White Sox implement extended netting for safety

CHICAGO -- The White Sox played their first game at Guaranteed Rate Field with the protective netting extended down each line, becoming one of the first Major League teams to enact such a move to increase fan safety.

That netting was extended 210 feet down the right-field line and 205 down the left-field line. It’s about 30 feet high at the end of the dugout, and then it goes up as the cable goes up, so at its max it's about 45 feet when going down to the corners.

According to White Sox senior vice president of communications Scott Reifert, the netting is treated as a wall. So, anything above the dugout is out of play, but an overthrow is in play as long as it’s not above the dugout.

It took three days to get the netting hung, with it being draped the first day and then tightened up. The reaction the White Sox have received so far has been positive.

“People understand that the ballpark experience has changed from just a few years ago,” Reifert said. “Pitchers throw harder, balls come off bats harder, people are spending more time looking down at their phones. We're all guilty of that, or at the scoreboard.

“Safety matters to folks. Overall, it's been a positive reaction. Part of why we want people to come out is because if you look it's light colored, it doesn't really seem to impact [the view]. We've tested, we've sat in seats, and we don't think the impact will be very dramatic for most people.”

Adding netting might take away from the autograph experience. But it also gives extra comfort to players knowing it will be less likely any fan sustains some sort of injury.

“I’d rather have them be safe than signing autographs for somebody,” White Sox reliever Evan Marshall said. “That’s a valuable part of the fan experience, but not getting hit in the head with a line drive is way more valuable.”

Eloy avoids worst-case injury scenario

When Eloy Jiménez first sustained a right ulnar nerve contusion upon colliding with Charles Tilson while chasing a fly ball last Tuesday at Kauffman Stadium, the White Sox rookie left fielder feared it was a season-ending injury.

“Yes, my first thought was that because I felt a lot of pain and I didn’t feel my hand,” said Jimenez, speaking for the first time since the injury prior to Monday’s homestand opener with the Marlins. “I said ‘Oh my God. I might be out for the season.’ But after I took the MRI, they told me you are going to be back soon.”

Jimenez was all-smiles during his interview session, and he said he was pain-free. But his baseball work remains a bit limited, in terms of not swinging the bat or throwing, with no timetable set for a potential injury rehab assignment let alone his return.

“We're preventing him from swinging. We're going to take care of this kid,” manager Rick Renteria said. “This guy's a special kid. So, we're doing everything in our power right now to make sure we limit his activity until we're ready to put him out there, and do what we need to do to continue moving forward.”

On the Whit Merrifield first-inning fly ball leading to the injury, Tilson and Jimenez both called for it. Jimenez didn’t hear Tilson, leading to the injury. Jimenez continues to work at outfield improvement, having put in daily work with first-base coach Daryl Boston previously in that area.

“He views himself, first and foremost, as a guy who can play nine innings of baseball,” Renteria said. “He does not like getting removed -- and I don't like removing players, to be honest -- for defensive purposes.

“If they show they're capable of playing the defense they're supposed to in order to help you win a Major League ballgame, I want them out there. But he's got to continue to work, and he knows that, we've talked about that.”

Anderson closing in on return

Tim Anderson, who was placed on the injured list retroactive to June 26 with a high right ankle sprain sustained in a game against Boston, ran the bases with no issue for the first time during Monday’s pregame. That action left the White Sox shortstop optimistic for a return in the near future.

“Maybe a week or two, I'm thinking. It just depends on how I feel,” Anderson said. “But I feel good. I feel like I'm in a good spot. Just take it a day at a time, a little more comfortable.”

Anderson will need a Minor League injury rehab assignment before he re-joins the White Sox. The team misses his on-field energy and emotional play, something Jose Abreu mentioned during the series in Kansas City.

“Some of the guys have told me that. It's been a tough stretch,” Anderson said. “I'm sure it's been hard but take it a day at a time. I'm ready to get back with the boys and just keep having fun with them.

“Just watching, it's different. It's really made me appreciate the game. You know, you're playing in front of all of those people, so I think that was pretty cool to stand back. I'm ready to get back out there and give those people a show.”