Notes: Dunning optioned; Cubs and Dubs

CHICAGO -- Dane Dunning’s first stint with the White Sox lasted one start, as the right-hander was optioned to the team’s alternate training facility in Schaumburg, Ill., prior to Thursday's game. Outfielder Nicky Delmonico was recalled to fill his spot.

Dunning, 25, made his Major League debut during Wednesday’s 5-3 victory over the Tigers, struck out seven and allowed three runs -- via a Jeimer Candelario fifth-inning home run -- over 4 1/3 innings. But with scheduled off-days coming Monday and Thursday next week, Dunning’s spot in the rotation could be skipped.

“We want to keep him working, and then we'll see where we're at when we get to that point again,” White Sox manager Rick Renteria said Thursday. “We've always liked him, and unfortunately, the injury bug got him a little bit, but I thought he showed very, very well [Wednesday].”

“That's the goal. Take it one day at a time from now,” said Dunning following his start. “And when a start comes up, just compete the best I can.”

Renteria looks forward to finding regular places for this plethora of young White Sox talent, a pleasant issue stemming from the team’s rebuild.

“We'll have great problems that determine how we continue to move forward,” Renteria said. “We're very fortunate and we're going to have some good problems down the road.”

Crosstown showdown ... without fans

The Cubs enter this upcoming three-game set against the White Sox atop the National League Central. The White Sox also enter as a playoff team. It should be an entertaining weekend of baseball, and the fans’ absences won’t take away from the intensity.

“Will it be a little different without having the fans out there? Yeah, absolutely,” said Renteria, who has managed on both sides of town. “No one could deny that. Fortunately for us, our guys continue to go out there and try to do the best they can regardless of that particular component.”

The White Sox won all three head-to-head exhibition games this season and hold a 62-60 Interleague edge.

Robert learning from the best
Renteria hopes Luis Robert will return to the lineup against the Cubs this weekend after the center fielder missed the past two games with right wrist soreness. The 23-year-old has been impressive during his rookie season but continues to learn the game at the highest level of competition.

“Nothing surprises me about Luis,” White Sox hitting coach Frank Menechino said. “He’s one of my projects to really shrink the zone. He’s my guy to really get the most out of while playing in the big leagues.

“He’s got a lot of stuff to learn in the big leagues, and that’s a really hard stage to do it at. He’s handling it. I have to constantly remind him it’s the big leagues. 'These are the best pitchers you’ve ever faced. You are going to have to make adjustments and constantly work and stay on your adjustments.' I keep telling him, 'You are doing great. You are doing fine. Let’s just keep working and keep getting after it and keep trying to do the things that normal players get a full year at Triple-A to do.'

“I’m proud of what he’s doing,” Menechino added. “He’s handling everything pretty well.”

Dancing for Dubs
Zack Collins and Danny Mendick are making their Dancing for Dubs postgame clubhouse celebrations interactive. Not only will fans be able to suggest players they'd like to see join the catcher and infielder on video after victories, but they also can request specific dance moves.

This entertainment tradition began on the last day of a three-game set in Cleveland on July 29 following a 4-0 victory.

“Me and Mendick were dancing in the little locker room that we have,” Collins said. “[Dylan] Cease happened to be recording us and we posted it, and everybody loved it and we happened to go on a six-game win streak. It was exciting from there.”

Collins admitted some individuals might be tough to get on video because they are shy. One request already has come in for pitching coach Don Cooper.

“We’ll have to work on that one,” Collins said. “That would be a tough one to get in there, but maybe we can convince him one day.”

Fans wanting to participate in the fun can do so via Collins' Twitter account.

Third to first
• José Abreu picked up his sixth career game-winning home run in the eighth inning or later on Wednesday night. His last one came on July 3, 2019, when he hit a three-run walk-off shot to complete a doubleheader sweep of the Tigers.

• Reynaldo López is nearing a return, per Renteria. That return could be Saturday at Wrigley Field, where the White Sox still have TBA listed as their starter.

He said it
“My dad was like, 'Due to COVID, we can't be there, but if you look hard enough, you might just see us.’” -- Dunning, on his family buying 10 cardboard cutouts in the stands to support him during his MLB debut