NEW YORK — Closer Alex Colome has appeared in 5 video games for the 4-9 White Sox with all of two save alternatives, so staying sharp has been a problem. Manager Rick Renteria is getting him in video games simply to maintain the rust off.
“It’s a little hard but every two, three days they give me an inning,” stated Colome, who final pitched in a 9-1 loss to the Rays Wednesday. “I try to have it in my mind that [when I pitch in low leverage situations] there are no excuses.”
Colome (3.68 ERA) stated he’s at his greatest “when I pitch more. Two or three days in a row is when I’m better, more consistent.”
The Sox acquired the 30-year-old Dominican right-hander, who ranks fourth amongst American League saves leaders since 2016 behind Edwin Diaz, Craig Kimbrel and Roberto Osuna with 98, in an offseason commerce with the Mariners for catcher Omar Narvaez.
Alex Colome and catcher Welington Castillo of the White Sox rejoice a win in opposition to the Seattle Mariners through the season residence opening recreation at Guaranteed Rate Field on April 05, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Colome is assured there will probably be extra probabilities for saves.
“Some things aren’t right right now but we have a great team,” he stated. “We know we’re going to win games. I know the guys behind me. They have talent.”
Santana, take two
Right-hander Ervin Santana, who was rocked by the Rays for seven runs on seven hits together with three residence runs in Three 1/Three innings his first look as a Sox Tuesday, stated there isn’t a thriller as to why he was ineffective.
“I was not in the strike zone, I was behind in the count and when that happens you’re going to pay,” the two-time AL All-Star, most just lately with the Twins in 2017, stated. “I noticed the video and that was it. There was nothing main.’’
Santana labored with a 93-94 mph four-seam fastball in 2017. He was at 91 Tuesday, which he stated is greater than ok.
“You ask concerning the velocity however I don’t actually care concerning the velocity,” Santana stated. “I care about finding the fastball and making pitches. If I throw 93-94 it’s high-quality for me and if I throw 90-91 it’s high-quality, too. The important factor for me is finding.’’
Santana will get his second begin Monday evening when the Sox open a three-game homestand in opposition to the Royals.
Struggling Yolmer
Struggling second baseman Yolmer Sanchez went 0-for-2 with a strikeout, reducing his common to .094, and made an error on a double play floor ball opening the gates to a three-run inning within the Sox’ 4-Zero loss to the Yankees Saturday. Jose Rondon began at second in opposition to lefty CC Sabathia, and Sanchez, a switch-hitter, will probably be beginning Sunday when the Sox shut the sequence at Yankee Stadium, supervisor Rick Renteria stated.
“That shouldn’t be typical of Yolmer; I’m certain he’s urgent a bit bit,” Renteria stated. “I’m sure I’ll have a conversation with him. He’s just got to play. He has to be himself.”
“I just [messed] it up,” Sanchez stated of his fourth error in 10 video games.
“A foul day, and no person desires that. It’s an extended season, and I imagine I may also help my workforce, and I’ll hold working. I’m nonetheless right here — I’ve an opportunity to show myself to them.’’
Sanchez, 26, batted .242/.306/.372, tied for the AL lead with 10 triples, led the Sox with 145 hits and was second with 34 doubles. Per Baseball Reference, he was second on the workforce in wins above alternative behind right-hander Reynaldo Lopez.