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Chicago Tribune
3 days ago
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Column: Despite some setbacks, the Chicago White Sox rebuild finally is looking up
There's no disputing the Chicago White Sox have shown improvement over one year ago. The Sox were 28-89 on Aug. 8, 2024, the day general manager Chris Getz finally pulled the trigger on manager Pedro Grifol, mercifully ending a reign that sent the rebuild backward. They began Friday's game against the Cleveland Guardians at 42-73, which isn't much to brag about but still a 15-game improvement over '24. The offense is starting to click, the bullpen has been effective and the Sox showed an unwillingness to accept mediocrity Friday when they demoted starter Jonathan Cannon to Triple-A Charlotte instead of letting him figure it out at the major-league level. So have the Sox turned the corner, or maybe just a corner? 'I'd say a corner,' Getz said before Friday's game. 'We're not there yet. We've got a lot of work ahead of us. Most importantly, we're playing well right now, and we're going to look for ways to add to this club and find ways to beat our opponent. … Yeah, we're certainly not there yet, but we feel like we're heading in the right direction.' There was really only one direction to go after last year's record-setting 121-loss season, but the point was made. The team's core prospects — Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, Chase Meidroth and Edgar Quero and minor-league outfielder Braden Montgomery — have given Sox fans reason for optimism, along with the rise of Lenyn Sosa as a productive hitter. The future rotation remains a question with Cannon dropping down, but Shane Smith figures to be part of it, along with top prospects Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith, who've been challenged by injuries and will be sent to the Arizona Fall League after the season. If the Sox can finish strong, it might convince ownership to increase the already miniscule payroll and add some quality free agents in 2026. OK, that's a little far-fetched. It's the heat talking. Getz confirmed it was 'too soon' to think about potential offseason free-agents additions. 'We've got essentially two months of baseball left, and a lot of these players are getting through their first full seasons at the major-league level,' he said. 'Some of them, first full season in a White Sox uniform. And we're getting a pretty good idea of what they're capable of doing. But in regards to shaping the roster, I think we need a little bit more time. But we're definitely going to look for opportunities to add to this club.' Expect the same old bargain-bin signings until the Justin Ishbia era gets rolling. One player from the old core could be sticking around too. The Sox kept Luis Robert Jr. at the trade deadline instead of dealing him for next to nothing just to move on. That means they'll either pick up his $20 million option for 2026 or let their best player leave for nothing. Now that Robert is hitting, it's a no-brainer to bring him back, if only to go through the same thing again next trade deadline. 'I'm glad we didn't cut bait considering how productive he's been since the All-Star break,' Getz said, citing Robert's recent stats as evidence of his revival without answering whether the option would be picked up. 'When he's playing well, the team is seemingly playing well and we are getting wins,' Getz continued. 'He's a guy we like having in this organization and we are planning on having him part of the future.' That would counter the analysis of former White Sox GM Rick Hahn, who told MLB Network that Robert has known for the last 'year-plus that he's a short-term guy in Chicago.' 'When you know you're not really part of the future, it makes it a little harder to come to the park every day and give your best, where he's going to be different in a new (environment),' Hahn said. Robert has been one of the keys to the post-All-Star run. They were 10-4 in their first 14 games until a four-game skid that started in Los Angeles against the Angels. The Sox might not be as good as Chicago Sports Network's Dan Plesac seems to think, but there is more reason for optimism than any time in the last four seasons. Now Sox fans are getting upset again when they lose games they should win, which is progress after the Grifol era, during which they grew to expect something awful would happen. Will Venable has done a commendable job in his first season, but if he can keep them over .500 in the second half we'll know the rebuild is starting to turn the corner. A 33-32 record over the final 65 games would leave them with a 65-97 record, a 24-game improvement over '24. Tyler Alexander will take Cannon's spot, though he might be a 'bulk' pitcher coming in after an opener. Veteran Martin Perez, who made a rehab start for Double-A Birmingham on Friday, figures to be up before the end of the month. Developing the core is important, but watching the players figure out how to win those close games they usually lose might be the only way to sell this team for 2026. They entered Friday with a 9-25 record in one-run games, including Thursday's tough, extra-inning loss in Seattle, where they went 1-for-17 with runners in scoring position. But games like that are still going to happen. A nice three-week stretch doesn't change the fact the Sox are on pace for 103 losses, but when was the last time they even had a decent three-week stretch? 'We're in a period where we're getting some wins and we're feeling good and the vibes are solid,' Getz said. 'Guys are excited to show up, and they know they have a chance to win every night.'
