WHITE SOX HEADLINES OF MAY 23, 2017 “Rodon frustrated but 'close to normal' in rehab” … Scott Merkin, MLB.com “White Sox can't solve Greinke in opening loss” … Steve Gilbert & Scott Merkin, MLB.com “Moncada in Chicago for checkup on thumb” … Scott Merkin, MLB.com “Gonzalez sees positives despite 5th straight L” … Scott Merkin, MLB.com “Covey seeks first win vs. Corbin, D-backs” … Scott Merkin, MLB.com “White Sox fall to Diamondbacks in series opener” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “Luis Robert the latest high-end acquisition for White Sox” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “White Sox prospect Yoan Moncada’s trip to Chicago much ado about nothing” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “Carlos Rodon ‘getting closer’ but still without time frame for return” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “Jake Petricka’s injury rehab continues to gain speed” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “Even with Luis Robert agreement, White Sox GM Rick Hahn says more work to do” … Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune “White Sox top prospect Yoan Moncada in Chicago — but just for doctor visit” … Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune “Diamondbacks veteran Zack Greinke shuts down White Sox in 5-1 loss” … Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune “Injured pitcher Carlos Rodon hopes White Sox will 'lift the leash off' soon” … Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune “Rick Renteria not placing limits on White Sox goals” … Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune “Diamondbacks, Greinke halt White Sox’ win streak at three” … Daryl Van Schowen, Chicago Sun-Times “White Sox’ rebuild shifts into a higher gear” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “Carlos Rodon fights ‘frustration’ on slow road back” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “Matt Davidson returns to Arizona as threat in White Sox lineup” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “Why signing Luis Robert is so important for Chicago White Sox” … Scot Gregor, Daily Herald

Rodon frustrated but 'close to normal' in rehab White Sox lefty has spent season recovering from biceps bursitis By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | @scottmerkin | May 22nd, 2017

PHOENIX -- Recovering from biceps bursitis has not exactly gone as Carlos Rodon envisioned when he went on the disabled list prior to the start of the 2017 season.

"I didn't think much of it," said the White Sox southpaw, addressing the media for the first time since the end of Spring Training at Chase Field Monday after throwing a simulated game hours earlier. "I thought it would be three or four weeks in April, come back, make a couple rehab starts and be ready the first of May.

"Now it's May 22," Rodon added. "And we're still here." But Rodon appears to be making progress in his ongoing throwing program.

Monday's outing marked Rodon's fourth simulated game. He was able to get up and down four times while throwing 60 pitches to Minor Leaguers brought over from the White Sox Camelback Ranch complex. "Today it played pretty much 100 percent, pretty close to normal command, stuff coming back," Rodon said. "It's a lot better."

"He's been out there now three or four times throwing to hitters," White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said. "Each time has been a little more crisp from what I understand from the previous ones to today. Hopefully here in the coming weeks we are able to announce he's starting a rehab assignment and we'll have a better sense of his time frame at that point."

Rodon sees things more through a normal five-day rotation setup, so even if another simulated game follows, Rodon is doing his in-between work as if he's preparing for a start.

Frustration pretty much describes the overriding emotion for Rodon, who has watched the White Sox in action via television while working in Arizona. He wants to return to the mound, the clubhouse, the dugout, but with his shoulder tightness now turning to more of a dull soreness, he understands the caution being taken has a purpose. "The competitor in me tells me to go out there, screw it, I can pitch. I'll do it. I don't care," said the 24-year-old. "But then you have to step back and know this is your career. It's something that could affect you over a long period of time. I have to be healthy. I can't be on the DL every other month, you know?

"That's not going to work. You have to be a reliable starter, a guy who goes seven innings. We're looking into the future. Not just this year but into the future. Obviously, hopefully I'm a part of that, but it's hard to take the reins back on myself."

White Sox can't solve Greinke in opening loss By Steve Gilbert and Scott Merkin / MLB.com | May 23, 2017

PHOENIX -- Zack Greinke continued his recent run of success, allowing one run over 8 2/3 innings as the D-backs beat the White Sox, 5-1, on Monday night at Chase Field.

Greinke (6-2) won his fourth straight start and his fifth straight decision as he puts together a bounceback season following a disappointing 2016. The right-hander struck out a season-high 12, the 27th double-digit strikeout game of his career and his third this year.

"Great night for Zack," D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said. "He kept a very offensive team, as of late, in check and was making all sorts of pitches. He had the slider, changeup combination off a very spotted up and aggressive fastball. It was another Zack moment for us, something that we're really leaning on every fifth day and we're sure this will continue for the rest of the year."

Daniel Descalso and Paul Goldschmidt each homered to pace the D-backs' offense, while the White Sox got a homer from Leury Garcia. Sox starter Miguel Gonzalez (3-5) dropped his fifth straight start as he allowed five runs (four earned) in five-plus innings.

"I understand my team is out there battling every time we have an at-bat, and that's what it's all about," Gonzalez said. "It's going to be changing for us in a positive way for sure."

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED

Descalso goes deep (again): Descalso's three-run homer in the fourth inning was his fourth of the year and it came in his 66th plate appearance. Of his first 13 hits this year, four were homers, including his first career walk-off homer on April 30 against the Rockies.

"Breaking ball out over the middle of the plate," Descalso said. "I wanted to be aggressive in that spot with men in scoring position."

A little extra: The D-backs gave Greinke some extra breathing room in the sixth when Goldschmidt led off the inning with a home run, and Arizona caught a break when Chicago catcher Omar Narvaez dropped the ball on a force play at home, which allowed the D-backs an unearned run and gave them a 5-1 lead.

"Goldy with the solo home run and then we tacked another one on which I thought was really crucial," Lovullo said.

QUOTABLE

"You have to stay focused no matter what. He's doing his part. I have to do mine."-- Gonzalez on pitching against an almost un-hittable Greinke

ONE STREAK ENDS, ANOTHER CONTINUES

With an 0-for-4 showing against Greinke, Yolmer Sanchez's 12-game hitting streak came to an end. But Garcia's homer extended the team's homer streak to eight straight games and 11 of its last 12.

