WHITE SOX HEADLINES OF MAY 10, 2017 “Former Star to Host a Celebrity Golf Classic Benefiting Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation” … Staff “Pelfrey loses command after 3 sharp frames” … John Jackson, MLB.com “Sox can't capitalize after fast start vs. Twins” … Rhett Bollinger, MLB.com “White Sox won't rush to promote Moncada” … John Jackson, MLB.com “Holland tasked with facing strong Twins lineup” … Rhett Bollinger, MLB.com “Waiting for it to click, Giolito trusting process” … Scott Merkin, MLB.com “Kopech fans six in another strong start” … Mike Rosenbaum, MLB.com “White Sox lose fourth straight, drop series opener to Twins” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “Rick Hahn expects ‘robust’ bidding process for Cuban free agent Luis Robert” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “Rick Hahn on White Sox prospect : “We’re not going to rush this”” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “After rough major league debut, Jacob May slowing things down at Triple-A” … JJ Stankevitz, CSN Chicago “White Sox GM Rick Hahn open to dealing with everyone, including Cubs” … Paul Skrbina, “Mike Pelfrey stumbles again as White Sox starter woes continue” … Paul Skrbina, Chicago Tribune “Twins deal White Sox fourth loss in row” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun Times “Geovany Soto scratched from lineup as elbow flares up again” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun Times “Hahn expects bidding for Luis Robert to be ‘robust’” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun Times “‘Atrocious’ is ’s own word for 2017 performance” … Steve Greenberg, Chicago Sun Times “Ken Harrelson to throw out first pitch Saturday” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun Times “White Sox lose fourth straight, but Hahn pleased with start to season” … Scot Gregor, Daily Herald “Santiago beats former team, Twins top White Sox 7-2” … Matt Schoch, Associated Press “Rodon throwing off mound but return to White Sox still uncertain” … Scot Gregor, Daily Herald “Are Chicago White Sox close to signing prized prospect?” … Scot Gregor, Daily Herald

Former Chicago White Sox Star to Host a Celebrity Golf Classic Benefiting Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation By Fresh Start Caring for Kids Foundation | APRIL 28, 2017

Jermaine Dye (Chicago White Sox, 2005 MVP) will host the 3rd Annual Celebrity Golf Classic on Monday, June 12, 2017, at The Glen Club (2901 W. Lake Ave., Glenview, IL 60026) to benefit Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation. Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing children with no- cost reconstructive surgery and follow-up medical care. The organization has provided no-cost surgeries to 60 patients and more than $2 million in donated medical care since its June 2014 inception in Chicago. Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation was named the winner of the Make It Better Foundation 2015 Philanthropy Award for Health & Wellness, which was sponsored by Nancy Searle.

The golf outing and post-golf luncheon will also be hosted by Honorary Chairperson Barry Golden. The golf outing will begin with registration and breakfast at 8 a.m., and the shotgun start will take place at 9 a.m. Participants will have the opportunity to golf with celebrities and win prizes. At the end of the round, participants will enjoy a cocktail reception from 2-3 p.m., raffle drawings, and the announcement of golf contest winners.

The luncheon will be hosted from 3-5 p.m. and will include live music and an opportunity to mingle with Dye and other celebrity guests* during a buffet luncheon with an open bar. The afternoon will also feature live and silent auctions with prizes, including an Apple Vacations and Riu Caribe three-night vacation to Cancun, Mexico; an opportunity to golf with Dye at the exclusive, invitation-only Scottsdale National in Arizona; and various experience packages and sports memorabilia.

Former Chicago White Sox Star Hosts the Fresh Start Caring for Kids Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic

“I’m honored to partner with Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation,” Dye says. “No child should have to endure a physical deformity because of lack of insurance or lack of financial resources. The Foundation gives children a new lease on life. I’m excited to bring some of the biggest names in professional sports to help raise awareness of the great work performed by the Foundation.”

Tickets for the luncheon are $40-$75. Participation fees are $500 for an individual golfer and $1,750 for a foursome with a celebrity. All ticket and sponsorship opportunities are available here.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the 3rd Annual Celebrity Golf Classic will directly benefit the medical needs of children served by Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation. The organization provides no-cost medical services to patients through Surgery Weekends and clinics held at The University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital three times per year. Medical services are donated by doctors, clinicians and other medical professionals. The Celebrity Golf Classics have raised more than $45,000 to date to benefit Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation.

Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation’s vision is to build a community of local healthcare organizations and surgical volunteers committed to ensuring that — through short- and long-term medical intervention — every child with a physical deformity receives the medical care they need. Through the treatment they receive, each child has a new opportunity to develop a positive self-image, renewed self-esteem, confidence and a fresh start in life.

Every day many children courageously face the world with physical imperfections and deformities. Some are born with birth defects, while others have suffered from disease and injury. Each child deserves the best medical care possible. Surgeons affiliated with Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation are highly-trained specialists who are board certified in plastic surgery and members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Reconstructive surgery can help correct many of these issues, such as cleft lip and cleft palate, Treacher Collins syndrome, port-wine stain and microtia, but many children do not have access to the surgery and care they need.

Please contact Utica J. Gray, PhD, Chicago regional director of Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation, at [email protected] or 847-513-3326 with questions or for additional information.

*Past celebrity participants have included the following:

Jermaine Dye — Celebrity Host Marcus Allen Brian Anderson Jerry Azumah Tim Brown Richard Dent Marshall Faulk Grant Fuhr Chuck Garfien Robbie Gould David Justice Patrick Mannelly Mark Mulder Dan Pasqua Scott Podsednik Andre Reed Alfonso Ribeiro Sterling Sharpe Frank Thomas

Pelfrey loses command after 3 sharp frames By John Jackson / Special to MLB.com | May 9, 2017

CHICAGO -- To twist an old cliché a bit, momentum is as strong as your starting . For three innings on Tuesday night, it appeared the White Sox might be on the way to regaining some of the early season mojo that made them one of the surprise teams in the American League in the first month.

Then, starter Mike Pelfrey struggled in the fourth inning. When the dust settled, the White Sox losing streak hit four games with a 7-2 loss to the Twins.

"Tonight, I'll take the blame for that," Pelfrey said after falling to 0-3. "These guys gave me a lead and I gave it right back. That can be demoralizing, and that's my fault." On the strength of run-scoring singles by Tyler Saladino and Jose Abreu, the White Sox jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the third. But the Twins answered with three in the fourth to quickly flip the script.

Jorge Polanco started the rally with a leadoff single to center and then stole second base. Max Kepler followed with a single to drive in Polanco and cut the deficit in half. Designated hitter Kennys Vargas then crushed a 390-foot to right field to give the Twins a 3-2 lead -- all before Pelfrey could get an out in the inning.

"It's never good to give up three, but especially after we score two," Pelfrey said. "I'm pretty disappointed in myself for that. That kills the team." The right-hander believes the reason for his sudden drop off is simple: command. "I came out for the fourth and I thought Polanco, I thought that was good hitting," Pelfrey said. "I thought it was a pitch that I executed fairly well and, obviously, good hitting.

"On Kepler, that ball was supposed to be in and it ended up being up and away, and ended up down the line. Then on Vargas, terrible pitch. It was right down the middle and kind of flat. He's got a lot of power and he, obviously, hit it."

Just like that, Pelfrey's impressive outing against his former team was gone. "I think we were passive early and took some good to hit the first time around," Twins manager Paul Molitor said. "But he was throwing that front-door two-seamer to lefties and was throwing his forkball pretty well. "But we got the first guy on with Polanco there and it seemed like once he pitched out of the stretch, we took advantage of that."

Despite giving up three runs in 4 2/3 innings to see his ERA rise to 5.21, Pelfrey saw some positives in his fourth start.

