. “Offensively, we are swinging the bat a little bit, solid defense along with it. That is a good sign for us to do that. The pitchers are getting back to being healthy. I like the way this is headed.” Sale is the odds-on favorite to start for the AL in the All-Star Game in San Diego on July 12. A perennial All-Star, Sale will be making his fifth consecutive trip to the Midsummer Classic. He’s 13-2 with a 2.79 ERA and 0.98 WHIP. “That is for you guys to talk about,” Sale said about possibly starting the All-Star Game. “I have a couple of more starts before then. I have workto do before we play it.” As of now, Sale is on schedule for two more starts before the All-Star Game. He will pitch next Saturday against the Astros and then Friday, July 8 against the Braves. That would give him three days of rest before the All-Star Game on July 12. Sale recorded his 70th career win Sunday, for a lifetime mark of 70-42. On Friday, he talked to his mentor and White Sox icon, Mark Buerhle, who was in town with his family as a visitor. Buehrle stopped by to see his friend and only remaining teammate from the 2011 team. “It was definitely good to see him,” Sale said. “Any time you see a guy like that come around, it g ives you a boost. He looks good, and he looks like he can pitch again. More than anything I learned from his was being a professional, taking the ball every five days. He took the ball more than anybody. That, plus pace of play. He showed me how to get the ball and go. No one wants to be out there too long. Get the ball and go and be a pro.” While Sale is 13-2, the rest of the White Sox starters are 14-26. He’s keeping the team afloat. “He is the best pitcher in the league,” Ventura said. “Whether I am biased or not, he is the best.”

Levine: Robin Ventura wont’ bow to detractors

By Bruce Levine CBS Chicago | June 26th, 2016

CHICAGO (CBS) — Frank Sinatra’s song ” My Way” is a fitting way to describe White Sox manager Robin Ventura and his approach to the job. Ventura has always been a team guy with clear conviction of that is what’s right for the 25 men on a team is right for him. Finding emotion on the exterior of Ventura is just about impossible. He’s the type of person you don’t ever want to play poker with, as he keeps an even keel in almost all situations, with a few exceptions here and there once in a great while. Ventura’s of his inward thoughts is many times mistaken for not caring or being able to stay in the moment. When hired, Ventura was thought to be the perfect fit, a manager marking the departure from Ozzie Guillen’s in-your-face managing style. The hope of White Sox management was that Ventura’s way, with a more calculated approach to communicating a message, was needed after the eight years of outward fire and brimstone. A guest on WSCR radio’s “Inside the Clubhouse” on Saturday, Ventura was as upfront as he ever has been about the way he tries to motivate a club while protecting the sanctity of the locker room. “I have always been like this, what is really important to me and how I find value as to what I do,” Ventura said. “It is important to be who I am inside the clubhouse. In there, I might be loud and more emotional and say things in a more pointed way. Inside the clubhouse is always going to be different. I have always taken the sanctity of the clubhouse very seriously.” The 48-year-old Ventura is human like anyone else. He gets his feelings hurt and seems concerned when people suggest the fan base might not understand his passion. “I try to keep as much of the communication here within our group,” Ventura said. “If you have to wear it because people don’t think you’re passionate or emotional, that goes with the job. I am not going to compromise or dance for anything else. That part is very important to me, so I will always do that.” I asked Ventura if booing or fans not supporting him is a concern. “What gets to me is the way we play or if we are not playing well,” he responded. “That parts gets to you. Again, what is important is how I react to the players in here. The outside stuff is there and will always be there. You can come here any day of the week and have 40,000 people disagree with what you’re doing or not doing. That part comes with the territory. I am comfortable in my own skin enough to do what I think is right.” Ventura is in the last year of his contract. Now in his fifth season managing the White Sox, his record is 334-389. Chicago is currentl 37-38, seven games behind AL Central-leading Cleveland.

Sale pitches White Sox past Blue Jays, 5-2

By Associated Press | June 26th, 2016

CHICAGO (AP) — Pitching on a hot, muggy afternoon against one of the majors’ best lineups, Chris Sale made it look easy. Sale tossed eight innings of two-run ball to become the majors’ first 13-game winner, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Toronto Blue Jays, 5-2, on Sunday.