UPON FURTHER REVIEW

White Sox manager Rick Renteria challenged a play at the plate in the sixth when Jake Lamb was ruled safe on a slow roller by Rey Fuentes to shortstop Tim Anderson with the bases loaded. Anderson's throw couldn't be hauled in by catcher Narvaez, with the ball rolling out of his mitt, and the call stood after video replay.

WHAT'S NEXT

White Sox: Dylan Covey (0-3, 7.64) will make his eighth attempt at career victory No. 1 when he takes the mound at 8:40 p.m. CT Tuesday night in Arizona. Covey pitched a career-best six innings in his last start against the Mariners after setting a career-high with nine strikeouts in his prior start against the Padres. D-backs: Patrick Corbin will get the start for the D-backs at 6:40 p.m. MST Tuesday night when the D-backs host to the White Sox. Corbin has allowed 16 earned runs in 16 innings over his last three starts.

Moncada in Chicago for checkup on thumb MLB's top prospect hitting .331 with Triple-A Charlotte By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | @scottmerkin | May 22nd, 2017

PHOENIX -- Yoan Moncada was in Chicago Monday, and news quickly traveled across social media in the morning.

But the top-rated prospect in baseball, per MLBPipeline.com, was not looking for a new residence in preparation for a White Sox callup from Triple-A Charlotte. He was in town for a followup on his bruised left thumb that put him on the disabled list.

"When a guy in the Minor Leagues is dealing with some sort of issue, we tend to bring him to Chicago for confirmation with our specialists that everything is fine," White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said. "Doctors in Chicago echo the analysis of the guys in the Minors. He's dealing with a bruised thumb. Hopefully he will be back out there in the coming days."

Moncada, who is hitting .331 with 11 extra-base hits, 10 stolen bases and 27 runs scored, played with the bone bruise before the organization slowed him down.

"It goes back a few weeks," Hahn said. "It started getting a little more swollen and aggravated him a little more. "He wanted to keep playing and didn't want to go on the DL. But we decided to take a little time here, get it 100 percent, before he gets back out there." Healing arms race Right-handed reliever Jake Petricka threw a live batting practice Monday at Chase Field as part of his ongoing recovery from a strained right lat. Petricka, who missed all but nine games last season due to right hip surgery, has been out of action since April 5.

"I'm just kind of waiting on that muscle and letting it tell us when we can push it harder each day," Petricka said. "Finally about the last two weeks we've been able to get back out there throwing and start pushing it in ways that you can see the progress. It's been much better the last couple of weeks."

Nate Jones, sidelined by ulnar neuritis in his right elbow, faced hitters for the first time Monday in his side session. The hard-throwing right-hander did not incorporate sliders into his mix.

"With these relievers, it eventually gets to the point where they've accomplished everything from a pitch-count standpoint, where eventually you send them out on a rehab assignment," Hahn said. "Nate, hopefully again, within the next 7 to 10 days where we feel it's time to send him out."

Gonzalez sees positives despite 5th straight L White Sox righty stung by pair of homers in Arizona By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | @scottmerkin | May 23, 2017

PHOENIX -- The final pitching line for Miguel Gonzalez from the White Sox 5-1 loss to the D-backs on Monday night at Chase Field wasn't exactly ideal for the right-hander.

But his performance over five-plus innings stood out as much closer to his early-season excellence as opposed to his recent struggles.

"Yeah, so there are a lot of positive things," said Gonzalez, who slipped to 3-5 overall with a 4.55 ERA. "Take those, walk with it and better things are going to come." "All in all, I thought he pitched a lot better today and kind of made a return to what he had been doing previously," White Sox manager Rick Renteria said. "I was encouraged, to be honest."

Gonzalez looked as strong as any AL starter through his first four starts of 2017, posting a 3-0 record and 2.00 ERA over 27 innings. But in his last five starts, which all finished as losses, Gonzalez yielded 22 runs in 28 1/3 innings for a 6.99 ERA.

Opposing hitters have worked nine walks combined in Gonzalez's previous 10 2/3 innings. He walked one Monday, a two- out free pass to Chris Owings in the fourth. Daniel Descalso followed with a three-run homer to right-center on the next pitch. "You see what happens when you walk guys. That wasn't in a good situation to walk the guy," Gonzalez said. "You have to keep grinding, keep making my pitches. Really, two pitches were the ones that hurt me tonight. A lot of positives. Nothing to worry about. Keep working hard and things are going to go my way."

Paul Goldschmidt's solo home run to lead off the sixth came on that second pitch, and those mistakes became two too many against Zack Greinke, who struck out 12.

"Curveball, three-run homer. Fastball in, could have been a little more in, but sometimes things don't go your way," Gonzalez said. "Those two pitches, if I take those back, you never know. It's a different ballgame."

"He was cleaning up his line to the plate," Renteria said. "[White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper] had been talking to him about some other things to straighten him out and be over the more ball more and in line. I thought he was doing that better. He got out of a couple little jams."

Covey seeks first win vs. Corbin, D-backs By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | May 23, 2017

Dylan Covey will be making an eighth attempt at career victory No. 1 on Tuesday, when the White Sox rookie takes the mound opposite the D-backs' Patrick Corbin at Chase Field.

Covey gave up four runs on five hits over six innings in his last start against the Mariners, finishing with a no-decision. He struck out a career-high nine Padres in his previous start.

"His last two outings have been much, much better," White Sox manager Rick Renteria said. "His fastball command has improved. His velocity is starting to go up. We are just trying to get him to attack the strike zone as much as he can."

In three May starts, Corbin has allowed an average exit velocity of 95.3 mph on fly balls and line drives, up from 92.9 mph in April, according to Statcast. Those balls have traveled an average of 304 feet, up from 275, as the lefty has served up five May homers.

Three things to know

• Jose Abreu needs one home run to reach 100 for his career. • The White Sox have gone 40-28 all-time against the National League West in Interleague competition. • Over his last three starts, Corbin has allowed 16 runs in 16 innings pitched.

