Sox to open ’ 18 season on road vs. Royals
KANSAS CITY, Mo.— The White Sox will open the 2018 season with a three- game road series against the Royals starting Thursday, March 29.
Their home opener is Thursday, April 5, against the Tigers, and they will close the season Sept. 28- 30 on the road against the Twins.
The Sox will play the Cubs six times next season— May 11- 13 at Wrigley Field and Sept. 21- 23 at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Other National League teams on the Sox’ schedule are the Cardinals ( May 1- 2 on the road and July 10- 11 at home), the Brewers ( June 1- 3 at home), the Reds ( July 2- 4 on the road) and the Pirates ( May 8- 9 at home and May 15- 16 on the road).
The schedule is tentative.
Status same for Rodon
Left- hander Carlos Rodon’s follow- up evaluation on his pitching shoulder revealed nothing different from the evaluation and MRI exam of last week. Rodon, who is out for the season, has inflammation in the shoulder, but a Sox spokesman said the injury is ‘‘ nothing major.’’
Rodon, 24, opened the season on the disabled list with bursitis in his left biceps and made the first of his 12 starts June 28. He was scratched from his scheduled start last week against the Indians when he felt discomfort getting loose in the bullpen.
Rodon was 2- 5 with a 4.15 ERA and struck out 9.9 hitters per nine innings in his abbreviated season.
Delmonico’s D
He’s far from going by ‘‘ Nicky D’’ for his defense, but Nicky Delmonico, a corner infielder by trade, does seem to be getting more comfortable in left field, where he has started 14 games.
Working with outfielders coach Daryl Boston every day has helped, Delmonico said.
‘‘ I feel like I am getting better reads,’’ he said. ‘‘ I feel like I’m getting a better mindset about what I want to do and where I’m playing. I’m learning something new each day.’’
Delmonico made his third start at first base Tuesday but has yet to play third, where he played 73 games at Class AAA Charlotte this season. He played 13 games in left field at Charlotte.
The Sox’ aim is to expand his versatility, which Delmonico knows would benefit his career.
‘‘ I can play left, first and third,’’ said Delmonico, who was 2- for- 3 with two runs scored in the Sox’ 4- 3 loss to the Royals. ‘‘ I have to get to know left as best as I can. Anything I can do to get in the lineup.’’
This and that
Infielder Yolmer Sanchez doubled in the third inning, giving him five consecutive games with an extra- base hit. He is batting .372/. 412/. 667 with 11 extra- base hits and 14 RBI in his last 20 games.
Shortstop Tim Anderson stole his 10th base in 11 attempts and is 20- for- 23 in his career.
Right- hander Dylan Covey ( 0- 5) is winless in nine starts, the longest winless streak by a Sox pitcher since Ramon Garcia in 1991, according to STATS. Covey has allowed 18 home runs.