“When you get into a groove, you just try to ride it out as best you can,” Sale said. “It was nice to get some quick outs and just try to roll with it.” Sale (13-2) allowed five hits, struck out seven and walked two in his fourth straight victory. The 6-foot-6 left-hander matched his win total from all of 2015 when he was 13-11. Sale was working on a shutout before Troy Tulowitzki homered down the left-field line with one out in the eighth. After Kevin Pillar struck out, Junior Lake made it 4-2 with a drive to left-center. “Everybody knows how good (Sale’s) putaway pitches are,” Tulowitzki said. “He was tough.” Tim Anderson and J.B. Shuck homered to help Chicago take two of three from slumping Toronto, which has dropped five of seven. The White Sox returned to .500 (38-38) with their fifth win in seven games. “It’s just sign we’re getting back on the right track,” said Shuck, who connected in the eighth. “We’re playing the baseball we want to play.” David Robertson pitched a perfect ninth for his 20th save in 22 chances. Melky Cabrera and Adam Eaton each drove in a run for Chicago, which bounced back nicely after it hit seven solo homers in a frustrating 10-8 loss on Saturday. The White Sox joined the Tigers as the only teams to lose after hitting at least seven homers. Toronto starter Marcus Stroman (6-4) allowed four runs and seven hits in five innings. He walked four and struck out four. “(Stroman) drew a tough assignment today. He almost had to be perfect,” manager John Gibbons said. “Sale is definitely one of the best, no doubt about that.” The White Sox jumped in front with two in the third. Eaton’s squeeze bunt drove in Tyler Saladino from third with one out, and Eaton reached on a fielder’s choice when Stroman’s throw home was high. One out later, Cabrera’s single drove in Anderson from second. Anderson led off the fifth inning with a drive to left for his third homer. Anderson and Shuck also homered on Saturday. NET RESULT One day after Toronto reliever Jason Grilli barely reacted in time to stab a line drive that was headed for his face, he called for increased safety measures for fans. “I don’t see how the nets can’t be extended down the foul lines in every park,” Grilli said. “That’s where the most balls come into the stands at 110 miles per hour while a lot of fans are on their cell phones.” MAKING MOVES After the game, the Blue Jays recalled right-hander Ryan Tepera from Triple-A Buffalo and optioned left-hander Chad Girodo to their top farm club. TRAINER’S ROOM Blue Jays: RHP Gavin Floyd was placed on the 15-day disabled list with shoulder tightness and RHP Bo Schultz was promoted from Triple-A Buffalo. Schultz pitched the eighth on Sunday. Floyd was scheduled for an MRI. … 1B Justin Smoak (left knee) was out of the lineup for a third straight game. UP NEXT Blue Jays: RHP Marco Estrada (5-3, 2.70 ERA) takes the mound as Toronto opens a three-game series at Colorado. He’ll face RHP Jon Gray (4-3, 4.80 ERA).

White Sox: After a day off on Monday, LHP Jose Quintana (5-7, 3.04 ERA) will try to win for the first time since May 8 when the White Sox open a three-game home set against Minnesota and RHP Kyle Gibson (0-5, 6.05 ERA). Quintana is 0-6 with a 4.50 ERA over his last eight starts.

Chris Sale dominates Blue Jays, White Sox take series with 5-2 win

By Lauren Comitor / The Athletic | June 26th, 2016

Behind a great performance from Chris Sale and a couple more solo home runs, the White Sox defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 5-2 on Sunday. After taking three of four against the Red Sox last week, and two of three from the Blue Jays this weekend, the White Sox won back-to-back series for the first time since late April, when they completed back-to-back sweeps against the Rangers and Blue Jays. Describe the game in three words: Coming up Sox. Mr. Efficient: Sale was remarkably economical Sunday, allowing only four baserunners in his first seven innings. He threw nine or fewer pitches in four of the eight innings he pitched, exiting the game with 99 pitches. He allowed five hits, issued two walks and struck out seven for his 13th win of the season. Sale’s only missteps came in the eighth inning, when he gave up his shutout. With one out and two strikes on Troy Tulowitzki, Sale served up a 75 mph slider that ended up in the left field stands. He then appeared to recover, striking out Kevin Pillar on three straight fastballs. But then ex-Cub Junior Lake, who was called up from the minors Friday, came to the plate. He fouled off an 84 mph changeup and then lined Sale’s next 91 mph fastball to center for a home run. Sale walked the next batter, another former Cub in Darwin Barney, but was able to escape the inning on a Devon Travis ground ball. Sox closer David Robertson pitched the ninth inning, getting three straight fly-outs from Blue Jays batters to secure the win. After giving up only six home runs in April and May combined, Sale finished June with seven home runs surrendered. He gave up three in a win over the Royals on June 10. Taking advantage: The White Sox were able to build their lead thanks to some defensive miscues by the Blue Jays. In the third inning with one out, Blue Jays starting pitcher Marcus Stroman walked Tyler Saladino on five pitches. Then Stroman’s pickoff attempt bounced off the glove of first baseman Edwin Encarnacion, allowing Saladino to advance to second base. Tim Anderson singled, sending Saladino to third, and Adam Eaton followed up with a sacrifice bunt to score a sliding Saladino. After a Jose Abreu strikeout, Melky Cabrera singled, allowing Anderson to score and give the White Sox a 2-0 lead. In the fifth, Stroman walked Eaton, who moved to third on another Cabrera single. Then with Todd Frazier at the plate, Stroman threw a wild pitch that got away from catcher Russell Martin, scoring Eaton. Stroman got out of the inning, but his day was over after giving up four runs on seven hits, walking four and striking out four. Never enough solo home runs: After hitting seven solo home runs in their loss Saturday, the White Sox added two more Sunday, both from players who contributed Saturday. Anderson led off the fifth inning with a home run to left that just barely made it out, but it was good for his second in two days and his third of the season. In the eighth inning, J.B. Shuck added an insurance run on his solo knock, also his second in two days and on the season. On deck: The White Sox have an off day Monday before hosting the Twins for a three-game set. Jose Quintana (5-7, 3.04 ERA) vs. Kyle Gibson (0-5, 6.05 ERA). The White Sox won Quintana’s last outing on

June 22 in Boston, the first time they’ve done that since May 8 against the Twins. But he had one of his worst outings of late, giving up six earned runs and striking out only one batter for the first time this season.