White Sox fall to Diamondbacks in series opener By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | May 22, 2017

PHOENIX -- The red-hot White Sox ran into Zack Greinke on Monday night.

He cooled them off in a hurry.

Greinke struck out 12 hitters and Daniel Descalso blasted a three-run home run off Miguel Gonzalez as the Arizona Diamondbacks sent the White Sox to a 5-1 loss in front of 18,333 at Chase Field. The loss snapped a three-game win streak for the White Sox, who had scored 24 runs in their final two games against the Seattle Mariners.

“(Greinke) keeps the ball down out of the zone a lot,” manager Rick Renteria said. “It’s kind of enticing. He keeps the ball in the hitter’s area and it ends up falling out. It’s one of those things that you’ve got to try to get him up. Our approach was to try to make him throw a lot of strikes. He ended up hammering the strike zone early and then finally he just came into a groove.”

Descalso’s three-run shot off Gonzalez was one of two pitches the White Sox right-hander would have liked back. After Gonzalez walked Chris Owings with two outs in the fourth inning, his only free pass of the night, he left the curveball over the middle and Descalso deposited it in the right-center field stands to break a scoreless tie.

He also left a pitch up to Paul Goldschmidt in the sixth inning and the All-Star first baseman ripped it for a solo shot.

But overall Gonzalez rebounded from his previous two starts when he walked nine batters. He was sharp for three innings as he faced one over the minimum. He just missed to Owings in the fourth, which brought up Descalso.

Gonzalez allowed five runs (four earned) and seven hits in five innings.

“You see what happens when you walk guys,” Gonzalez said. “That wasn’t in a good situation to walk the guy. You have to keep grinding, keep making my pitches. Really two pitches were the ones that hurt me tonight. A lot of positives. Nothing to worry about. Keep working hard and things are going to go my way.

“Sometimes things don’t go your way. Those two pitches, if I take those back, you never know. It’s a different ballgame.”

Not only did Greinke strike out a dozen hitters, he limited the White Sox to four hits in 8 2/3 innings.

Omar Narvaez had two hits, the first coming after Greinke opened the game by retiring seven straight batters. Leury Garcia homered off Greinke with one out in the fifth inning to break up his bid for a shutout.

It was quite the turnaround from when the White Sox bashed Yovani Gallardo and Chris Heston on consecutive days in Seattle. The White Sox scored a combined nine first-inning runs in winning three of four against the Mariners.

Luis Robert the latest high-end acquisition for White Sox By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | May 22, 2017

PHOENIX -- The White Sox rebuild has another significant addition in Luis Robert, one general manager Rick Hahn won’t discuss until the deal is final.

But that didn’t stop the White Sox general manager from dropping a massive hint during Monday’s media session at Chase Field. As he discussed each aspect of player acquisition, Hahn briefly and, it would seem purposely, paused when he brought up international prospects. Hahn said he’s pleased with how much talent the White Sox have accumulated in the last 11 months only two days after club signed Robert. While Robert is yet another critical piece to the team’s future, Hahn again suggested the White Sox are only part way through the process.

“We were obviously thrilled with the draft last year and we’re getting ready to hopefully repeat that in the coming weeks,” Hahn said. “We’ve been able to do some things internationally that, umm, nice additions to the system potentially. And the last several trades we’ve done have put us in a stronger position as an organization.

“But we’re pleased with what we’ve been able to do in the last 10-11 months (and) we know we’ve got to repeat that over the next 10-11 again to put ourselves in the position we want to be in for the long term.”

Robert is just the latest puzzle piece that the White Sox have added. Hahn started to scoop up high-end talent last June with the additions of Zack Collins, Zack Burdi and others in the amateur draft. Each of the team’s first five selections was listed in Baseball America’s top-10 White Sox prospect list when it was first issued in November. But that list was totally overhauled when the White Sox added seven more prospects in December with the trades of Adam Eaton and Chris Sale.

The addition of Robert (pronounced Robber), who could be ranked the No. 3 prospect in the White Sox farm system, is the latest big piece. He potentially gives the White Sox another big bat in the future, one that was needed as many of the recent additions have been pitchers.

The White Sox also hold the 11th overall pick in June’s draft and are hopeful for another bountiful draft class. They expect to hold a high pick in the 2018 draft as well.

And that doesn’t count the young talent they could add later this summer when the White Sox begin to sell off more pieces around the Aug. 1 trade deadline. Though the club has outperformed expectations with its 20-22 start, Hahn has always maintained the club is focused on the big picture. That view would appear to include Hahn picking up his mobile phone often over the next few months.

“We’ve received a lot of phone calls because of the talent on this roster,” Hahn said. “We’re remaining very open-minded about whatever opportunities make us better for the long run. Our focus is on doing something that’s more sustainable than one season. We’re in the same mode we were in this past offseason, looking for opportunities to find some long-term pieces to put us in a place to contend on annual basis.

“It’s gotta fit for the long term. That’s sort of the same approach for the entire offseason that was build something for the future. Some of it you’re seeing here in 2017 and some of it’s going to take a little longer.”

White Sox prospect Yoan Moncada’s trip to Chicago much ado about nothing By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | May 22, 2017 PHOENIX -- Yoan Moncada’s routine checkup with team doctors drew some extra attention when baseball’s top prospect made it known he was in Chicago.

The White Sox Triple-A second baseman took a selfie and noted he was in Chicago, Illinois early Monday which sent some fans into a frenzy. General manager Rick Hahn said Monday that Moncada was only there to have his sore left thumb examined. Hahn said the thumb that landed Moncada on the seven-day disabled list last week has been determined to be fine.

“He’s been playing with it,” Hahn said. “It goes back a few weeks. It started getting a little more swollen and aggravated him a little more. He wanted to keep playing and didn’t want to go on the DL. But we decided to take a little time here, get it 100 percent, before he gets back out there.”

Moncada is hitting .331/.401/.504 with six home runs and 15 RBIs in 157 plate appearances this season. He also has stolen 10 bases.

Carlos Rodon ‘getting closer’ but still without time frame for return By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | May 22, 2017

PHOENIX — Carlos Rodon was pretty excited to face hitters at a major league venue on Monday afternoon, another step in his return from the disabled list.