"For the most part, I thought my stuff was good," he said. "I probably would have liked to have thrown more strikes with the split and the . There were so many lefties over there, I thought I did a good job of commanding in for the most part. But obviously, that pitch to Vargas was almost right down the middle and ruins the evening.

"Obviously, I need to get deeper in the game. As good as this bullpen's been, I can't ask them to pick up four innings every time I pitch. That's frustrating on my part."

Sox can't capitalize after fast start vs. Twins By Rhett Bollinger and John Jackson / MLB.com | May 9, 2017

CHICAGO -- Hector Santiago threw 6 2/3 solid innings, and he was backed by a two-run homer from Kennys Vargas and a four-run sixth, to lead the Twins to a 7-2 win over the White Sox in the series opener on Tuesday night at Guaranteed Rate Field.

Santiago, facing his former team, allowed only three hits, but he walked five, while striking out six, and improving to 4-1 with a 2.76 ERA. Both runs came in the third on a pair of RBI singles from Tyler Saladino and Jose Abreu.

"I'll take it, but the five walks is something you don't want," Santiago said. "But if I can go out there and give the team a chance to win and compete through some tough innings with walks, and get a chance to win, I'll take it every time."

White Sox right-hander Mike Pelfrey, also pitching against his former club, couldn't hold the lead, allowing three runs in the fourth. Max Kepler brought home the first run on an RBI single before Vargas delivered a two-run homer that gave a Minnesota a lead it wouldn't relinquish. Pelfrey lasted 4 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on five hits and a walk.

"It's never good to give up three, but especially after we score two," Pelfrey said. "I'm pretty disappointed in myself for that. That kills the team. That's not good."

Minnesota broke the game open with four runs in the sixth against relievers Dan Jennings and Chris Beck. The Twins had six hits in the frame, but only one went for extra bases.

"We just tried to stop the bleeding as quickly as we could to keep us in the ballgame," White Sox manager Rick Renteria said. "I thought [Jennings] did a nice job of taking care of that. Got into a little trouble the next inning and then we just tried to patch it together the rest of the game."

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED

Vargas smashes rocket homer: Vargas crushed his two-run homer in the fourth, as it had an exit velocity of 114.7 mph and went a projected 406 feet, according to Statcast™. It was the hardest-hit homer by exit velocity in Vargas' career, topping his previous best of 113.1 mph against the Royals on April 16, 2015.

"I was just looking for something good up in the zone," Vargas said. "I was just looking for good contact and looking for the gap. And I hit the homer. You could tell with the bat sound, it was gone."

Errors help key four-run sixth: Ehire Adrianza helped give the Twins insurance runs, coming through with a two-run single with one out before advancing to second on an error from right fielder Avisail Garcia. followed with an RBI single and also sent to second on an error, this one by center fielder Willy Garcia. Joe Mauer plated Buxton with a single to cap the scoring.

QUOTABLE "Obviously, when you're missing two of your key guys, you never know how it's going to play out. I was questioning my lineup the first few innings. But we bounced back with Kep getting a big hit and Kennys' home run. I thought adding on was huge." -- manager Paul Molitor, on the Twins winning without Miguel Sano (suspension) and Brian Dozier (sprained ankle)

SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS Buxton recorded his fifth career three-hit game, and four of those have come against the White Sox.

WHAT'S NEXT Twins: Right-hander Phil Hughes (4-1, 4.32 ERA) is set to start in the second game of the series against the White Sox on Wednesday at 7:10 p.m. CT. Hughes is coming off his best start of the season, limiting the Red Sox to one run over 6 2/3 innings. White Sox: Left-hander Derek Holland (3-2, 2.02) has been the team's best starter so far and will look to turn in another strong outing in the middle game against the Twins on Wednesday. Holland has five quality starts in his previous six outings.

White Sox won't rush to promote Moncada Hahn wants Majors' No. 1 prospect to develop in Minors By John Jackson / Special to MLB.com | May 9th, 2017

CHICAGO -- It's a widely held belief that the White Sox will promote Yoan Moncada, ranked as 's No. 1 prospect by MLBPipeline.com, to the Major Leagues in mid-May as soon as he's spent enough time in the Minors to give the team an extra year of control.

But general manager Rick Hahn said on Tuesday that service time is not the only consideration and hinted Moncada -- acquired from the Red Sox in the Chris Sale trade in the offseason -- could remain at Triple-A Charlotte for a while.

"We think the world of his talent and future, and we think he is responding to the challenges we put ahead of him, but we're not going to rush this," Hahn said. "As satisfying as it may be for all of us to see him out there, even tonight, at the big league level because it gives you that shot in the arm and shows there is progress in the rebuild, it's not in the long- term interest of Moncada or the club.

"He'll be here when he answers all the questions we have for him with the developmental standpoint at the Minor League level. He's done a good job, but there is a benefit to letting him answer all of those and continue the repetitions at that level until that next stage takes place at this level."

Moncada, though, is off to a fast start this season, batting .345 with six home runs, 11 RBIs and 24 runs scored in 28 games for Triple-A Charlotte. He was named the International League's Batter of the Week on Monday after hitting .500 with two homers, four RBIs and eight runs in six games last week.

Hahn said he's been pleased with Moncada's development this season.

"I think he's made a great deal of progress since the end of spring," Hahn said. "There were a few specific elements on the defensive side of the ball, as well a few at the plate, that we wanted to see progress with. He has responded to that. He's shown a fair amount of progress in each of those areas that we've asked of him.

"That said, we want to see that over an extended period of time. It's awfully important to not lose sight of the fact this is a 21-year-old player, one who was not playing two years ago as of right now. It's a guy who has fewer than 325 or so plate appearances above A-ball."

Hahn also addressed the perception by some that the club has been less than candid about the biceps bursitis that has kept left-hander Carlos Rodon on shelf since early in .

"All I can tell you is there's certainly nothing in our organization's interest to create unrealistic expectations about a player's health or when they might return and as a result we've always shared more information than perhaps other clubs have," Hahn said. "At this point on Carlos, I'm only comfortable telling you he continues to progress in his throwing program. I've answered the question that he's [throwing] off the mound, but until we get him out on a rehab assignment it's difficult for me to project a return date for him. We do anticipate him returning here and, hopefully, he can progress in a linear fashion from where he is right now."

Holland tasked with facing strong Twins lineup By Rhett Bollinger / MLB.com | @RhettBollinger | May 9th, 2017

The Twins are expected to get some thump back into their lineup on Wednesday, as second baseman Brian Dozier and third baseman Miguel Sano were both held out of Tuesday's series opener against the White Sox.

Both are expected to return for the second game of the series. Dozier has been slowed by a mild sprained left ankle sustained on Friday, and he participated in baseball activities before Tuesday's game, but he was held out for precautionary reasons. Sano's appeal of his one-game suspension was denied by on Tuesday.

White Sox left-hander Derek Holland (3-2, 2.02) will be tasked with facing Minnesota's full-strength lineup, as he opposes right-hander Phil Hughes (4-1, 4.32 ERA). This year, opponents have just one single and 13 against Holland's . Their .096 weighted on-base average (woBA) against it is third-lowest among with at least 20 at-bats ending in sliders.

Things to know about this game • Holland, who has had health-related concerns in recent years, is off to a strong start with his new club. The lefty is coming off a solid outing against the Royals, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits over 6 2/3 innings. He also yielded two earned runs over six innings in his season debut against the Twins on April 7. • Hughes, coming off last year's season-ending thoracic outlet syndrome, is still looking to regain velocity, but has otherwise been solid. He's coming off his best outing of the season, limiting the Red Sox to one run over 6 2/3 innings. He started opposite Holland on April 7, and picked up the win, surrendering one run over six innings. • White Sox catcher Geovany Soto was scratched from Tuesday's lineup with elbow soreness and he was replaced by Omar Narvaez. Soto could return to the lineup on Wednesday. Waiting for it to click, Giolito trusting process White Sox prospect finding signs of progress beyond results By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | May 9th, 2017

INDIANAPOLIS -- In order to put his search for consistency and repeatable mechanics into context, Triple-A Charlotte right-hander Lucas Giolito related a story from his high school pitching days following a 5-3 loss at Victory Field on Monday night.

