Renteria sees good things in call- up Fulmer
ARLINGTON, Texas— Righthander Carson Fulmer is behind where he was projected to be when the White Sox drafted him eighth overall out of Vanderbilt in 2015, but manager Rick Renteria gave him a vote of confidence Sunday on the eve of his first major- league start.
‘‘ I actually see him as a majorleague starter,’’ Renteria said of Fulmer, 23, who has a 5.61 ERA with 95 strikeouts and 63 walks in 122 innings at Class AAA Charlotte. ‘‘ He’s got the mindset. I think he has the demeanor.’’ Fulmer is up from Charlotte as a 26th man because of a double header Monday and will start the nightcap against the Twins. He struck out Albert Pujols on three pitches to start his big- league career last summer but struggled overall, going 0- 2 with an 8.59 ERA in eight relief appearances with the Sox.
Fulmer always has graded high for makeup and character, but commanding an assortment of quality pitches has been a problem.
‘‘ After we saw him the first time, we thought about how we could slow down his delivery,’’ Renteria said. ‘‘ He seemed to have a lot of moving parts and quickmoving parts.
‘‘ I think he’s worked on it. I know the numbers aren’t really playing to that right now, but this kid is pretty determined to do what he needs to do to be a more accomplished major- league pitcher. It’s continually evolving. He’s going to be OK.’’
Crowded trainer’s room
Right- hander Reynaldo Lopez going on the 10- day disabled list after only two starts with a strained back was not only a minor blow to his development, but it was also a harsh reminder of the Sox’ steady trips to the DL.
Left- hander Carlos Rodon ( upper biceps) and right- handers Miguel Gonzalez ( shoulder), James Shields ( lat), Jake Petricka ( lat), Nate Jones ( elbow surgery), Zach Putnam ( elbow surgery) and Dylan Covey ( oblique) are or were DL casualties from the pitching staff, and third baseman Matt Davidson ( bruised wrist), outfielder Avisail Garcia ( thumb), infielder Tyler Saladino ( back), outfielder Leury Garcia ( finger), outfielder Willy Garcia ( concussion), catcher Geovany Soto ( elbow) and outfielder Charlie Tilson ( foot) have served DL time among position players.
Because of injuries and trades, only 11 players from the Sox’ Opening Day roster are on their current 25- man roster.
Moncada out again
Second baseman Yoan Moncada didn’t play for the second consecutive game because of shin splints in his right leg. Moncada said Saturday he didn’t expect to miss more than two starts.
‘‘ We’re just keeping him out to see if we can calm that shin splint a little bit,’’ Renteria said. ‘‘ We have a doubleheader [ Monday], so I’m hoping it will be enough to carry him through what is going to be a pretty trying week this week. A lot of games.’’
This and that
First baseman Jose Abreu’s double in the first inning extended his hitting streak to nine games.
Avisail Garcia’s three singles hiked his average to .314.
Right- hander Danny Farquhar made his debut with the Sox by pitching a scoreless seventh.
Rangers third baseman Joey Gallo and right- hander Matt Bush left the game after their heads collided as they converged on a pop- up by Nicky Delmonico in the eighth.