The Age
03-08-2025
- The Age
Behind the headlines, Perth's car cruise community is on edge
It's a freezing cold Saturday night and a group of people are huddled together in the dark of an empty car park in Perth's south-east. Smaller groups of two or three are peering under the hoods of cars, others are leaning on a roof, talking about their latest lift kit, wrap or tyres and some are just chatting, catching up after what was a tense week. This gathering in Canning Vale is a car meet, one of many held around Perth, and while there's usually a much bigger crowd ready to go for a drive – or cruise – the numbers have dropped significantly after a shocking incident earlier in July that saw a 17-year-old girl hospitalised with critical injuries. 'Everyone's kind of scared at the moment,' the organisers of Limitless Car Cruises, Cameron and Mitchell, say. '[The police] are borderline between either yellow-stickering and shutting everything down to get rid of all this from happening ever again, or letting us continue and hopefully we can fix it ourselves.' The organisers, who asked for their last names not to be used, are talking about an increased police presence at car meets across Perth, and the feeling that, after the Burswood incident, enthusiasts will be punished for attending them. While some in the community would welcome that, assuming all car meets and cruises attract reckless young hoons, those involved in the city's car culture say there's much more to the events than that. 'We're a bunch of people who respect cars and have the same passion,' Mitchell says. 'Whether you're driving a Chrysler or you're driving a Getz … it's what you've got done to it, what you're imagining to do to it … tell me about it. I want to know.' In Canning Vale, Limitless are holding their first car meet since the Burswood incident that put the scene in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. On that night, Chun Lai Yuen, 25, was allegedly travelling at almost 100km/h in a 40km/h zone along Camfield Drive when he hit 17-year-old Caitlyn Dickson, causing her to fly into the air before hitting the bonnet of the car. She was taken to hospital, undergoing surgery for life-altering injuries including a torn aorta, fractured pelvis, fractured elbow, bladder tears and spleen tears. Caitlyn was just a spectator at the meet, and the crash happened after the event finished as cars were filing out along the narrow roads Burswood peninsula roads. In a statement released after the crash, Caitlyn's parents said they were 'still in shock', but described their daughter as 'a fighter', while a fundraiser set up to support her said she was 'bright, beautiful soul'. Yuen was released on bail after being charged with dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm in circumstances of aggravation. He will be back before the courts in a few weeks' time. On the Saturday night in Canning Vale, the police drive past a few times and speak to the Limitless organisers, find out what they have planned. Then officers let them know they'll be watching. Closely. The boys give them a map of their planned cruise that night, and then give the group a hard talk about expected behaviour on the road. It's not the actual gathering that catches authorities' attention, but the cruises afterwards, where people behind the wheels of what can often be high-powered, modified cars are susceptible to the urge to show off in front of their friends. While Cameron and Mitchell concede some of the car meets do attract the wrong people, they say that the majority do the right thing. And those who don't are not welcome. 'I can't control what you do, but I can control who I report it to and get the plates and the information we need. Cam and I are pretty big on that,' Mitchell says. 'We will notify the police and let them deal with it accordingly. 'We tell them, 'You need to either leave or you need to pull your head in', either way. I'll take a photo his licence plate and Cam and I will have a discussion about how we're going to deal with it.' But the problem is widespread, they say, and getting worse. 'We try and communicate with the other admins of the other crews and just let them know, 'hey, let's try and get together and fix this before it becomes an issue',' they say. 