"My sophomore year of high school, I didn't really know where the ball was going," said Giolito after allowing four earned runs over five innings while walking four and fanning three. "I walked a lot of guys, and there was one game where it just clicked. And from then on -- sophomore, junior, senior year of high school -- I shot up the rankings, and the talent started to show.

"I'm working as hard as I can to put it all together and hopefully have that one game where it clicks and it's like, 'Oh, I'm back and I'm good to go.' If not, I can continue to work on it and feel incremental changes and put those together."

Giolito, the No. 8 prospect overall per MLBPipeline.com and No. 1 among pitchers, slipped to an 0-5 record. He has walked 18 and allowed 32 hits over 28 1/3 innings -- numbers not close to being commensurate with his ability. command rates as Giolito's biggest target, something absent against the Indians after the second inning, when the 6-foot-6 hurler relied more on sliders and changeups. He's having the most trouble commanding the pitch outside to a righty, being able to reach out there without leaving the ball up.

Even in the face of these disappointing statistics, all Giolito can do is work hard on a daily basis with pitching coach Steve McCatty to refine the mechanics.

"Yeah, I wasn't expecting to start the year like this. I mean, the numbers are atrocious," Giolito said. "It frustrated me, definitely a lot earlier in the year, like, 'Why aren't I figuring it out?' Now it's just, all I can do is trust the work I'm putting in and hopefully put it together soon.

"[The mechanics] will feel better for four-ish innings, and then the fifth inning, I got a little out of whack. I wasn't able to make adjustments. That's the thing that good pitchers are able to do: they can make adjustments after one pitch, not after a whole inning. That's what I'm really trying to do, to be like, 'Oh, I did something on that pitch. Let me make an adjustment now.'"

McCatty preaches positives to Giolito, who is only 22. Instead of focusing on his fastball struggles in a given start, as an example, look at the strong steps taken with the curve and the change. "So you've got one negative out of there, and I see two positives, maybe three," McCatty said. "You're always trying to improve on your weaknesses and make your strengths better, but you just can't go out and say, 'Man, I sucked because I didn't get through five innings.' He's made progress in a lot of areas. It's a growing thing. And he's got to know what he is first. He's not even close to being the finished product that he's going to be."

"It's at a point where all I can do is keep working, trust the process," Giolito said. "I'm putting the work in every day on the side to correct the issues and be a better pitcher."

Kopech fans six in another strong start By Mike Rosenbaum / MLB.com | May 9, 2017

A pair of 19-year-old prospects were at the forefront of Double-A Mississippi's 9-1 victory over Mobile on Tuesday night, as Ronald Acuna paced the M-Braves at the plate, while Kolby Allard took care of business on the mound.

Playing in his first game for Mississippi after being promoted from Class A Advanced Florida early on Tuesday, Acuna, the Braves' No. 7 prospect, announced his arrival with a home run in his first at-bat, depositing the first pitch he saw over the wall in left-center field for a two-run shot. The No. 92 overall prospect would tally two more hits to finish 3-for-4 with three RBIs, two runs scored and a stolen base.

Acuna was promoted to Mississippi after just 28 games in the Florida State League. He batted .287/.336/.478 during his time with the Firefrogs, with 11 extra-base hits including three home runs and 14 steals.

Allard (3-1), meanwhile, tossed six innings of one-run ball to record his third straight win for the M-Braves. The Braves' No. 3 prospect (No. 46 overall) threw 58 of his 91 pitches for strikes, allowing three hits and two walks with three strikeouts.

Allard has been anything but overmatched this season in the Southern League, despite making the jump directly from the Class A level. He's completed six frames in four of his seven starts this season, none of which have seen the teenage southpaw allow more than two earned runs.

After Tuesday's gem, Allard's ERA and WHIP sit at 1.38 and 0.95, through 39 innings. The rest of the best performances from top prospects Tuesday

• No. 12 overall prospect Brendan Rodgers (Rockies' No. 1) belted a go-ahead in the seventh inning for Class A Advanced Lancaster, only to have it erased as Modesto rallied for five unanswered runs to win, 15-13. It was the second career grand slam as well as the second homer of the season for the 20-year-old shortstop, who finished the game with three runs scored and five RBIs in a 3-for-5 effort. He's now tallied 14 RBIs in 14 games, while hitting .373 with eight extra-base hits in that span.

Rodgers wasn't the only JetHawk to homer in the victory, as Sam Hilliard (Rockies' No. 30) went deep twice in a 3-for-6, three-RBI performance. The 23-year-old has hit five of his six homers in his past five games, during which he has 11 hits and 12 RBIs. He's batting .376 on the season, with 28 RBIs in 30 games.

• No. 13 overall prospect (White Sox No. 3) yielded one earned run in six innings for Double-A Birmingham in a win over Pensacola. The flame-throwing righty threw a season-high 102 pitches (63 strikes), as he allowed two hits (including a solo homer), two walks, fanned six and generated seven ground-ball outs. Kopech, 21, has completed six frames in three straight starts for the Barons.

• No. 50 overall prospect Triston McKenzie (Indians' No. 3) set a career high as he struck out 14 of the 19 batters he faced in six scoreless innings to pace the Class A Advanced Lynchburg Hillcats in a 4-1 win over Carolina. The 19-year- old righty threw 63 of his 92 pitches for strikes, allowing one hit and one walk. McKenzie struck out the side in three of his six frames in the outing -- his first six outs were strikeouts as well as his last five -- and finished with eight swinging strikeouts. Overall, McKenzie has pitched to a 1.95 ERA this season, with 44 strikeouts and 20 hits allowed in 32 1/3 innings.

"My command was great and everything was really working out there," McKenzie told MiLB.com. "I used the changeup intermittently to keep the hitters off balance. I mean, I'm definitely not keeping count of how many strikeouts I have while I'm on the mound, although I knew I had tallied a decent amount. But I was a little surprised when they told me how many I had when I was done."

• No. 55 overall prospect (Mets' No. 2) drove in three runs on four hits to power Triple-A Las Vegas to a win over Albuquerque. Two of those hits were doubles, and the 21-year-old first baseman also scored three runs in a 4- for-5 performance that improved his season average to .326. "I was trying to be very aggressive," Smith told MiLB.com. "One of my tendencies is that I like to take the first few pitches. Over the last few days, they've been coming with first-pitch fastballs and then coming back with breaking balls. I wanted to get ahead of that and hit good pitches. I faced [Matt Flemer] last week and had an idea what he'd try to do to get me out. Guys have been trying to get ahead with the fastball, so I [handled] that differently today."

• No. 81 overall prospect Raimel Tapia (Rockies' No. 5) matched Smith's big game by going 4-for-5 with two RBIs and three runs scored for Albuquerque. The 23-year-old center fielder extended his hitting streak to 15 games with the multi- hit performance, his 10th in his past 12 games. He now leads all Pacific Coast League hitters with a .405 average.

• No. 88 overall prospect Cal Quantrill (Padres' No. 2) turned in his third consecutive six-inning start for Class A Advanced Lake Elsinore. The 22-year-old righty didn't permit a run in the outing, allowing four hits and two walks with five strikeouts. Quantrill owns a 1.54 ERA across his last four starts, during which he's punched out 28 batters in 23 1/3 frames.