Just when the White Sox left-hander will return is still to be determined. But it’s another telling sign of progress that Rodon threw 60 pitches and got up and down four times against White Sox minor leaguers at Chase Field on Monday. The exercise was the fourth simulated game that Rodon — on the 60-day disabled list with bursitis in his left shoulder — has participated in since he returned to the mound earlier this month. He said he currently views himself on an every-fifth-day schedule. Jake Petricka, who like Rodon was ecstatic to be back around White Sox teammates, also threw in the sim game as did Nate Jones.

“I’ve been itching for two months,” Rodon said. “Like I said, frustrating. Hopefully soon they’ll lift the leash off and let me pitch in a game and get back up here for my boys.

“Jake and I, we just play it by ear, listen to what they got for us and we do it.”

“We’re getting closer.”

While nobody is putting a timeline on when Rodon would return, he’s clearly advancing to a promising phase. General manager Rick Hahn watched Rodon’s outing and called it positive. Hahn said it’s encouraging that Rodon has begun to think of himself on a five-day schedule and the next step includes building up arm strength and endurance.

“He’s been out there now three or four times throwing to hitters,” Hahn said. “Each time has been a little more crisp from what I understand from the previous ones to today. Hopefully here in the coming weeks we are able to announce he’s starting a rehab assignment and we’ll have a better sense of his time frame at that point.”

The entire ordeal has been somewhat of a frustrating odyssey for Rodon. He initially believed he would be ready to return to the White Sox at the start of the month.

“Now it’s May 22nd and we’re still here,” he said. “It’s taken a lot longer than I imagined. It’s hard to be patient when your team is out here battling. I’m sitting on the backfield throwing and fielding PFP’s and waiting back here. It’s been frustrating.

“That’s all I can say, frustration.”

Rodon said he threw at 100 percent in the game. He described his command as pretty close to normal and said his stuff has begun to return.

The process has taken longer than all parties expected because it’s based on feel and “throwing with discomfort is never a good thing,” Rodon said. However, that time appears to be in the past as Rodon feels like he’s made good progress and is itching to get back on the mound.

Rodon would love to ignore his body and try to pitch through this. But after experiencing discomfort, Rodon appreciates the methodical approach.

“The competitor in me tells me to go out there, screw it, I can pitch,” Rodon said. “I’ll do it. I don’t care. But then you have to step back and know this is your career. It’s something that could affect you over a long period of time, I have to be healthy. I can’t be on the DL every other month. You know? That’s not going to work. You have to be a reliable starter, a guy who goes seven innings. We’re looking into the future. Not just this year but into the future. Obviously, hopefully I’m a part of that. Have to be healthy to help out so. It’s hard to take the reins back on myself. As you get older you know your body better, what feels right and what feels wrong. I’m understanding that in the whole process. They’re helping me pull the reins back.”

Jake Petricka’s injury rehab continues to gain speed By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | May 22, 2017

PHOENIX -- Jake Petricka is thrilled to spend the next few days around his White Sox teammates. He’s also happy that he has begun to feel better and can see some results in his rehab assignment.

But the White Sox reliever had a big smile after he participated in a simulated game on Monday, one of three he’ll spend with the White Sox, and hung out in the clubhouse.

Much like Carlos Rodon, Petricka’s rehab from a lat muscle strain has been longer than he first thought and tedious. The right-hander has spent much of the last six weeks in extended spring training at the team’s Glendale, Ariz. facility.

“I was excited,” Petricka said. “When they were coming in, I knew we would get to come in and be part of the team again and get back into a couple of days of normal routine. It’s fun.”

Petricka’s appearance on the mound was his second. Both have come since his lat muscle calmed down about two weeks ago. Petricka threw 20 pitches and could get back on the mound after one to two days off.

While it took time to reach this point, Petricka is upbeat about his status.

“It’s been slow,” Petricka said. “I’m just kind of waiting on that muscle and letting it tell us when we can push it harder each day. Finally about the last two weeks we’ve been able to get back out there throwing and start pushing it in ways that you can see the progress. It’s been much better the last couple of weeks.”

Petricka doesn’t know how much longer he’ll stay in Arizona, but he knows the next step isn’t too far off if he doesn’t have a setback. His wife and two young children have spent the past two weeks with him in Arizona. But they head out later this week just in case a rehab assignment begins soon.

After he missed much of last season with a hip impingement that required surgery, Petricka joked he’s spent so much time in Arizona he could be considered a resident.

“I feel like I am,” Petricka said. “It’s either that or I might own my hotel room. I think we put enough money into it for them. Instead of a room number, it might be my name.”

Even with Luis Robert agreement, White Sox GM Rick Hahn says more work to do Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune | May 22, 2017

As the White Sox wait to officially welcome Luis Robert into the fold, general manager Rick Hahn declined to answer questions about the highly regarded Cuban outfield prospect the team agreed to sign Saturday.

But after addressing a number of topics in a media session Monday at Chase Field, Hahn was asked how his Saturday was.

Hahn smiled and said his son had a hockey tournament. Who won?

"I don't know," Hahn joked. "I wasn't paying attention."

It's understandable if Hahn was distracted, as the addition of Robert gives the Sox what will likely be another top-100 prospect in a farm system that has been completely rebuilt over the last year.

"We were obviously thrilled with the draft last year and we're getting ready to hopefully repeat that in the coming weeks," Hahn said. "We've been able to do some things internationally that — umm — nice additions to the system potentially. And the last several trades we've done have put us in a stronger position as an organization.

"We knew this was a process and it would take some time. We're pleased with what we've been able to do in the last 10- 11 months, but we know we've got to repeat that over the next 10-11 again to put ourselves in the position we want to be in for the long term."

Hahn noted that the process has so far been made easier by the way manager Rick Renteria's team has handled a transitional season. He said Renteria has established the right clubhouse culture, and noted players who have pleasantly surprised.

"Guys are getting an opportunity to show how they fit in this process," Hahn said. "Guys like Avi Garcia or Leury Garcia or (Yolmer) Sanchez are making the most of the additional play time or second chances they may be getting to establish themselves as quality big leaguers."

