Prior to Monday’s postponed showdown versus the Cleveland Indians, the Chicago White Sox sent RHP Reynaldo Lopez for a 10 day IL stint due to shoulder soreness. RHP relief prospect Ian Hamilton will be recalled from Schaumburg to fill the roster spot.
On Sunday, Reynaldo Lopez made his season debut and threw 39 pitches over 2/3 of an inning surrendering 3 hits, 4 ERS, 2 BBs and a grand slam to the Twins OF Jake Cave. Lopez’s fastball velocity ranged from 91-93 MPH which was lower than his average 96 MPH from last season. Reylo experienced discomfort in his throwing shoulder from the first pitch as he tried to labor through the inning to no avail.
Per NBC Sports Chicago’s Ryan McGuffey, LHP Gio Gonzalez will take Lopez spot in the rotation for the time being. This will be the 35 year old’s first start in a White Sox uniform since being drafted in the 1st round by the team in 2004 then being traded in 2005, reacquired in 2006 and then traded again in 2008.
Coming into the season, it seemed like the four month layoff from the league’s initial shutdown in March would benefit the White Sox, who had a plethora of available arms to start this 60 game sprint. The pale hose are already without RHP Michael Kopech, who opted out of the 2020 season, and will now be without Lopez for hopefully no longer than the 10 day stint. Hopefully Gio can provide some quality innings in Reylo’s absence.
Featured Photo: Chicago Sun-Times