• A's No. 8 prospect Logan Shore was unhittable as he worked a season-high five innings in a no-decision for Class A Advanced Stockton. The 2016 second-rounder threw 44 of his 68 pitches for strikes, compiling five strikeouts and two walks before departing the game.

• Brewers' No. 29 prospect Trey Supak established a new career high in strikeouts for a third straight start as he fanned 11 en route to his first win with Class A Wisconsin. The 20-year-old righty threw 60 of his 90 pitches for strikes, allowing one earned run on three hits and one walk in 5 2/3 innings. In his two previous turns, Supak had registered eight and nine strikeouts. He's posted a 2.40 ERA with 42 strikeouts in 30 innings (six games/five starts) this season, all the while holding opposing hitters to a .158 clip.

• Cardinals' No. 10 prospect Junior Fernandez needed just 97 pitches (65 strikes) to go the distance for Class A Advanced Palm Beach -- his first in 42 career starts. The 20-year-old righty permitted one earned run on five hits in his nine-inning gem, also notching six strikeouts to match his season high.

• Cubs' No. 12 prospect Victor Caratini is hitting .361 after his second straight four-hit game for Triple-A Iowa. He's 8-for-9 with one home run, two doubles and five RBIs in those contests, raising his average 48 points in the process.

• Indians' No. 21 prospect Aaron Civale tallied seven strikeouts in seven scoreless innings as Class A Lake County shut out Beloit, 1-0. The 2016 third-rounder allowed just two hits, throwing 65 of his 89 pitches for strikes in the outing. In seven starts totaling 41 1/3 innings, Civale, 21, has posted a 2.83 ERA with a 0.92 WHIP and a 41-to-3 -to-walk ratio.

"I pitch to contact and let my defense do the work," Civale told MiLB.com. "They played good behind me. We didn't score too many runs, but I just tried to keep us in the game so we had a chance to win. We were short on bullpen arms, so I wanted to get as many innings as I could to give them a break."

• Reds' No. 11 prospect Vladimir Gutierrez struck out a career-best 10 batters as he won for the third time in as many starts for Class A Advanced Daytona. The 21-year-old Cuban righty, whom Cincinnati signed for $4.75 million last September, worked 5 1/3 innings, allowing one earned run on three hits and one walk. After struggling early, Gutierrez has pitched to a 1.61 ERA, with 33 strikeouts and one walk, over his past 22 1/3 innings (four starts).

White Sox lose fourth straight, drop series opener to Twins By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | May 9, 2017

Tuesday night’s contest is one of those painful times general manager Rick Hahn promised would come.

A rebuild often includes some ugly moments that drive fans mad. Normally, they come in bunches, too.

What can make it even more frustrating is when a familiar face comes back to do some damage. Hector Santiago played that role yet again on Tuesday as he shut down his old teammates, who were looking to bounce back from their worst series of the season after a surprising start.

Santiago and the were too much as the White Sox dropped their fourth straight with a 7-2 loss in front of 14,498 at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mike Pelfrey took the loss for the White Sox, who dropped to 15-16.

“We’ve got to put everything together,” third baseman Todd Frazier said. “We’ve got the energy, but it seems like right now we’re not clicking on all cylinders.”

Pelfrey looked good early against the Twins, the team he pitched for from 2013-15. Making his fourth start of the season for the White Sox, Pelfrey retired the first eight batters he faced and nine of the first 10.

The White Sox took advantage and spotted Pelfrey a 2-0 lead with a pair of RBI singles in the bottom of the third inning. But the lead was gone in an instant as Minnesota rallied for three quick runs in the fourth.

Jorge Polanco led off with a single, stole second and scored on a Max Kepler RBI single. Kennys Vargas then turned around a 92-mph from Pelfrey and deposited it into the right-field bleachers, the two-run shot exiting his bat at 115 mph to give Minnesota a 3-2 lead.

“It’s never good to give up three, but especially after we score two,” Pelfrey said. “I’m pretty disappointed in myself for that. That kills the team. That’s not good.”

“I don’t think we ever gave up in Baltimore and kept fighting and had some close games. That’s a good team, a really good team.

“Tonight, I’ll take the blame for that. These guys gave me a lead and I gave it right back. That can be demoralizing and that’s my fault.”

A replacement for the injured , Pelfrey’s output began to rapidly slow down. While he recorded two more outs, the right-hander exited with two runners aboard after he walked Kepler in the fifth inning.

Dan Jennings retired Vargas to end the threat.

But it was the third time in four starts that Pelfrey hasn’t completed five innings.

The outing left too much work for a banged up bullpen, which is missing Nate Jones, Zach Putnam and Jake Petricka. Jennings, who appeared for the 15th time in 31 games, allowed three earned runs and three hits in 2/3 of an inning as the Twins began to pull away. Minnesota had six hits in seven at-bats to start the top of the sixth against Jennings and Chris Beck, scoring four times to make it 7-2.

That was more than the White Sox offense could match.

For the sixth time in nine games, the White Sox scored fewer than three runs. An offense that appears to be woefully short on on-base percentage has scored three or fewer runs in 17 of its 31 games.

The White Sox appeared to have found the elixir to solve Santiago’s dominance against them. Omar Narvaez walked with one out in the third inning and singles by Willy Garcia and Tyler Saladino made it a 1-0 game. Jose Abreu then continued his hot streak with an RBI single to right to make it 2-0.

But Santiago, who entered 4-1 with a 1.40 ERA against his former team, settled down. He worked around three hits and five walks to limit the White Sox to two earned runs in 6 2/3 innings.

Were that not enough, the White Sox threw in a pair of outfield errors for good measure on consecutive plays. Avisail Garcia overran the two-run single of Ehire Adrianza in the sixth inning, which allowed the batter to reach second base. Adrianza then scored on Byron Buxton’s RBI single that made it 6-2. Willy Garcia made an error on that one, which allowed Buxton to move into scoring position. He then scored easily on Joe Mauer’s RBI single.

“We couldn’t minimize their damage as they continued to tack on runs and we weren’t able to respond,” manager Rick Renteria said. “It’s that simple.

“When you’re trying to establish a way of playing the game of baseball, of which they’ve kind of taken hold of it -- we’ll move forward and we can’t get too high or too low. You’re right, this is four in a row. As far as this one, it’s done.”

Rick Hahn expects ‘robust’ bidding process for Cuban free agent Luis Robert By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago| May 9, 2017

All the conditions in place would suggest Luis Robert is in for a significant payday when he’s eligible to sign on May 20.

The Cuban free agent is well-positioned for a big signing bonus as the final international free agent made eligible under the rules of the old Collective Bargaining Agreement. As such, Robert can sign for any amount, with all teams except for the White Sox merely paying a luxury tax matching the amount that they exceed their signing bonus pools. The White Sox would not only have to pay that same tax, they’d have to forfeit the ability to sign any international player over $300,000 for the next two years -- something most of their competitors have already done. With those teams having already reached that threshold, and given Robert’s talent and experience, White Sox general manager Rick Hahn thinks the price tag will end up high.

Hahn sidestepped how involved the White Sox would be in the process even though they’ve reportedly been intricately so the past few months. The team not only has reportedly had constant contact with Robert, both Hahn and Kenny Williams attended a private workout for the outfielder last week.

“It’s going to be robust,” Hahn said. “I’m always optimistic. It’s much easier to go about life that way.

“Look it’s going to be robust bidding and we’ll see how it unfolds in the coming weeks.”

Some believe if Robert were available in the amateur draft he could go as high as the first overall pick. Most believe that at the least he would be a high first-round selection. A combination of Robert’s talent and the harsher rules that go into effect after the current CBA expires has Hahn expecting a bidding war. While Hahn avoiding any public commitment of the team’s involvement, it’s expected that the White Sox will make a strong push for the outfielder. The addition of Robert is critical for a team looking to add as much young, controllable talent as possible. Adding Robert would be akin to a second first-round draft pick for the White Sox, who only in December began their first rebuild in 20 years.

