Ventura back at Okla. State as student, baseball aide
Former White Sox third baseman and manager Robin Ventura is going back to school. And he’s getting back into baseball.
Ventura is returning to Oklahoma State, where he had a record 58-game hitting streak as a collegian, to complete his degree. While he’s there, Ventura will serve the baseball program as a student assistant in a coaching capacity, the program said Tuesday.
‘‘I’m really excited to do this,’’ Ventura said in a news release. ‘‘Oklahoma State and Cowboy baseball is special. I wanted to do and be somewhere that meant a lot to me, not just the baseball part. I love baseball and coaching and being a part of that, but being at Oklahoma State adds an extra layer of specialness to me.’’
Ventura, 52, was a two-time All-Star and six-time Gold Glove winner who managed the Sox for five seasons (2012-16).
Oklahoma State coach Josh Holliday lauded Ventura for his desire to complete his degree and giving back to the school that launched his career.
‘‘Robin Ventura will enhance the lives of our players,’’ Holliday said. ‘‘His experiences inside the game of baseball as a college player, major-league player and majorleague manager provide rare and unique perspective to all of us inside the program.’’
‘‘The people here are family to me, this place means a lot to me and the program means a lot to me,’’ Ventura said. ‘‘All of it came together with Josh’s help and Josh’s wishes, and being with this staff . . . makes it very exciting to be back here.’’
Cishek signing official; Covey gone
The Sox made the signing of reliever Steve Cishek official and designated righthander Dylan Covey for assignment. Cishek signed a one-year, $6 million contract that includes a club option for 2021.
Cishek, 33, will receive $5.25 million in 2020. The Sox hold a $6.75 million option for 2021 with a $750,000 buyout.
‘‘We believe Steve is a solid addition to our bullpen,’’ general manager Rick Hahn said. ‘‘He complements our other relievers well, provides a different look to opposing hitters later in games and has consistently proven to be both durable and successful throughout his career.’’
Covey appeared in 63 games (45 games) for the Sox in the last three seasons. He was 6-29 with a 6.54 ERA.