Donaldson, Boston patch it up
TORONTO— Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson and White Sox first- base coach Daryl
Boston gestured at each other and exchanged big smiles before the game Tuesday, a day after Donaldson taunted the whistleblowing Boston after hitting a home run.
On Tuesday, Boston couldn’t resist tooting his whistle again after Donaldson— who returned to third base for the first time since the Jays’ season opener because of a sore right shoulder — was cheered by the Rogers Centre crowd for throwing across the diamond after picking up a foul ball by leadoff man Yoan
Moncada in the first inning. It’s not against the rules, so Major League Baseball isn’t expected to ask Boston to stop using the whistle, which he employs to position outfielders and to recognize good plays.
‘‘ I’ll say this: There was a lot of people smiling in both dugouts [ Monday], and I’ll leave it at that,’’ Sox manager Rick Renteria said. And will Boston keep it up? ‘‘ If he’d like,’’ Renteria said. ‘‘ He’s going to do what he’s going to do, and we’re all going to have fun.’’
Moncada where he wants to be
Moncada batted .105 in July, .238 in August and .274 in September last season, a steady climb after he was called up to the Sox from Class AAA Charlotte last summer.
Although he struck out in his first two times up against Jays left- hander J. A. Happ and finished 0- for- 4, he expects to keep the numbers climbing— especially now that he’s batting in a spot he likes.
‘‘ I like leading off because I get to see more fastballs,’’ Moncada said through an interpreter. ‘‘ That’s what I like the most about it.’’
Moncada’s handle on the strike zone and speed are what Renteria likes about him in that spot.
‘‘ He has a really, really good eye,’’ Renteria said.
Early on, Moncada was giving Renteria what he was looking for. He hit safely in each of the first three games, including a double and a 431- foot homer Saturday in Kansas City, and has walked three times.
Any inning OK with Soria
Joakim Soria’s save on Opening Day against the Royals was his first for the Sox and the 205th of his career, which had him tied with Aroldis Chapman for sixth among active pitchers entering play Tuesday. Soria wouldn’t speculate on how many saves he’ll get this season, though.
‘‘ I think the situations of the games will dictate it,’’ he said. ‘‘ Whenever Ricky gives me the chance, I am going to be there.’’
Nate Jones is seen as Renteria’s No. 1 weapon because of his wipeout stuff and might lead the Sox in saves this season. But Renteria went to Jones in the eighth inning on Opening Day with the Royals’ best hitters due up.
‘‘ I enjoy playing baseball,’’ Soria said. ‘‘ It’s what I love to do, and when you do what you love, it’s easy. I mean, it’s not an easy game. But it’s easy to be in there in that situation.’’