“He’s an extremely talented young man who is going to have an impact on whatever organization he winds up joining and given the fact the collective bargaining agreement changes how these players are treated here these few weeks this is really the last opportunity for certain clubs to exercise strictly their financial might in order to receive such a talent,” Hahn said. “I expect there will be robust bidding on this player.”

Rick Hahn on White Sox prospect Yoan Moncada: “We’re not going to rush this” By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | May 9, 2017

Yoan Moncada has done what the White Sox have asked and he’s going to have to continue to do it a little bit longer.

The super prospect is in the midst of a fantastic run at Triple-A Charlotte in which he has reduced his strikeout rate and shown defensive improvement. But even as the date nears in Moncada could be promoted without losing a year of service time it appears he’ll remain with the Knights. General manager Rick Hahn said Tuesday that the White Sox are very pleased with the efforts of the top-ranked prospect in baseball. He also noted the club intends to make sure Moncada is sufficiently prepared for when he finally gets the call.

“He’s shown a fair amount of progress in each of those areas that we’ve asked of him,” Hahn said. “That said, we want to see that over an extended period of time. It’s awfully important to not lose sight of the fact this is a 21-year-old player, one who was not playing two years ago as of right now. It’s a guy who has fewer than 325 or so plate appearances above A- ball.

So we think the world of his talent and future and we think he is responding to the challenges we put ahead of him, but we’re not going to rush this.”

The team’s fanbase is gripped with Yoansanity. Moncadamania is peaking on the South Side.

But if Moncada’s current play hasn’t changed the team’s thinking, the fan factor isn’t likely to budge it, either.

Over his last 16 games, Moncada is hitting .385/.446/.585 with three home runs and seven RBIs and 16 runs scored. Moncada also has reduced his strikeout rate to 21.6 percent with 16 whiffs in his last 74 plate appearances after 18 in his first 55. The defensive improvements have come along nicely, too, particularly in turning double plays and more aggressive angles to the ball.

With May 14 fast approaching -- the date at which the team wouldn’t surrender a year of service time by promoting Moncada -- there’s been hope the White Sox might promote the second baseman. But Hahn doesn’t sound like someone on the verge of unleashing the team’s most-hyped prospect on the fanbase.

“We think the world of his talent and future and we think he is responding to the challenges we put ahead of him, but we’re not going to rush this,” Hahn said. “As satisfying as it may be for all of us to see him out there even tonight at the big league level because it gives you that shot in the arm and shows there is progress in the rebuild, it’s not in the long term interest of Yoan Moncada or the club. He’ll be here when he answers all the questions we have for him with the developmental standpoint at the minor league level. He’s done a good job, but there is a benefit to letting him answer all of those and continue the repetitions at that level until that next stage takes place at this level.”

After rough major league debut, Jacob May slowing things down at Triple-A By JJ Stankevitz / CSN Chicago | May 9, 2017

INDIANAPOLIS — Jacob May is back in Triple-A and feels like he has a better idea of what it takes to stick with the White Sox.

The 25-year-old got his first career hit April 22 but wasn’t able to do much in his month in the major leagues, in which he had two hits in 36 at-bats and was sent down May 1 with a .206 OPS. May said one of the toughest parts of his first stint in the majors was “trying to catch my breath a little bit,” but explained that processing all the information available to him was a challenge, too.

“There's so much to gain and learn from up there, as far video goes and information and the teammates you can learn from,” May said. “That's probably one of the toughest parts, is being able to slow it down a little bit and get comfortable. It's kind of hard to really know what it's like until you're there.”

May went hitless in his first 30 trips to the plate with the White Sox, putting a considerable weight on his shoulders during April. Having all those scouting reports and video clips might not’ve helped May alleviate the pressure of trying to get his first career hit.

Last year, May had 301 plate appearances in Triple-A, so he’s felt comfortable in his return to the level this month. This is the first time May has repeated a minor league level for an extended period of time — he went from rookie ball and Single-A Kannapolis in 2013 to advanced Single-A Winston-Salem in 2014, then Double-A Birmingham in 2015 and Triple-A Charlotte in 2016.

May hit .266/.309/.352 with 19 stolen bases in 27 attempts with Charlotte last year, and likely will have to improve on those numbers in his second go-around here to make it back to the major leagues.

But May is confident he’ll eventually get back to the White Sox.

“I don't think — if I didn't believe that I should be wearing a uniform anymore,” May said. “I’ve got to get better, that's for sure, in all aspects of the game. You've got to continue to grow and improve, even up there. You've got to get better every day. I believe in myself. I believe I'll put in the work that it takes. If it's meant to be I think it will be.”

White Sox GM Rick Hahn open to dealing with everyone, including Cubs Paul Skrbina / Chicago Tribune | May 9, 2017

Rick Hahn was 11 or 12 years old when he wrote a couple of letters to then-Cubs general manager Dallas Green.

In one, Hahn, who grew up a fan of the team, suggested trading first baseman Bill Buckner so Leon Durham could play more, which eventually happened.

In the other, Hahn pleaded that the team not trade closer Lee Smith, which happened four or five years later.

These days, Hahn is on the other side of town, in position to make trades — and listen to suggestions from all comers, he said — as GM of the rebuilding White Sox.

So is he willing to write letters to — or exchange phone calls and/or players with — Cubs GM Jed Hoyer?

“Absolutely,” he said. “Any deal we make is about maximizing the future of the White Sox. … So there is zero issue doing a deal with the Cubs or any of the other 28 teams after them,” Hahn said Tuesday before the Sox lost to the Twins 7-2 at Guaranteed Rate Field. “We’re about putting the White Sox in the best position. Hopefully, through our trades, both sides wind up winners.”

History suggests the teams have been hesitant to deal with each other, though.

The neighboring franchises have made just 13 trades, the most recent of which sent reliever Neal Cotts to the Cubs for Carlos Vasquez and David Aardsma — in 2006.

The last one before that occurred in 1998, when the Sox acquired pitcher , who helped them to the 2005 World Series title, for pitcher Matt Karchner.

The most famous between the teams happened in 1992 when the Sox shipped and Ken Patterson to the Cubs for .

The baseball trade front typically is relatively quiet this time of year, as teams prepare for the draft in June. But the Sox have something to deal that many teams, including the Cubs, could use — a quality starting pitcher in left-hander Jose Quintana.

The Cubs also have prospects — see: Ian Happ, Eloy Jimenez, Jeimer Candelario, etc. — something the Sox covet and received in earlier trades that sent Chris Sale to the Red Sox and to the Nationals.

Nobody could satisfy the White Sox's asking price for Quintana during the offseason, but that could change as contenders — and their needs — emerge as the July 31 trade deadline approaches.

Quintana, who was an All-Star last year when he went 13-12 with a 3.20 ERA and 181 strikeouts in 208 innings, is 2-5 with a 4.46 ERA in seven starts this season.

Quintana said during spring training trade rumors haven't distracted him.

"I know there are rumors behind me, but I keep my focus on spring training," he said. "That's all I have control over. So I just do my work and let's go."

Whether he stays or he goes remains to be seen.

For now, Hahn will keep his eyes and ears open for any deals that make sense — with the Cubs or otherwise.

"I get it … at the breakfast table more than anything," Hahn said of trade suggestions "(My family doesn't) understand why I say 'no' as much as I do.

"That's the fun part. … I get it. It's what makes the game accessible to people."

Mike Pelfrey stumbles again as White Sox starter woes continue Paul Skrbina / Chicago Tribune | May 9, 2017

The voids left in the White Sox starting rotation were evident again Tuesday night against the Twins.