Extra innings: Sox relievers Jake Petricka (strained right lat) and Nate Jones (right elbow neuritis) moved closer to rehab assignments by facing hitters Monday. … Outfield prospect Charlie Tilson (stress reaction in right foot) has resumed light baseball activity, including running in the outfield and batting practice.

White Sox top prospect Yoan Moncada in Chicago — but just for doctor visit Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune | May 22, 2017

Yoan Moncada caused a minor social-media stir Monday morning when he posted a photo of himself with a filter that showed he was in Chicago.

However, the top White Sox prospect did not arrive to prepare for a big-league call. Instead he was seeing a Sox specialist to examine his sore left thumb, which landed the infielder on the disabled list at Triple-A Charlotte last week.

Moncada received confirmation that the injury is just a bruise, and Sox general manager Rick Hahn said Monday they hope he can return to playing "in the coming days."

"It goes back a few weeks," Hahn said. "It started getting a little more swollen and aggravated him a little more. He didn't want to go on the DL. But we decided to take a little time here, get it 100 percent."

Micker Adolfo, RF, Class-A Kannapolis

Adolfo was 16 when he joined the Sox as an international free agent and highly regarded prospect in 2013 for a $1.6 million signing bonus.

The right fielder's development has come in small steps since, with several injury disruptions including surgery to repair a fractured left fibula in 2015.

But he looks to be making progress in his second season in Kannapolis. Through Sunday, Adolfo was hitting .306 with 13 doubles and 19 RBIs over 34 games. But his plate discipline still needs work, with 42 strikeouts and four walks.

Michael Kopech, RHP, Double-A Birmingham

Pitched his longest outing of the year Friday, giving up one earned run on three hits with two walks and eight strikeouts over seven innings. That brought his ERA to 2.76 with 23 walks and 59 strikeouts in 42 1/3 innings.

Reynaldo Lopez, RHP, Triple-A Charlotte

Saw his ERA dip to 2.94 after he pitched six innings Sunday, allowing one earned run on three hits with one walk and five strikeouts on just 85 pitches.

Jacob May, CF, Triple-A Charlotte

May continues to produce after he was sent down by the Sox after struggling in his first month in the majors. He is hitting .324 with a .392 on-base percentage in 17 games.

Alec Hansen, RHP, Class-A Kannapolis

Pitched 6 2/3 scoreless innings in his outing last week, allowing four hits with two walks and seven strikeouts. Owns a 2.95 ERA.

Diamondbacks veteran Zack Greinke shuts down White Sox in 5-1 loss Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune | May 22, 2017

The White Sox met Diamondbacks right-hander Zack Greinke on Monday at Chase Field, and it didn’t end well for the club’s brief winning streak.

The Sox managed just four hits and struck out 12 times against Greinke in a 5-1 loss to the Diamondbacks, ending the good vibes started with three straight victories against the Mariners over the weekend.

It was Greinke’s 27th career game with 10 or more strikeouts, and his third this season. Jose Abreu doubled with two out in the ninth, and the Chase Field crowd booed when Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo pulled Greinke one out shy of his 17th career complete game. Greinke threw 104 pitches.

“He keeps the ball down out of the zone a lot,” Sox manager Rick Renteria said. “It’s kind of enticing. He keeps the ball in the hitter’s area, and it ends up falling out. It’s one of those things that you’ve got to try to get him up. Our approach was to try to make him throw a lot of strikes. He ended up hammering the strike zone early and then finally he just came into a groove.”

Daniel Descalso hit a three-run homer off Sox right-hander Miguel Gonzalez to give the Diamondbacks an early lead.

Gonzalez pitched three scoreless innings before he gave up a single to Paul Goldschmidt and walked Chris Owings in the fourth. Descalso then hit his fourth homer of the year to center field.

Gonzalez got into trouble in the sixth inning when Goldschmidt homered and Jake Lamb tripled in back-to-back at-bats.

“Those two pitches -- curveball, three-run homer; fastball in (to Goldschmidt), could have been a little more in,” Gonzalez said. “But sometimes things don’t go your way. Those two pitches, if I take those back, you never know. It’s a different ballgame.”

After Owings singled, Renteria replaced Gonzalez with Dan Jennings, who issued a walk to load the bases. The Diamondbacks then scored on Tim Anderson’s throwing error home, which catcher Omar Narvaez couldn’t get a handle on.

Sox reliever Chris Beck limited the damage from getting any worse, prompting Jeff Mathis to hit into a double play and Greinke to ground out.

“(Gonzalez) was cleaning up his line to the plate,” Renteria said. “(Pitching coach Don Cooper) had been talking to him about some other things to straighten him out and be over the more ball more and in line. I thought he was doing that better. He got out of a couple little jams, and our relief did a nice job trying to limit. We did minimize some damage because we had some heavy traffic out there, it could have been quite ugly.”

Leury Garcia put the Sox on the board with a solo home run to right field off Greinke in the fifth, one of two Sox players to advance beyond first base. Omar Narvaez had the club’s other two hits.

Gonzalez gave a tip of the cap to Greinke afterward.

“You have to stay focused no matter what,” Gonzalez said. “He’s doing his part. I have to do mine.”

The Sox dropped to 3-5 on their 10-game road trip with two more to go in Arizona

Injured pitcher Carlos Rodon hopes White Sox will 'lift the leash off' soon Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune | May 22, 2017

Carlos Rodon can present a fairly reserved demeanor, but the left-hander visibly was thrilled to be back around the White Sox on Monday afternoon after spending most of the last two months working out on the back fields at Camelback Ranch.

As the Sox arrived in Arizona for a three-game series against the Diamondbacks, injured players working out at the club's spring-training facility were able to catch up with general manager Rick Hahn and their Sox coaches and teammates.

Rodon and relievers Jake Petricka and Nate Jones participated in a simulated game against Sox minor-leaguers. Rodon said it felt good to throw against hitters again after his long recovery from bursitis in his left shoulder.

