KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The White Sox’ scheduled game against the Royals Tuesday night at Kauffman Stadium is being delayed by rain in the area. An 8:40 p.m. start time is expected.
Lucas Giolito (1-2, 3.67 ERA) is schedule to start against the Royals’ Jordan Lyles (0-5, 6.69).
The Sox (12-24) lost the series opener 12-5 to the Royals (10-26) Monday in a matchup of the AL Central Division’s two worst teams. The four-game series continues through Thursday.
“We can’t dig ourselves an even deeper hole,” Sox manager Pedro Grifol said before the game. “We have to make a move here soon.”
Shortstop Tim Anderson was not in the lineup, taking a scheduled say off in the aftermath of his sprained knee that landed him on the injured list April 11 and sidelined him until May 2.
“He had a schedule plan,” Grifol said. “It was going to be two on, one off.
“I decided to play him [Monday] and get him off today. After this one, it’s play until him and I decide he needs a day.”
Moncada likely back Friday
Yoan Moncada hit the second home run of his rehab assignment and also tripled and singled at Triple-A Charlotte Tuesday. Moncada, 8-for-12 in four games, is on track for a return to the Sox Friday when the team opens a weekend series against the Astros. Moncada has not played since April due to back soreness stemming from a protruding disc.
“He’s doing really well,” Grifol said. “Excited to have him back.”
More DH time for Grandal
Yasmani Grandal was penciled in the lineup at designated hitter after catching Monday. Grandal has played in 32 of the Sox’ 36 games, five as a DH and could have more at DH with Eloy Jimenez (appendectomy) out for at least four weeks.
“This is a good time for me to give him some DH opportunities so he can rest his body a little bit,” Grifol said.
Hendriks, Crochet may join Sox next week
Left-hander Garrett Crochet’s rehab (Tommy John surgery) was transferred from Double-A Birmingham to Charlotte. Crochet threw a scoreless inning, touching 98 mph, for the Knights Tuesday.
Liam Hendriks will likely make his third appearance Wednesday, rest for a day or two then pitch on back-to-back days this weekend before joining the Sox next week.
Hendriks and Crochet could be in Sox uniforms Tuesday when the Sox open a series against the Guardians at Guaranteed Rate Field
“[Crochet] and Liam are on the same pace,” Grifol said. “They’re both going to be right around the same day, day after, day before. Barring any hiccups.”
Crochet is getting ramped up for multiple innings while Hendriks, who is coming back after getting treated for Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, is preparing for one inning outings.
This and that
Veteran righty reliever Bryan Shaw, who was at extended spring training, was activated and pitched a scoreless inning with two strikeouts for Charlotte.
*Lefty Jake Diekman was signed by the Rays after being designated for assignment by the Sox.
*The Reds claimed right-hander Frank German off waivers from the Sox.