Bursitis in his left elbow has left left-hander Carlos Rodon on the disabled list since before the start of the season. Right- hander James Shields hasn't pitched since April 16 thanks to a right lat strain.

As a result, Mike Pelfrey started for the fourth time for the White Sox, who fell 7-2 to the Twins for their fourth consecutive loss.

Pelfrey gave up three runs — two via a Kennys Vargas home run in the fourth — for the third straight start, the longest of which lasted 5 1/3 innings. This time he retired the first eight hitters he faced before running into trouble in the fourth.

"I've been around long enough to understand that can ruin somebody's night," he said of the three-run fourth. "It's never good to give up three, especially after we score two.

"I'm pretty disappointed in myself for that. It kills the team. Not good."

His ERA rose to 5.21. The right-hander has allowed 11 earned runs, 20 hits and seven walks with six strikeouts in 19 innings.

White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said before the game that Rodon was making progress in Arizona, where he has pitched off a mound but has yet to throw in a live game. There still is no timetable for his return.

Rodon was on a slow-down program to start spring training, similar to the one Chris Sale was on in 2016. But Hahn insisted that had nothing to do with injury.

"I do … sense that from early in spring there seemed to be a little bit of doubt about how we were handling Carlos, as if we were hiding something," Hahn said. "… Unfortunately sometimes these guys don't progress on a linear basis. … You're dealing with medical issues and physical issues and guys heal at different paces."

The White Sox's other fill-in starter, Dylan Covey, will pitch this weekend against the Padres, manager Rick Renteria said. Covey is 0-3 with an 8.28 ERA in 25 innings spanning five starts.

Extra innings: Hahn played it close to the vest when asked whether the White Sox would be in on the bidding war expected for 19-year-old Cuban sensation Luis Robert. Without addressing Robert, a power-hitting prospect, by name, Hahn said he expects the price tag to sign him to be "robust." … Catcher Geovany Soto was a late scratch from Tuesday's game with a sore right elbow.

Twins deal White Sox fourth loss in row Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun Times | May 9, 2017

Manager Rick Renteria received good grades for guiding the White Sox through a so-so first 30 games in which they won 15 and played relatively decent baseball.

Considering the low expectations for the team coming out of spring training, playing .500 ball into May has been seen as a success.

‘‘For the most part, they prepare well, they’ve been hustling and we’ve been getting some good relief pitching,’’ Renteria said before the Sox opened a six-game homestand Tuesday on a flat note, losing to the Minnesota Twins 7-2 before a chilled Dog Day crowd of 14,498 people and 463 pooches.

For the most part, there have been no good grades to be given for the Sox’ last four games, all losses. Was something needed to nudge Renteria’s team after this one?

‘‘I didn’t say anything to them,’’ Renteria said. ‘‘I already said my piece in Baltimore. The fact is, we didn’t score many runs today. [The Twins] did, and they kept tacking them on.’’

Renteria oozes positive vibes, but it was evident after the Sox were swept last weekend by the Orioles — and after he was ejected Sunday — that even he was disappointed. The Sox have gone 2-7 since building a 13-9 record with a 10- inning victory April 29 against the .

All in all, general manager Rick Hahn put a happy face on where the Sox are — at least before the game.

‘‘All of us are very pleased with the work Ricky and his staff have done thus far,’’ Hahn said. ‘‘That has translated, ultimately, to perhaps a little better record than a lot of people outside that clubhouse predicted for this team.’’

The Sox opened a 2-0 lead against left-hander Hector Santiago (4-1) on RBI singles by second baseman Tyler Saladino and first baseman Jose Abreu in the third inning. But Kennys Vargas homered against Mike Pelfrey (0-3) as the Twins posted three runs in the fourth, then they added four more against Dan Jennings and Chris Beck in the sixth.

‘‘That pitch to Vargas was almost right down the middle and ruins the evening,’’ said Pelfrey, who failed to finish the fifth. ‘‘Obviously, I need to get deeper in the game.’’

In the sixth, right fielder Avisail Garcia and center fielder Willy Garcia bobbled RBI hits by Ehire Adrianza and Byron Buxton, allowing them to take an extra base.

The Sox’ lineup, meanwhile, couldn’t capitalize on five walks by Santiago, whom Hahn traded to get outfielder Adam Eaton in 2013. Santiago, who has won five consecutive decisions against the Sox with a 1.13 ERA, gave up three hits in 6⅔ innings.

‘‘I’ll have some texts here in a few minutes from those guys, saying, ‘Stop killing us,’ ’’ Santiago said.

There wasn’t much to like about this beating, but Hahn said he likes what he sees from the coaching staff as the organization tries to lay a foundation for the future in the first year of a rebuilding plan.

‘‘From the things we stated going all the way back to the organizational meetings and through spring training we felt were important — creating the right environment, culture, focusing on the things that are important as an organization — Ricky and his staff have done a great job. We’re really pleased with where the club sits.’’

Geovany Soto scratched from lineup as elbow flares up again Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun Times | May 9, 2017

A second setback doesn’t seem to bode well for White Sox catcher Geovany Soto, who was scratched from the lineup Tuesday with more right-elbow soreness.

After being limited to 26 games with the Angels in 2016 because of knee injuries, Soto, 34, who played in 78 games for the Sox in 2015, was brought back on a minor-league contract in the offseason and lasted 10 days before going on the disabled list April 13 with an inflamed elbow.

Since coming back April 22, Soto has caught in eight of 16 games, splitting time with Omar Narvaez, who was inserted into the starting lineup.

Soto has provided veteran leadership for Narvaez while batting .190 with three homers and nine RBI in 13 games.

Geovany Soto raps an RBI single in the second inning against the at Kauffman Stadium on May 2, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) Putnam optimistic

Reliever Zach Putnam, who missed the recent road trip after going on the DL on April 25 with right elbow inflammation, is expected to resume throwing on Wednesday. Putnam (1.04 ERA) has allowed one run in seven relief appearances.

• Carlos Rodon continues to work his way back from biceps bursitis and has thrown off a mound in Arizona, but the Sox are offering few details about the left-hander. “At this point, on Carlos, I’m only comfortable telling you he continues to progress in his throwing program,’’ general manager Rick Hahn said.

Staying with Covey

Dylan Covey, who’s 0-3 with an 8.28 ERA and a 10.04 ERA in his last four starts, will start again this weekend against the Padres, Renteria said.

“It’s something the organization would have to reassess if we were going to do something,’’ Renteria said. “But right now we’re still on track to continue to have him where he’s at.’’

All quiet on the trading front

Hahn on the climate of trade discussions: “There are conversations going on, but they probably pick up a little more after the [June 12-14] draft. Right now teams are mostly out scouting and preparing for the draft. Once that comes and goes the volume of calls tends to pick up.”

Hahn reiterated what he said in March that he would not hesitate to deal across town with the Cubs.

This and that

Twins third baseman Miguel Sano served a one-game suspension for what Major League Baseball termed “aggressive actions” against the Tigers on April 23.

• Willy Garcia made his first start in center field.

Hahn expects bidding for Luis Robert to be ‘robust’ Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicgao Sun Times | May 9, 2017

The White Sox would like to plug another top Cuban prospect into their farm system and indications are they are willing to open the checkbook for 19-year-old center fielder Luis Robert.

Other teams are also clamoring for the fleet power hitter, who held private workouts for the Sox, Cardinals and Padres last week in the Dominican Republic. The Reds, A’s and Astros also are interested.

“I expect there will be robust bidding on this player,’’ said general manager Rick Hahn, who attended the workout with vice president Ken Williams.

It was Williams who scouted Cuban slugger Jose Abreu before the Sox wooed him with a six-year, $68 million deal in 2013, their biggest contract ever. And the Sox acquired Cuban second baseman Yoan Moncada with three other prospects from the Red Sox for Chris Sale last winter. Adding Robert up the middle would be another big score for the rebuilding plan.