'Because if we don't fix it now, it's going to be too late. We're not going to have a car scene ... all the people that come out to these events and spend money on cars will have nowhere to go, nothing to do, and it's going to be our own faults, because no one's taking a stand.' Why do Perth's car meets attract thousands? And who are the people behind the cars? There's about 18 separate car clubs in Perth and, if you're keen, you can attend one every night of the week. But with some of the clubs attracting thousands of participants, questions have been raised about how they can keep control of all of their members. Whether a few hoons will ruin the scene for everyone, remains to be seen, but if car meets and cruises are stamped out, it won't just be the hoons that will be sidelined. 'It would be a huge loss for everyone that's trying to do the right thing,' Mitchell says. 'For some people, coming here is the highlight of their week. And they get so much more out of it than just showing off their car.' After the horror crash earlier in June, WA Premier Roger Cook it was an opportunity for police 'to reflect on how they monitor these gatherings'. But, questioned on whether there should be limits on the types of cars young people can drive – particularly P-platers, given a spate of horror crashes recently involving novice drivers – Cook said the bigger focus should be making sure they had the skills needed behind the wheel. In Canning Vale, cute Minis sit side by side with beasty LandCruisers, and V8 engines idle alongside your average four cylinders. No one's bragging. No one's showing off. And no one seems to feel inadequate. Not all car clubs are like this one, but the premise is the same: bring your car, meet some like-minded people and share your passion. For 22-year-old Daneika from Gidgegannup, the meets are also an opportunity to socialise away from pubs and bars. She was introduced by a friend. When asked what she gets out of it, she sums it up in one word:'Community.' 'My mum and dad both used to go around the car scene when they were younger,' she says. 'They loved it for the same reasons, it was a community, that's what it's about.' Like others, Daneika says the incident earlier in June has concerned all enthusiasts who attend club meets. 'It's kind of ruffled everyone,' she says. 'But it has been a wake up call that they've kind of needed. 'We don't want that. We don't want the speeding. We don't want the hooning. No one wants to see anyone get hurt.' Joseph is 18 years old. He is accompanied to the car meets by his mentor and support worker, Chris Cady, who believes they will have a positive influence on the keen car enthusiast and amateur photographer. 'Obviously, there's the dangerous side to it when there's people that are not doing the right thing,' Cady says. 'But I always use that as an opportunity … these kids, they have no fear. 'A whole lot of people are probably traumatised from what they saw on that night, which should be part of [getting] your license. 'Like, if you do this, this is what will happen.' But Cady says that those that really love their cars, don't want to speed. 'People in the right car clubs, they don't want to wreck their cars because they're putting their life into it,' he says. 'It's kind of a reflection of them, almost. That's how I see cars. It's a personality thing.' Shannon McLeod, 33, travelled to Canning Vale from Serpentine for the Illicit meet. She is passionate about her 2004 V8 Commodore, and she grew up in the car scene. Her 69-year-old nanna still cruises around in her prized Mustang, ignoring boys her grandchildren's age that try and race her on the road. But Shannon says there's a dark side to the community if you're a woman. 'The amount of girls that want to get into cars but feel intimidated ... even I feel intimidated, going to get car parts and the blokes are all looking at me,' Shannon says. 'Get rid of that stigma that girls can't do what guys do. 'I've been to some of the bigger events and I stopped going because it was nasty, yeah, people are absolutely nasty to you.' Mother and daughter duo Rikke and Michelle run a high-end car decal sticker business, Bella Custom. They go to most of the car meets to set up a stand and advertise their work. 'We've had girls come up to us at some of the meets and say they're being harassed by guys, asking for help,' they said. 'We just tell them we'll speak to the organisers for you.'
