Introduction to the White Sox’ Season
The White Sox had high hopes for Shane Smith when they acquired him from Milwaukee in the Rule 5 Draft. However, they weren’t expecting an All-Star who’d be shutting down the playoff-bound Yankees in late September. The Sox didn’t have anything on the line as Smith dominated early in Tuesday’s loss at Yankee Stadium. The Sox haven’t played a meaningful late-season contest in four years, locking up their third straight 100-loss season on Wednesday.
Performance of Shane Smith
If they ever get back to contending anytime soon, they just might’ve found the guy who could take the mound in Smith, who’s winding down his first year at 6-8 with a 3.98 ERA and 137 strikeouts in 28 starts. He held the high-powered Yanks to a run on five hits over five innings with eight strikeouts. The Sox haven’t said if Smith, who’s far beyond a career-high workload with 140⅓ innings pitched, will take his final turn in the rotation this weekend at Washington.
Reaction from Shane Smith
“It’s tough to put into words right now. I’ll probably reflect on this as the season ends and when I’m home for a couple of days and not doing anything. That’s when it will really hit me,” Smith said. “But super grateful to be healthy, super grateful for these guys. We fight our ass off, [and I’m] just trying to show up for them.” Now Smith wants to take the next step with his teammates. “I don’t think anybody in that locker room is like ‘It’s our rookie year, we’re OK losing that game,’” he said. “Everybody holds themselves to a high standard and nobody wants to lose.”
Jonathan Cannon pitches during the first inning against the Yankees Wednesday.
Frank Franklin II/AP Photos
Sox lose 100th game
It’s not historic, but it sure stinks. The Sox dropped their 100th game of the season 8-1 to the Yankees, marking their third consecutive season racking up triple-digit losses, including last year’s all-time MLB worst 41-121 campaign. MVP candidate Aaron Judge gave New York all the offense it’d need with his 50th home run of the season, a three-run blast off Jonathan Cannon, whose latest big-league outing was only marginally better than his last after being demoted to Triple-A Charlotte.
Roster Moves
As the Sox called up Cannon and shut down Mike Tauchman, they announced rookie reliever Wikelman Gonzalez also will finish the season on the injured list with an elbow impingement. They claimed journeyman outfielder Derek Hill off waivers from Miami, where he hit .213/.275/.331 with three homers and seven stolen bases in 53 games this season. In an injury-plagued campaign, the Palatine native was still one of the Sox’ top offensive producers as well as a vital veteran presence. Benintendi, who ended the year with a strong month at the plate, figures to be around for the next stage of the Sox’ rebuild whether the front office likes it or not.
Conclusion
The White Sox have locked up another 100-loss season, but rookie All-Star Shane Smith has given them hope for the future. Smith has dominated on the mound, holding the high-powered Yankees to a run on five hits over five innings with eight strikeouts. The Sox are focused on player development, and while the difference between losing 99 or as many as 104 this season isn’t much, they are looking to take a huge step forward next year.
FAQs
Q: How many 100-loss seasons have the White Sox had in a row?
A: The White Sox have had three consecutive 100-loss seasons.
Q: Who is Shane Smith and what has he achieved?
A: Shane Smith is a rookie All-Star who has dominated on the mound, holding the Yankees to a run on five hits over five innings with eight strikeouts.
Q: What is the current state of the White Sox’ roster?
A: The White Sox have a roster packed with rookies and have made several moves, including calling up Jonathan Cannon and shutting down Mike Tauchman.
Q: What are the White Sox’ hopes for the future?
A: The White Sox are focused on player development and are looking to take a huge step forward next year.