Luis Robert.

Hahn remained coy, but said, “I’m always optimistic. It’s much easier to go about life that way.

“But look, it’s going to be robust bidding and we’ll see how it unfolds in the coming weeks.’’

Were he rated among baseball’s top prospects, Robert would be a top-25 player. He’s 6-3, runs well, hits for power and excels in center. “He’s an extremely talented young man who is going to have an impact on whatever organization he winds up joining,’’ Hahn said.

Moncada, 21, meanwhile, continues to make a huge impact in the minors, but Hahn made it clear Sox fans need to be patient.

“It’s not in the long-term interest of Yoan Moncada or the club’’ to call him up now, he said.

There is nothing about Moncada’s work ethic or character that is slowing the process, however, Hahn said.

“He does have that special star-caliber makeup where he is willing to pay the price to be great,’’ Hahn said. “The tools are obviously off the chart, but seeing him on a daily basis you get to appreciate how special of an individual he is as well, and therefore is in a position to maximize those tools and reach his ceiling.’’

‘Atrocious’ is Lucas Giolito’s own word for 2017 performance Steve Greenberg / Chicago Sun Times | May 9, 2017

INDIANAPOLIS — It’s just Class AAA ball, but the lately seem like a bigger deal than that. That’s because it’s hard to turn around without bumping into a White Sox prospect who’s so close to The Show, it’s almost like he could reach out and touch it.

Second baseman Yoan Moncada, the top-ranked prospect in baseball, is all the rage. Starting pitcher Carson Fulmer and closer , the Sox’ first-round draft picks in 2015 and 2016, respectively, have put themselves in excellent positions. So has starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez, who was acquired in December in the Adam Eaton trade with the Nationals.

But then there’s starting pitcher Lucas Giolito.

Speaking of the Eaton trade, right? Giolito, a first-round pick in 2012, a towering right-hander who knows a thing or two about wearing a ‘‘can’t-miss’’ label, was supposed to be the best part of that deal for the Sox. He had touched 100 mph and been likened, fairly or not, to Stephen Strasburg.

Lucas Giolito has been off-track since being acquired by the White Sox last December. He’s still only 22 and less than five years removed from Tommy John surgery. A giant opportunity still sits in front of him. But right now he can’t reach out and touch it. Giolito is off to a dismal start — 0-5 with a 7.31 ERA in six starts.

‘‘The numbers are atrocious,’’ he said matter-of-factly after another forgettable outing Monday. ‘‘It frustrated me, definitely — a lot — earlier in the year. It’s like, why aren’t I figuring it out? All I can do is just trust the work I’m putting in and hopefully put it together soon.’’

Poor fastball command has been a primary culprit. Giolito’s velocity isn’t fully there, either. The mental part of the game has been a problem at times for him, too. He was outstanding last season in seven starts with the Nationals’ Class AAA club before being called up in late June. The brief big-league stint didn’t go well. ‘‘When you’re not ready to go to the big leagues and you go there and success isn’t easy for you, it can weigh on you mentally, and you put a lot of pressure on yourself,’’ said Knights pitching coach Steve McCatty, who was the Nationals’ pitching coach from 2009 to 2015.

Giolito’s spring-training performance with the Sox wasn’t exactly encouraging. Lately, he has found himself thinking back to his sophomore year of high school, when he suddenly figured out where the ball was going and his star began to rise.

‘‘I’ll hopefully have that one game where it clicks,’’ he said, ‘‘and it’s like, ‘Oh, I’m back. I’m good to go.’ ’’

Things are looking considerably brighter for Fulmer and Burdi.

Fulmer, 23, is 4-1 with a 2.88 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP. He struggled in eight relief appearances with the Sox last season — his only taste of the big leagues — but has responded well since. Besides, this guy is a starter.

‘‘Obviously, you have to trust the process and respect decisions that are made,’’ he said. ‘‘But I’m ready, man.’’

Burdi, a native of Downers Grove, is shaping up nicely as a potential closer of the future. Will the Sox trade current closer David Robertson this season? Might Burdi, who has a 1.03 WHIP and a 19-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio, be pulled into the mix regardless? He’s trying not to think about it.

‘‘That type of stuff will consume you,’’ Burdi said.

Ken Harrelson to throw out first pitch Saturday Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun Times | May 9, 2017

White Sox broadcaster Hen Harrelson will throw a ceremonial first pitch on Saturday in conjunction with the Hawk Talking Alarm Clock giveaway at Guaranteed Rate Field.

The upcoming giveaway has generated quite the buzz. The voice alarm features Harrelson’s signature “Mercy,” “Rack ’em up” and “This ballgame is ova!” Hawkisms.

Check out MLB Network’s bit with Harrleson and Dan Plesac featuring the clock here:

The first 20,000 fans will receive the clocks. Gametime is 6:10 as the Sox play host to the San Diego Padres.

White Sox lose fourth straight, but Hahn pleased with start to season Scot Gregor / Daily Herald | May 9, 2017

Heading into Tuesday night's game against the Minnesota Twins with a .500 record, general manager Rick Hahn did not view this evolving White Sox team as being "mired in mediocrity."

Those were Hahn's words of choice last year, when a veteran Sox team was 46-48 in late July.

A fourth straight losing season brought sweeping changes, and even more are expected by the July 31 nonwaiver trade deadline and beyond.

The White Sox (15-16) fell to the Twins 7-2 at Guaranteed Rate Field, their fourth straight loss. All things considered, Hahn is content.

"I think all of us are very pleased with the work (manager) Ricky (Renteria) and his staff have done thus far this year, both from a pregame preparation standpoint through the way the game is being played between the lines standpoint, which is ultimately translating to perhaps a little better record than a lot of people outside that clubhouse predicted for this team," Hahn said.

"From the things that we've stated early in spring training, well actually going all the way back to the organizational meetings through spring training that we felt were important this year, creating the right environment, creating the right culture, focusing on the things that are important to us going forward as an organization, I think Ricky and his staff have done a great job with that and we're really pleased with where the club sits."

The Sox were sitting with a 2-0 lead over the Twins in the third inning on RBI singles from Tyler Saladino and Jose Abreu.

Minnesota pulled in front with 3 runs in the fourth off White Sox starter Mike Pelfrey, powered by Kennys Vargas' 2-run homer to right field.

The Twins broke the game open with 4 runs in the sixth off relievers Dan Jennings and Chris Beck.

Moncada mania:

It's no secret the White Sox would benefit from another year of salary arbitration by keeping No. 1 prospect Yoan Moncada at Class AAA Charlotte into July.

General manager Rick Hahn said there are other reasons to keep Moncada on the farm for now.

"We think the world of his talent and future and we think he is responding to the challenges we put ahead of him, but we're not going to rush this," Hahn said.

"As satisfying as it may be for all of us to see him out there even tonight at the big-league level because it gives you that shot in the arm and shows there is progress in the rebuild, it's not in the long-term interest of Yoan Moncada or the club.

"He'll be here when he answers all the questions we have for him with the developmental standpoint at the minor-league level.

He's done a good job but there is a benefit to letting him answer all of those and continue the repetitions at that level until that next stage takes place at this level."

Santiago beats former team, Twins top White Sox 7-2 By Matt Schoch / Associated Press | May 9, 2017

CHICAGO -- Hector Santiago expected his phone to be buzzing after this one.

The left-hander beat his former team once again, Byron Buxton tied a career high with three hits and the Minnesota Twins beat the Chicago White Sox 7-2 on Tuesday night.

Santiago (4-1) allowed two runs, three hits and five walks over 6 2/3 innings. He struck out six and dropped his ERA to 2.76. The left-hander is 5-1 with a 1.59 ERA against the White Sox, who drafted him in the 30th round in 2006 and traded him in 2013 to the Los Angeles Angels.