Sydney Morning Herald
03-08-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Behind the headlines, Perth's car cruise community is on edge
It's a freezing cold Saturday night and a group of people are huddled together in the dark of an empty car park in Perth's south-east. Smaller groups of two or three are peering under the hoods of cars, others are leaning on a roof, talking about their latest lift kit, wrap or tyres and some are just chatting, catching up after what was a tense week. This gathering in Canning Vale is a car meet, one of many held around Perth, and while there's usually a much bigger crowd ready to go for a drive – or cruise – the numbers have dropped significantly after a shocking incident earlier in July that saw a 17-year-old girl hospitalised with critical injuries. 'Everyone's kind of scared at the moment,' the organisers of Limitless Car Cruises, Cameron and Mitchell, say. '[The police] are borderline between either yellow-stickering and shutting everything down to get rid of all this from happening ever again, or letting us continue and hopefully we can fix it ourselves.' The organisers, who asked for their last names not to be used, are talking about an increased police presence at car meets across Perth, and the feeling that, after the Burswood incident, enthusiasts will be punished for attending them. While some in the community would welcome that, assuming all car meets and cruises attract reckless young hoons, those involved in the city's car culture say there's much more to the events than that. 'We're a bunch of people who respect cars and have the same passion,' Mitchell says. 'Whether you're driving a Chrysler or you're driving a Getz … it's what you've got done to it, what you're imagining to do to it … tell me about it. I want to know.' In Canning Vale, Limitless are holding their first car meet since the Burswood incident that put the scene in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. On that night, Chun Lai Yuen, 25, was allegedly travelling at almost 100km/h in a 40km/h zone along Camfield Drive when he hit 17-year-old Caitlyn Dickson, causing her to fly into the air before hitting the bonnet of the car. She was taken to hospital, undergoing surgery for life-altering injuries including a torn aorta, fractured pelvis, fractured elbow, bladder tears and spleen tears. Caitlyn was just a spectator at the meet, and the crash happened after the event finished as cars were filing out along the narrow roads Burswood peninsula roads. In a statement released after the crash, Caitlyn's parents said they were 'still in shock', but described their daughter as 'a fighter', while a fundraiser set up to support her said she was 'bright, beautiful soul'. Yuen was released on bail after being charged with dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm in circumstances of aggravation. He will be back before the courts in a few weeks' time. On the Saturday night in Canning Vale, the police drive past a few times and speak to the Limitless organisers, find out what they have planned. Then officers let them know they'll be watching. Closely. The boys give them a map of their planned cruise that night, and then give the group a hard talk about expected behaviour on the road. It's not the actual gathering that catches authorities' attention, but the cruises afterwards, where people behind the wheels of what can often be high-powered, modified cars are susceptible to the urge to show off in front of their friends. While Cameron and Mitchell concede some of the car meets do attract the wrong people, they say that the majority do the right thing. And those who don't are not welcome. 'I can't control what you do, but I can control who I report it to and get the plates and the information we need. Cam and I are pretty big on that,' Mitchell says. 'We will notify the police and let them deal with it accordingly. 'We tell them, 'You need to either leave or you need to pull your head in', either way. I'll take a photo his licence plate and Cam and I will have a discussion about how we're going to deal with it.' But the problem is widespread, they say, and getting worse. 'We try and communicate with the other admins of the other crews and just let them know, 'hey, let's try and get together and fix this before it becomes an issue',' they say. 