The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
White Sox ace returns to team
Sale allows two runs in six innings, takes loss vs. Cubs.
The White Sox activated ace Chris Sale from the suspended list following his jersey-tearing incident ahead of his start against the Cubs in Chicago’s crosstown rivalry.
Sale (14-3) failed to become the majors’ first 15-game winner, taking the loss as the Cubs won 3-1 Thursday at Wrigley Field. He allowed two runs and six hits in six innings.
The White Sox optioned right-hander Anthony Ranaudo to Triple-A Charlotte to open a roster spot.
The left-hander tore up 1976 throwback jerseys that he didn’t want to wear for his scheduled start Saturday against Detroit. The White Sox scratched Sale, sent him home and later suspended him five days for “insubordination and for destroying team equipment.”
Sale is 14-3 with a 3.18 ERA and major league-high three complete games.
Manager Robin Ventura spoke to reporters just a few minutes after his five-time All-Star arrived.
“He’s a great kid. This hasn’t changed that,” Ventura said. “We’ve seem him do some really great stuff. I know I’ve done some stuff that I wouldn’t want people to know.”
Ranaudo was recalled from Charlotte to replace Sale and made his White Sox debut Wednesday. He allowed three runs in 6⅔ innings and hit his first career home run in the 8-1 loss to the Cubs.
Twins-Giants trade: San Francisco acquired All-Star infielder Eduardo Nunez from Minnesota in exchange for minor league pitcher Adalberto Mejia. Nunez batted .300 with 12 home runs and 47 RBIs this season for the Twins and was leading the American League with 26 steals. The move adds some much-needed depth to the Giants’ injury-plagued infield.
Marlins: Second baseman Dee Gordon issued an apology on Twitter addressed primarily to his young fans as he returned from an 80-game suspension for a positive drug test. “I know I let you down, and I’m sorry,” Gordon said in a video. “Complacency led me to this, and I’m hurt. I urge you guys to be more responsible than I am about what goes into your body. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.”
Gordon, who won the NL batting and stolen base titles last year, was reinstated before Thursday’s game against St. Louis.
Mets: Third baseman Jose Reyes missed his third straight game with a strained left ribcage, hurt during his final at-bat in the first game of a doubleheader on Tuesday. Manager Terry Collins said Reyes is unlikely to play today.
Brewers: Left fielder Ryan Braun was scratched from the lineup because of right side tightness before Thursday’s game against Arizona.
Phillies: Outfielder Aaron Altherr was reinstated from the disabled list after missing Philadelphia’s first 103 games with a broken left wrist. Starting in right field, Altherr homered in Philadelphia’s win over the Braves.
Royals: Right-handed relief pitcher Luke Hochevar was placed on the 15-day disabled list. Hochevar is showing signs of thoracic outlet syndrome, a shoulder condition that resulted in surgery for Kansas City pitching prospect Kyle Zimmer.