"I'll have some texts here in a few minutes from those guys saying, 'Stop putting it on us,' for sure," Santiago said. "This is where I grew up in baseball and this is where I got my first chance, my first opportunity. I respect this organization, I love them. But if I can go out there and beat them every time, that's my goal."

Buxton upped his average to a season-high .188 and Kennys Vargas homered for the second straight game for the Twins, who were without the injured Brian Dozier and the suspended Miguel Sano.

"I was kind of questioning my lineup for the first few innings," Twins manager Paul Molitor said. "But everyone had a hand in the win somewhere along the way."

Chicago scored twice in the third inning but did not have another hit until two outs in the ninth. Tyler Duffey and Taylor Rogers closed out Minnesota's four-hitter.

"I thought we were on track for maybe a decent game against Santiago," White Sox manager Rick Renteria said. "We hadn't scored a couple runs off him in a long time, maybe ever. Obviously, they did some damage and came back and answered with a few runs."

Minnesota scored the final seven runs, boosted by Vargas' homer in the fourth inning and four runs in the sixth.

Mike Pelfrey (0-3) also faced his former team and gave up three runs in 4 2/3 innings. He retired his first eight batters, and Tyler Saladino and Jose Abreu had RBI singles to give him a 2-0 lead in the third inning.

It was all Minnesota from there.

In the fourth inning, Max Kepler scored Jorge Polanco with an RBI single to make it 2-1. The next batter was Vargas, who hit his fourth home run of the season to right field.

The Twins broke it open in the sixth when Ehire Adrianza scored two with a single and Buxton and Joe Mauer scored one apiece with singles as the lead grew to 6-2.

Santiago walked his final two batters in the seventh inning, but Duffey struck out Saladino to end the rally.

NO SANO

The Twins were without their slugger Sano, who was serving a one-game suspension for his actions during an April 22 scrap against Detroit.

FAMILY TIE

Santiago's brother, Anthony Santiago, is the first-base coach for Chicago's Triple-A club in Charlotte.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Twins: Dozier (sprained left ankle) was available off the bench after a two-game absence. "I didn't want to be influenced by Sano's absence to try to force him back in there," Molitor said. "It's still kind of a high risk." ... LHP Glen Perkins used his full repertoire in a bullpen session before the game. The veteran will take part in at least one more workout before he is re-evaluated. There was no timetable for his return.

White Sox: Before the game, general manager Rick Hahn said LHP Carlos Rodon is in Arizona and progressing in his recovery from bursitis in his left biceps. Hahn said Rodon has been pitching off the mound but did not give a timetable for when he might throw a simulated game or rehab assignment. He has not pitched this season, and the earliest he could be recalled from the 60-day disabled list is May 29. ... C Geovany Soto was a late scratch from the starting lineup with a sore right elbow, which caused him to be on the DL in April.

UP NEXT

Twins: RHP Phil Hughes (4-1, 4.32 ERA) will take the mound for the second game of a three-game series.

White Sox: LHP Derek Holland (3-2, 2.02) will try for his sixth quality start in his seventh game of the season.

Rodon throwing off mound but return to White Sox still uncertain Scot Gregor / Daily Herald | May 9, 2017

Chicago White Sox general manager Rick Hahn had an update on injured starting pitcher Carlos Rodon on Tuesday, and he also blew off some steam on the ongoing matter.

"We have a tentative schedule in our mind about how things would progress here and I'll tell you right now (Rodon) remains in Arizona and needs to show progress and we're encouraged," Hahn said.

Rodon is on the 60-day disabled list with left biceps bursitis, and his return is still up in the air. Hahn did say Rodon is throwing off a mound, so that's a positive step.

But since the first day of spring training, Rodon has not appeared to be quite right.

While other Sox pitchers threw off the mound and went through routine fielding drills in camp, Rodon was held back.

When asked if he was healthy, the 24-year-old lefty answered 100 percent in the affirmative, and Rodon did eventually get up on the mound and he did make one Cactus League start, against the Angels on March 19.

Not long after the outing, Rodon went down with biceps bursitis and declined to discuss his health when he was in town on the White Sox's last homestand.

"I do understand it," Hahn said of the outside interest in Rodon, who was slotted as the No. 2 starter this season. "I also think this organization has a, knock on wood, fairly good track record in both keeping players healthy as well as being as candid as possible with where players are from a physical standpoint. I do, for whatever reason, sense that from early in spring there seemed to be a little bit of doubt about how we were handling Carlos, as if we were hiding something. And the more information we shared, the more skepticism would seem to arise because unfortunately sometimes these guys don't progress, literally, on a linear basis.

"When we say he's going to be back in two weeks, unfortunately sometimes they're not back in two weeks. You're dealing with medical issues and physical issues and guys heal at different paces."

At the start of the season, the White Sox were ideally hoping to have Rodon back in late May or early June. They still expect him to return at some point this season.

"All I can tell you is there's certainly nothing in our organization's interest to create unrealistic expectations about a player's health or when they might return, and as a result we've always shared more information than perhaps other clubs have," Hahn said. "At this point on Carlos, I'm only comfortable telling you he continues to progress in his throwing program. I've answered the question that he's off the mound but until we get him out on a rehab assignment it's difficult for me to project a return date for him. We do anticipate him returning here and hopefully he can progress in a linear fashion from where he is right now."

Are Chicago White Sox close to signing prized prospect? Scot Gregor / Daily Herald | May 9, 2017

Mark May 20 on your calendar, Chicago White Sox fans.

That's the day 19-year-old Cuban outfielder Luis Robert is eligible to sign with a major-league team, and the Sox have long been one of the teams favored to land the young sensation.

According to Baseball America, White Sox vice president Kenny Williams and general manager Rick Hahn were in the Dominican Republic last week for a private workout with Robert.

That's a promising sign, but the St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres, Oakland A's, and also reportedly have worked out Robert.

Before Tuesday night's game against the Minnesota Twins at Guaranteed Rate Field, Hahn was asked about the 6-foot-3, 205-pound Robert.

"I've seen the publications that have had us in the mix and certainly understand why people would believe we'd be in the mix, given how nicely he could conceivably fit with not only what we're trying to do in a rebuild but our history with similar such players," Hahn said.

Starting with Minnie Minoso and more recently with Jose Contreras, Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez, Alexei Ramirez, Dayan Viciedo, Jose Abreu and Yoan Moncada, the White Sox have been a successful landing spot for Cuban players.

The Sox spent $68 million on Abreu before the 2014 season. The price for Robert is going to be similarly steep.

"I expect the bidding for this player will be extremely robust," Hahn said. "He's an extremely talented young man who is going to have an impact on whatever organization he winds up joining, and given the fact the collective-bargaining agreement changes how these players are treated these next few weeks, this is really the last opportunity for certain clubs to exercise strictly their financial might in order to receive such a talent."

I asked Hahn if he was optimistic about signing Robert, who like Abreu and Moncada was a star player in Serie Nacional, Cuba's top league.

"I'm always optimistic," Hahn said. "It's much easier to go about life that way."

While the Sox wait on Robert, Hahn is still open to trading veteran players such as Jose Quintana and David Robertson for more young talent.

Hahn said calls from interested teams should pick up after the amateur draft that runs June 12-14.

As for trading Quintana to the Cubs, a deal that has been talked about since last year, Hahn said he'd have no problem swapping players with the North Side rivals.

"Any deal we make is about maximizing the future of the White Sox," Hahn said. "We are open to business to all 29 clubs. We've been willing to trade within our division, which has far more impact on our ability to compete.

"So there is zero issue doing a deal with the Cubs or any of the other 28 teams after them. We're about putting the White Sox in the best position."