'Because if we don't fix it now, it's going to be too late. We're not going to have a car scene ... all the people that come out to these events and spend money on cars will have nowhere to go, nothing to do, and it's going to be our own faults, because no one's taking a stand.' Why do Perth's car meets attract thousands? And who are the people behind the cars? There's about 18 separate car clubs in Perth and, if you're keen, you can attend one every night of the week. But with some of the clubs attracting thousands of participants, questions have been raised about how they can keep control of all of their members. Whether a few hoons will ruin the scene for everyone, remains to be seen, but if car meets and cruises are stamped out, it won't just be the hoons that will be sidelined. 'It would be a huge loss for everyone that's trying to do the right thing,' Mitchell says. 'For some people, coming here is the highlight of their week. And they get so much more out of it than just showing off their car.' After the horror crash earlier in June, WA Premier Roger Cook it was an opportunity for police 'to reflect on how they monitor these gatherings'. But, questioned on whether there should be limits on the types of cars young people can drive – particularly P-platers, given a spate of horror crashes recently involving novice drivers – Cook said the bigger focus should be making sure they had the skills needed behind the wheel. In Canning Vale, cute Minis sit side by side with beasty LandCruisers, and V8 engines idle alongside your average four cylinders. No one's bragging. No one's showing off. And no one seems to feel inadequate. Not all car clubs are like this one, but the premise is the same: bring your car, meet some like-minded people and share your passion. For 22-year-old Daneika from Gidgegannup, the meets are also an opportunity to socialise away from pubs and bars. She was introduced by a friend. When asked what she gets out of it, she sums it up in one word:'Community.' 'My mum and dad both used to go around the car scene when they were younger,' she says. 'They loved it for the same reasons, it was a community, that's what it's about.' Like others, Daneika says the incident earlier in June has concerned all enthusiasts who attend club meets. 'It's kind of ruffled everyone,' she says. 'But it has been a wake up call that they've kind of needed. 'We don't want that. We don't want the speeding. We don't want the hooning. No one wants to see anyone get hurt.' Joseph is 18 years old. He is accompanied to the car meets by his mentor and support worker, Chris Cady, who believes they will have a positive influence on the keen car enthusiast and amateur photographer. 'Obviously, there's the dangerous side to it when there's people that are not doing the right thing,' Cady says. 'But I always use that as an opportunity … these kids, they have no fear. 'A whole lot of people are probably traumatised from what they saw on that night, which should be part of [getting] your license. 'Like, if you do this, this is what will happen.' But Cady says that those that really love their cars, don't want to speed. 'People in the right car clubs, they don't want to wreck their cars because they're putting their life into it,' he says. 'It's kind of a reflection of them, almost. That's how I see cars. It's a personality thing.' Shannon McLeod, 33, travelled to Canning Vale from Serpentine for the Illicit meet. She is passionate about her 2004 V8 Commodore, and she grew up in the car scene. Her 69-year-old nanna still cruises around in her prized Mustang, ignoring boys her grandchildren's age that try and race her on the road. But Shannon says there's a dark side to the community if you're a woman. 'The amount of girls that want to get into cars but feel intimidated ... even I feel intimidated, going to get car parts and the blokes are all looking at me,' Shannon says. 'Get rid of that stigma that girls can't do what guys do. 'I've been to some of the bigger events and I stopped going because it was nasty, yeah, people are absolutely nasty to you.' Mother and daughter duo Rikke and Michelle run a high-end car decal sticker business, Bella Custom. They go to most of the car meets to set up a stand and advertise their work. 'We've had girls come up to us at some of the meets and say they're being harassed by guys, asking for help,' they said. 'We just tell them we'll speak to the organisers for you.'