Monday was his fourth simulated game, and he threw 60 pitches while getting up and down four times. Hahn said each outing has been "a little crisper." He said they hope to announce a rehab assignment for Rodon in the coming weeks, which would signal a close to an injury saga that started during spring training.

In a season that was supposed to be his time to shine as the No. 2 starter behind Jose Quintana, Rodon said the slow recovery has been "very frustrating."

"The competitor in me tells me to go out there," Rodon said. "Screw it. I can pitch. I'll do it. I don't care. But then you have to step back and know this is your career. It's something that could affect you over a long period of time. I have to be healthy. I can't be on the DL every other month, you know? That's not going to work.

"You have to be a reliable starter, a guy who can go seven innings. We're looking into the future. Not just this year but into the future. Obviously, hopefully I'm a part of that."

Before Rodon could get back to pitching every fifth day, as he is now, he needed to be sure he wasn't throwing with discomfort in his shoulder. He said the Sox helped him to "pull the reins back" when he needed to rest longer than he wanted.

"It's tightness, and now it's kind of fading away to more into a dull soreness after throwing," Rodon said. "It's based off recovery time, how fast I can recover. … Hopefully soon they'll lift the leash off and let me pitch in a game and get back up here for my boys."

Rodon never thought he would be away from the team this long. He said he assumed his recovery would take 3-4 weeks, and that he'd be pitching with the Sox again by May 1.

"Now it's May 22, and we're still here," he said.

When he's not throwing, Rodon has been relegated to life without a team. He has passed the time with fishing and exploring the Phoenix area, but he still watches every Sox game.

"It's more like a fan, and you're cheering, 'Come on! Dang it!'" Rodon said. "But it's fun, and a different perspective than when you're at every game sitting on the bench. You take it for granted sometimes."

Hahn said he talked to Rodon on the phone a few times and met with him again Monday to address the process.

"He's champing at the bit, as is (Petricka), to get out of Glendale, with all due respect to the West Valley," Hahn said. "Once they clear the last few hurdles down here, we'll get them out to an affiliate."

Rick Renteria not placing limits on White Sox goals Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune | May 22, 2017

When Rick Renteria was asked Sunday what would make a successful season, the White Sox manager wasn't afraid to say "a winning record."

While guiding a rebuilding team that had fallen into a 2-9 funk before arriving at Safeco Field on Thursday, Renteria surely knows not everyone thinks that assessment is plausible. But that doesn't make him change his mind.

"I don't underestimate our guys in any way," Renteria said. "You've heard us talking about shooting for the stars, and let's see where we fall. Most people try to set a certain expectation. Sometimes people lower the bar. I'm not that way. We raise it, and we're going to do the best we possibly can to (meet) that and go beyond if we can."

Against the scuffling Mariners, the Sox (20-22) rediscovered their swagger, winning three straight and outscoring their opponent 24-2 in the last two victories. That included an 8-1 victory Sunday, when the Sox staked left-hander Derek Holland to a five-run lead before he took the mound.

Yolmer Sanchez hit a two-run single and Tim Anderson, Matt Davidson and Kevan Smith added RBI singles off Mariners starter Chris Heston, who was called up from Triple-A on Sunday. Anderson hit a solo home run in the third, his fifth of the year.

"We've been swinging the heck out of the bats," Anderson said. "It's good to get back on the winning side of it. We learned something from the losses, kept playing through it and are having fun with it."

Double the fun: The Sox turned eight double plays Saturday and Sunday, including four over the first six innings Sunday to help Holland.

"It was huge," Holland said. "They're making the plays. When you're keeping them on their toes, they're going to get anything that's hit to them. I thought the guys were ready to go."

Holland pitched a season-high eight innings of one-run ball. He gave up six hits, walked two and struck out six. Nelson Cruz hit a solo homer in the seventh for the Mariners' only run. A former American League West rival while with the Rangers, Holland's 13 victories against the Mariners are his most against any team.

Injury report: Leury Garcia returned to play center field after he didn't start Friday and Saturday because of a bruised right elbow. ... Sox infielder Tyler Saladino sat out his fifth straight game as he recovers from back soreness. The Sox want to give him enough rest so the issue doesn't spread to his legs, Renteria said.

Diamondbacks, Greinke halt White Sox’ win streak at three Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun Times | May 22, 2017

PHOENIX — Zack Greinke struck out a season-high 12 batters and came within one out of finishing a complete game in a Diamondbacks’ 5-1 victory Monday night which ended a three-game winning streak for the White Sox.

Greinke (6-2) gave up four hits, one a harmless homer to Leury Garcia, and improved to 5-0 in his last six starts.

Manager Torey Lovello got booed by the Chase Field crowd when he came out to get has ace after Jose Abreu doubled with two outs in the ninth. The crowd then cheered as Greinke walked off.

Daniel Descalso’s three-run homer in the fourth broke a scoreless tie and Paul Goldschmidt hit his 11th against Miguel Gonzalez (3-5), who lasted five innings. The D-backs have won six of seven while the Sox fell to 3-5 on their Western road trip.

Gonzalez was unhappy with himself for walking Chris Owings with two outs in the fourth before serving up the homer to Descalso.

“You see what happens when you walk guys,” Gonzalez said. “That wasn’t in a good situation to walk the guy. You have to keep grinding, keep making my pitches. Really two pitches were the ones that hurt me tonight.”

The Sox had scored 16 and eight runs in their previous two games against the Mariners, but Greinke proved to be a much tougher challenge than the pitchers they faced in Seattle. “He keeps the ball down out of the zone a lot,” Sox manager Rick Renteria said. “It’s kind of enticing. He keeps the ball in the hitter’s area and it ends up falling out.”

Yolmer Sanchez saw his 12-game hitting streak come to an end against Greinke.

White Sox’ rebuild shifts into a higher gear Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun Times | May 22, 2017

PHOENIX — These are invigorating times for the White Sox and general manager Rick Hahn — and for a hopeful fan base, too.

The bold trades Hahn made in December — dealing left-hander Chris Sale and outfielder Adam Eaton and netting second baseman Yoan Moncada and right-handers Michael Kopech and Reynaldo Lopez, among others — are working out. And the 2016 draft was a good one, too.

