CHICAGO – The White Sox entered Friday’s game against the Twins with a 33-1 record when ahead after six innings, a 35-1 record when ahead after seven and a perfect 34-0 ledger when leading after eight.
Those numbers can be directly attributed to the relief excellence displayed this season by closer Alex Colomé and left-handed setup man Aaron Bummer at the heart of a bullpen that saw it’s scoreless-innings streak end Thursday at 16 1/3. So it’s easy to understand why White Sox manager Rick Renteria doesn’t want to lose either one with the Trade Deadline fast approaching.
“I would rather not,” said a smiling Renteria, drawing laughs from the media with his clear but simple understatement. “Listen, the game of baseball brings a lot of surprises. Sometimes hidden gems.
“But those two have been, what they’ve done for us … taking care of certain moments for us, they’ve been the reason why we were able to do what we were doing up until the half.”
At the All-Star break, the White Sox stood at 42-44 and both Colome and Bummer were All-Star worthy. Bummer made seven appearances greater than one inning since the start of June, allowing two runs in total. Colome has allowed two runs over his 22 save opportunities, successfully converting 21 of those chances.
Bummer isn't eligible for arbitration until 2021, and he's not eligible for free agency until '25. The White Sox have one more year of control with Colome after this season. So, even at the end of the beginning stage of this rebuild, Chicago would have to be seriously moved to make any sort of deal for the pair.
Having the high-leverage part of the bullpen in place entering 2020, including reliever Evan Marshall, who Renteria also praised, clearly should help a team hoping to take a big step forward.
Jimenez and Anderson making progress
Both left fielder Eloy Jimenez and shortstop Tim Anderson's returns to the White Sox could be right around the corner, potentially as soon as Tuesday’s series opener against the Mets at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Jimenez, who was moving around the dugout and the field before Friday's game with a great deal of energy, did some early work, including hitting and throwing before taking a few rounds of batting practice amid his regular routine in testing his right ulnar contusion. Renteria acknowledged Jimenez might serve as designated hitter right away when he returns, but he’s preparing with his normal left-field routine.
“I don’t want to speculate on when it would be because I don’t know how he’s feeling after the full day of work today,” Renteria said. “I’ll talk to the trainers at the end of the day to see if he’s felt any residual effects and then have a better idea tomorrow. Usually you don’t feel anything in the moment. You feel it later. We’ll see where he’s at.”
Anderson, sidelined by a high right ankle sprain, had five hits in his first two injury rehab games with Triple-A Charlotte. He hit leadoff and played shortstop Friday but was scheduled for a day off Saturday.
“Both results and how he feels physically, he’s doing well,” said Renteria of Anderson.
Cordell's pregame glove work pays dividends
Ryan Cordell ranks fifth in baseball with eight outs above average, per Statcast, and his defensive excellence can be traced in part to his work during batting practice.
“I take a lot of pride during BP when I get my couple of groups to shag,” Cordell said. “Usually, I just take one group and I just go all out and try to get the best jumps as I can and just really focus on making it like a game.
“You can take fungos all you want. But the best way to get outfield jumps is reading the ball off the bat in BP. I try to clear the pitchers out and make sure they know I’m working out there. I will even move around with specific hitters. I definitely try to get some fly balls in all three outfield positions, with the majority of the time in center and right. Definitely take a lot of pride in it.”
Cordell knows there are a number of different ways to influence the game, whether it’s defense, speed or offense.
“Throughout my entire career when people ask me what kind of player is Ryan Cordell, the answer I always give is I just want to be a guy who can impact a game in a positive way,” Cordell said. “Every night that’s going to look different.”
Senior Reporter Scott Merkin has covered the White Sox for MLB.com since 2003.