Chicago Tribune
01-08-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
3 things to watch in August for the Chicago White Sox, who are on the verge of passing last year's win total
ANAHEIM, Calif. — The trade deadline had just passed. And fresh off winning two of three against the playoff-contending Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox general manager Chris Getz couldn't wait to see his team return to the field. 'In the last year and a half as general manager here, I've never been more excited to come into the ballpark,' Getz said on a video conference Thursday. 'You go into a game knowing you have a chance to win. 'There's a lot that goes into winning baseball games. We've got more pieces than we have in the past that can help us win ballgames.' After a day off Thursday, the Sox returned to action with the first of three games at Angel Stadium against the Los Angeles Angels. They ended July on a strong note, winning eight of 12 after the All-Star break. 'Offensively it's really come alive, and a lot of that is Luis Robert,' Getz said. 'That has an influence throughout the lineup. There's more action on the basepaths when he gets on base, and obviously there's different ways to get on base. He's taken his walks and he's driving the baseball and wreaking havoc on the bases. 'And I think that has really helped, whether it be Kyle Teel and (Edgar) Quero and (Colson) Montgomery, more opportunities to drive in runs.' While there was interest from other teams, the Sox held on to Robert at the deadline. They did make two deals Wednesday and Thursday, sending outfielder Austin Slater to the New York Yankees and pitcher Adrian Houser to the Tampa Bay Rays. With the trades complete, here are three things to watch for the Sox in August. The Sox won only 41 games in 2024 while setting a modern-day MLB record with 121 losses. They got their 40th win of 2025 with Wednesday's 9-3 victory against the Phillies. The Sox didn't win their 40th game last year until Sept. 28. No. 41 came the next day in the season finale. The Sox entered Friday with a 40-69 record and were in last place in the American League Central — 11½ games behind the fourth-place Minnesota Twins and 23½ behind the division-leading Detroit Tigers. But they have made improvements. And Getz said the second-half success begins at the plate. 'Hitting the fastball has really opened up the possibilities for us offensively, and we've been able to score more runs,' he said. 'So I'd say that stands out the most. 'There's been some really good pitching performances. Our bullpen has become much more reliable, and Grant Taylor is a big part of that. We've been able to have pitchers settle into more roles that perhaps are more suitable for their skill set. So I think (the) bullpen, starters and our offense are to credit.' Getz highlighted the development of rookies Teel, Quero and Montgomery. All three homered Wednesday. 'These young players that are performing well,' he said. 'And you look at Colson Montgomery and where things were not too long ago (pressing pause at Triple A to work on his swing at the club's Arizona facility) to what he's doing is remarkable. 'But you look at Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero, just watching what they did (Wednesday). We scratch Adrian Houser (from his scheduled start) and we still come out with a win. That's not an easy thing to do, and that speaks to the roster we have and the creativity of our staff. 'So just to go into games on a regular basis and knowing that we've got a chance to win that night, (that) there's a pathway to win — (manager) Will (Venable) refers to it as a pathway to victory — that makes it a lot of fun.' While the Sox roster remained largely intact after the deadline, the Twins dealt nearly 40% of their roster. The Sox will see the Twins in late August at Rate Field. The Sox played just one AL Central foe in July, dropping three of four to the Cleveland Guardians right before the All-Star break. They'll see all four divisional rivals this month, beginning with the Guardians on Aug. 8-10 at Rate Field. The homestand also includes three games against the Tigers (Aug. 11-13). The Sox then head to Kansas City for a three-game series against the Royals (Aug. 15-17). The Twins visit Rate Field on Aug. 22-24, followed by the Royals on Aug. 25-27. The Sox are 7-20 against the AL Central this season. The Sox have to tweak their rotation after the Houser trade. 'Losing Adrian Houser and what he brings in the rotation is not easy to plug, both the production and the innings,' Getz said. 'But Martín Pérez is going on a rehab (assignment, with his first outing for Triple-A Charlotte scheduled for Saturday) and certainly can be helpful down the final stretch, and then you look at Shane Smith, who's about to return in Anaheim. 'But we also know we're probably going to tap into some players we have in the minor leagues as well.' Sox starters and relievers could be facing some MVP-type challenges this month. After the three games in Anaheim, the Sox visit Seattle, where Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh is having a phenomenal season. He leads the majors with 42 home runs and 88 RBIs. New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge — currently on the injured list with a flexor strain in his right elbow — is second in the AL in both categories with 37 home runs and 85 RBIs and is tops in just about every other department, including batting average (.342), on-base percentage (.449) and slugging (.711). The Yankees visit Rate Field on Aug. 28-31. After a 12-13 July, Getz is eagerly anticipating what's ahead for the Sox. 'These next two months I think are going to be exciting,' he said.