Those two advances have given the Sox a farm system that is rated as high as No. 3 by MLB.com, a hefty climb from one that has languished in the bottom third of the majors for much too long.

And that rating doesn’t even take into consideration the Sox’ latest score, the addition of Cuban outfielder Luis Robert, 19, a five-tool prospect whose signing is expected to be made official and announced in the coming days.

Hahn isn’t talking publicly about that yet, but it’s obvious he is pleased with the rebuilding progress the front office has made in the last six months.

‘‘We were obviously thrilled with the draft last year [led at the top by catcher Zack Collins and potential closer Zack Burdi], and we’re getting ready to hopefully repeat that in the coming weeks,’’ Hahn said before the Sox opened a three-game series Monday against the Diamondbacks with a 5-1 loss at Chase Field. ‘‘We’ve been able to do some things internationally that — umm — nice additions to the system, potentially.’’

That was probably a veiled reference to Robert, who at the least will be a top-30 prospect in baseball when he’s added to the pool, prospect experts say. But the Sox also are making better hay all around Latin America under the leadership of Marco Paddy, the special assistant to the GM in charge of international operations.

‘‘We knew this [rebuilding] was going to be a difficult process at times, perhaps,’’ Hahn said. ‘‘We knew it was going to be difficult, perhaps, at the big-league level. The way [manager] Ricky [Renteria] has them playing, it’s been a little less frustrating than people have anticipated.’’

Diamondbacks right-hander Zack Greinke (6-2) fell an out short of a complete game, allowing four hits and striking out 12 in 8 innings to halt the Sox’ winning streak at three. A three-run home run by Daniel Descalso in the fourth broke a scoreless tie, and Paul Goldschmidt added a solo shot against Miguel Gonzalez (3-5) in the sixth. Leury Garcia’s homer in the fifth accounted for the Sox’ run.

Hahn, meanwhile, sticks to the process, saying he needs to back up the last 10 or 11 months with another strong 10 or 11 months. And the fan base seems to buying in. The signing of Robert had them celebrating all weekend.

A national writer reminded Hahn his team isn’t all that far out of first place. But Hahn knows what’s up and won’t be suckered into giving an inch on the goal of building something sustainable. The Sox haven’t made the playoffs since 2008, and their 2005 World Series is getting to be kind of a long time ago.

‘‘We are competitive,’’ Hahn said. ‘‘We know where we are at in this process right now, and we are committed to seeing it through properly.’’

Hahn has veterans he can move to beef up the farm system even more. And while the trade market isn’t expected to perk up until after the draft June 12, he said he has gotten a lot of phone calls ‘‘because of the talent on this roster.’’

‘‘We’re remaining very open-minded about whatever opportunities make us better for the long run,’’ Hahn said. ‘‘Our focus is on doing something that’s more sustainable than one season. We’re in the same mode we were in this past offseason, looking for opportunities to find some long-term pieces to put us in a place to contend on an annual basis.’’

NOTE: Moncada was in Chicago having his left thumb checked by Sox doctors. Sightings of the prized prospect initially set off speculation that he would be called up, but Hahn quickly dashed that. Hahn said it was the kind of routine checkup minor-leaguers customarily undergo while on the disabled list.

‘‘It started getting a little more swollen and aggravated him a little more,’’ Hahn said. ‘‘He wanted to keep playing and didn’t want to go on the DL. But we decided to take a little time here, get it 100 percent, before he gets back out there.’’

Carlos Rodon fights ‘frustration’ on slow road back Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun Times | May 22, 2017

PHOENIX — You remember Carlos Rodon, the left-hander who is considered a cornerstone of the rebuilding White Sox’ starting rotation, right?

He has been here in the desert, rehabbing his upper biceps at the Sox’ spring-training facility, since the team put him on the disabled list on Opening Day.

The good news? Rodon threw his fourth simulated game, this one featuring 60 pitches, before the Sox’ game Monday against the Diamondbacks at Chase Field. He is getting better, he said.

The bad news? Rodon won’t be back to, as he put it, ‘‘help his boys’’ fight for victories for a while yet. After the All-Star break seems to be a reasonable assumption.

But the Sox are rebuilding anyway. And while Rodon and every player in the clubhouse, as well as manager Rick Renteria, talks more about trying to win now than about the future, there is no reason to push Rodon along any more than necessary.

‘‘The competitor in me says to go out there — ‘I can pitch, I’ll do it, I don’t care,’ ’’ Rodon said while talking to media for the first time since March. ‘‘But then you have to step back and know this is your career. It’s something that could affect you over a long period of time.’’

The 24-year-old Rodon, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2014 draft, had more strikeouts (307) than any Sox pitcher in his first 54 appearances. He was 9-10 with a 4.04 ERA in his second full season in 2016, including 7-3 with a 3.45 ERA in the second half.

But he made only one start — albeit a dominant one — during spring training.

‘‘I have to be healthy,’’ he said. ‘‘I can’t be on the DL every other month, you know? That’s not going to work. You have to be a reliable starter, and we’re looking into the future. Obviously, hopefully I’m a part of that.’’

The official injury is biceps bursitis, but Rodon said: ‘‘It’s my shoulder. Now it’s kind of fading away to more of a dull soreness after throwing. It’s based off recovery time, how fast I can recover.’’

Rodon said he has cheered like a fan while watching Sox games on TV. He called the entire process ‘‘frustrating.’’

‘‘I’ve been itching [to pitch again] for two months,’’ he said. ‘‘Hopefully soon, they’ll lift the leash off and let me pitch in a game and get back up here for my boys.’’

General manager Rick Hahn watched Rodon throw Monday.

‘‘Each time has been a little more crisp, from what I understand, from the previous ones to today,’’ Hahn said. ‘‘Hopefully in the coming weeks we [will be] able to announce he’s starting a rehab assignment and have a better sense of his time frame.’’

Rodon isn’t the only pitcher in recovery. Reliever Jake Petricka, who has been out since the first week of the season, also has rehabbed in Arizona and threw 20 pitches in a simulated game at Chase Field.

