The White Sox’ most recent auditions for spots in the 2024 rotation in the last three games were a difficult watch.
In a 14-2 loss to the Mariners on Monday at Guaranteed Rate Field, right-hander Touki Toussaint got drilled for five runs in the first inning, then exited in the fifth trailing 7-1 after allowing back-to-back homers to Cal Raleigh and Teoscar Hernandez.
Claimed by the Sox off waivers from the Guardians on June 20 to help patch up a thin starting-pitching lot in their system, Toussaint has walked 18 batters in his last four starts covering 18„ innings. He has a 5.30 ERA in 13 appearances, including nine starts.
“I think everyone across the league kind of knows I walk guys, so they just did a good job of waiting me out,” Toussaint said.
Toussaint’s dud comes two days after righty Jesse Scholtens (3.79 ERA) walked a season-high five batters, allowed five hits and needed 86 pitches to complete three innings of five-run ball in an 11-5 loss at Colorado.
“Every good pitching staff attacks the strike zone,” manager Pedro Grifol said. “Why would you want to do it any other way than that? Stand on the mound and attack.”
The rotation for next season is up in the air aside from Dylan Cease. Michael Kopech is struggling, and Mike Clevinger, arguably the team’s best starter this season, has a mutual option for 2024. Hence the opportunities afforded Toussaint and Scholtens, a 29-year-old lifetime minor-leaguer before this season.
Sox didn’t adjust
Mariners starter Luis Castillo didn’t walk a batter and struck out nine in seven innings of one-run ball. He threw nothing but fastballs his last 47 pitches.
“It’s 40-something in a row, and we didn’t make an adjustment,” Grifol said.
Benintendi’s No. 1
Andrew Benintendi is the Sox’ best baserunner, third-base coach Eddie Rodriguez said. It has more to do with Benintendi’s economical 13 stolen bases in 14 attempts.
“He anticipates; he really has a feel for that,” Rodriguez said. “Knows how to lead, when to lead, how much to lead. When to take the extra base because the situation dictates it or not.”
Rodriguez also cited Luis Robert Jr.
“He has speed, which makes up for some things, but he has the aggressiveness above and beyond the speed,” Rodriguez said, “for when he wants to take the extra base, to force the defense to execute.”
Robert has 16 stolen bases in 18 attempts.
More time for Sosa
Second baseman Lenyn Sosa (0-for-4) got his third start and played in his fourth straight game since getting recalled from Triple-A Charlotte. Grifol said Sosa, who played in his 37th game between last season and this one, should continue to get reps.
“No doubt about it. Him [and rookie Oscar] Colas,” Grifol said. “We gotta make sure. We can’t go into spring training with questions. We have to make sure this offseason we are closer to knowing when these guys are going to be completely ready to be major-leaguers.”
This and that
Eloy Jimenez returned from paternity leave, and reliever Declan Cronin was optioned to Triple-A to make room on the roster.
† Steve Stone, who left the broadcast booth Sunday in Colorado with an upset stomach, expects to return Tuesday. Mike Huff took Stone’s place Monday.