Chicago Tribune
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Chicago White Sox GM Chris Getz on Colson Montgomery's 1st days in the majors: ‘He looked very comfortable'
Chicago White Sox general manager Chris Getz called to check in on shortstop Colson Montgomery a few months ago. 'He was going through it,' Getz said Monday at Rate Field. 'He was really struggling. And I said, 'Hey, we're going to figure this out. You're going to figure this out. You just can't quit.' He goes, 'I'm not going to quit.' 'And he didn't.' Montgomery made his major-league debut Friday with the Sox in a 3-2 victory against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The 2021 first-round pick played his first home game Monday as the Sox began a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rate Field. 'He looked very comfortable on both sides of the ball,' Getz said of Montgomery's three games over the weekend in Denver. 'And hopefully he continues. We believe in the player, we believe in the person. And most importantly, he deserves the credit. But it's a big deal for this organization.' The Sox had the Colorado series circled as the possible right time to call up Montgomery from the Triple-A Charlotte. 'He had an incredible week with just the amount of hits, the power, I know he was playing really sound defense,' Getz said of the period of June 23-29, when Montgomery slashed .500/.522/1.227, going 11-for-22 with two doubles, one triple, four home runs, eight RBIs and a 1.749 OPS over five games against Toledo. 'You're never certain on what the ideal time is,' Getz said. 'Talked to (manager) Will Venable and the staff and decided to pull the trigger after talking to the (player development) group. (Director of player development) Paul Janish was very supportive of it. It looked like the right decision.' Montgomery went 0-for-2 while reaching base on a catcher's interference call and a walk in his big-league debut on Friday. He had three hits — including an RBI triple — during Saturday's 10-3 victory. The first-inning triple served as his first major-league hit and RBI. He collected two more hits and another RBI in Sunday's 6-4 loss. Shane Smith started Sunday's game for the Sox. It was a special day for the right-hander, who was named the team's representative for the All-Star Game. According to Elias Sports Bureau, Smith became the second player since at least 2000 to become an All-Star in the season after being selected in the Rule 5 draft. 'We were excited about Shane Smith in the Rule 5 draft, and there's so much that goes into the preparation and making that selection,' Getz said. 'But then, kind of the onboarding and coming to an organization and not being able to be optioned to the minor leagues, he's got to make the big-league club. Can you navigate the season with a Rule 5 pick? But it's gone really well. And Shane should be so proud. 'For Dan Uggla (in 2006) and Shane Smith to be the only Rule 5 picks that make the All-Star team in the year that they're selected — that's small company right there. It's a testament to his hard work, his talent, his determination. And then, it's something to be celebrated with our group that we pushed for the right guy.' The Sox selected Smith with the top pick of the Rule 5 draft in December during the MLB Winter Meetings. They are preparing this week for the MLB first-year player draft, which begins Sunday. The Sox have the No. 10 pick. This upcoming weekend also includes the reunion of the 2005 World Series championship team. It will also be another opportunity for the club to honor pitcher Bobby Jenks, who died Friday at the age of 44. He had been battling adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer. The Sox plan to wear a '45' uniform patch for the remainder of the 2025 season in memory of Jenks. They also did a video tribute prior to Monday's home game. Getz and Jenks were Sox teammates in 2008-09. 'He'll be dearly missed,' Getz said. 'I'm just happy I was able to play with him, because he really was a special person. 'He pitched with such passion. I know the White Sox fans loved him, and for good reason. It was a sad day when he passed, but I look forward in the coming days just to tell more stories about Bobby.' Before Monday's game, the Sox placed first baseman Ryan Noda on the 10-day injured list with a right quad strain and recalled infielder Tristan Gray from Charlotte. Gray, 29, has a .280/.349/.493 slash line with 12 doubles, three triples, nine home runs and 39 RBIs in 62 games with the Knights. He has appeared in 25 games at second base, 16 at third and 14 at shortstop. Gray has played in 17 major-league games over parts of two seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays (2023), Oakland Athletics (2024) and Miami Marlins (2024), going 5-for-33 (.152). 'Power in the bat, defensive versatility,' Venable said of Gray. 'We could see him at any spot in the infield, and a guy that's been around and can put a charge into a baseball.' Noda, a Grant product, is 3-for-34 (.088) with one home run and one RBI in 16 games this season.