Setup man Nate Jones (elbow neuritis) also faced hitters and is seven to 10 days away from going on a rehab assignment, Hahn said.

Matt Davidson returns to Arizona as threat in White Sox lineup Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun Times | May 22, 2017

PHOENIX – So far, so good for Matt Davidson.

So far, as in one quarter of the way into his first full major league season.

So good, as in Davidson entered the White Sox game against the Arizona Diamondbacks Monday (8:40 p.m. CST, CSN, 890-AM) with eight homers and 23 RBI over 102 at-bats in 31 of the Sox’ 42 games, an early pace that puts him on track for 28 homers and 93 RBI. He is tied for the team lead in homers with Avisail Garcia and Jose Abreu despite having considerably fewer plate appearances.

So far, as in Davidson has launched five homers 401 or more feet, including 442 against Anibal Sanchez and 435 on a pitch from Ian Kennedy.

So good, as in opposing pitchers know that Davidson can be struck out but they need to tread carefully with him.

“I feel like I’ve stayed pretty consistent, and no matter how the at-bat ends I feel like I’m a threat in the lineup,’’ Davidson said. “They might make some good pitches, but if they make a mistake I’m going to try to do some damage. I feel like they’re being careful with me and as a hitter. You want that presence about you.’’

Playing at Chase Field marks a homecoming for the 26-year-old third baseman who has got most of his at-bats as a designated hitter. A supplemental first-round draft choice of the D-backs in 2009 (35th overall), Davidson was a well- regarded prospect when the Sox acquired him in exchange for closer Addison Reed during the winter of 2013.

Davidson had hit .237 with three homers and driven in 12 runs with the Diamondbacks while batting .237 in 31 games in 2013.

Then he struggled mightily at AAA Charlotte, batting .199 and .203 with high strikeout rates while managing to poke 20 and 23 homers in 2014 and 2015.

Last season was much better (.268 with 10 homers and 46 RBI) in 75 games. Then he broke a bone in his foot after getting rewarded with a callup and was out for the season.

As the Sox rebuild in 2017, Davidson is finding his way as a major league regular, and he could be in for more time at third base should Todd Frazier get traded. But in the meantime, he’s learning to fit in as a DH and occasional corner infielder.

“Plenty of at-bats, yeah,’’ Davidson said. “The role of DHing has been a little different as far as keeping the body warm. But that will be easier when the weather warms up.’’

Davidson was looking forward to his homecoming of sorts at Chase Field, but it’s not that big of a deal, he said.

“I have some good friends over there and it will be different to be on the other side but it’s been so long now,’’ he said. “But I’m excited for it, I really enjoy that stadium.’’

Davidson owns a five-game hitting streak, during which he is 7-for-20 with two homers. He owns a .245/.297/.520 hitting line with an OPS of .817 that ranks fourth on the team behind Avisail Garcia (.992), Yolmer Sanchez (822) and Jose Abreu (.820).

“I didn’t kind of know what the role was going to be as far as the amount of playing time but I’m starting to get into a rhythm playing more,’’ said Davidson, who has started 13 games at DH, 10 at third base and three at first base. “Learning a lot how they’re pitching me but also learning that the key to your success is staying locked into your approach and not giving up pitches by swinging out the of the zone.’’

Davidson batted .368 with four homers and 14 RBI in his first 12 games, then retreated. Now he seems to be coming back around a bit.

“I was really locked in and then I started chasing some pitches and not taking advantage of good pitches to hit,’’ he said. “Around 100 at-bats, overall I feel pretty good about how things have gone.”

Why signing Luis Robert is so important for Chicago White Sox Scot Gregor / Daily Herald | May 22, 2017

As expected, general manager Rick Hahn declined to discuss the Luis Robert signing Monday night when talking to reporters before the Chicago White Sox played the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.

Until Robert (pronounced Robber), a touted 19-year-old Cuban outfielder, passes a physical and officially signs, there's nothing substantial Hahn can say.

But the impending deal, which reportedly is costing the Sox a $25 million-plus signing bonus with a similar amount due in the international overage tax, says a lot about Robert's potential.

If all goes well on the signing front, the guess here is Robert begins his professional career at low Class A Kannapolis as soon as next week and ends the season with high A Winston-Salem.

If he is as good as all of the money indicates, Robert splits the 2018 season between Winston-Salem and AA Birmingham, splits the '19 season between Birmingham and AAA Charlotte and then makes the jump to the White Sox in 2020.

Hahn did briefly discuss Robert on the Sox's last homestand.

"He's an extremely talented young man who is going to have an impact on whatever organization he winds up joining," the GM said.

Beating out the St. Louis Cardinals and a handful of other teams for Robert is a huge development for the White Sox, who already have acquired some promising young talent since last June's draft.

Yoan Moncada, who played against Robert in Cuba, came over in the Chris Sale trade and is the Sox's starting second baseman of the future.

Reynaldo Lopez came over in the Adam Eaton trade and is pitching like he's going to be in the White Sox's starting rotation sooner than later.

Ditto for Birmingham flamethrower Michael Kopech, acquired in the Sale trade, and don't forget about Lucas Giolito (Sale trade), who is gradually putting it all together at Charlotte.

Starting pitcher Carson Fulmer (No. 8 overall draft pick in 2015), catcher Zack Collins (No. 10 overall pick in 2016) and closer Zack Burdi (No. 26 overall in '16) also are key pieces for the future, but the Sox were decidedly short on outfielders.

Robert instantly solves that problem.

Before Robert signed, Luis Alexander Basabe was the White Sox's best outfield prospect. Acquired in the Sale trade, the 20-year-old outfielder is batting .199 at Winston-Salem.

Micker Adolfo is another 20-year-old outfielder prospect, and he's batting .306 at Kannapolis with 1 home run and 19 RBI in 34 games.

The White Sox did address the shortage in last year's draft, taking college outfielders Alex Call and Jameson Fisher on the third and fourth rounds, respectively.

Neither player is close to the majors, so the Sox still need to stockpile young outfielders.

On paper, getting a player with Robert's impact potential is a great start.