WHITE SOX HEADLINES OF JULY 7, 2016 “White Sox ride 4-run 2nd to series win” … Scott Merkin and Bryan Hoch, MLB.com “Reversal of fortune no surprise to Ventura” … Scott Merkin, MLB.com “Sale in elite group with 5th straight ASG nod” … Scott Merkin, MLB.com “Fulmer may follow path of Buehrle, Sale, Rodon” … Scott Merkin, MLB.com “Braves, White Sox play Interleague set to end first half” … Scott Merkin, MLB.com “Miguel Gonzalez tosses seven scoreless to lead White Sox to win over Yankees” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “White Sox place Alex Avila on DL, purchase contract of Omar Narvaez” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “Chris Sale won’t hold back in All-Star Game” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “White Sox disappointed Jose Quintana didn’t make All-Star Team” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “Todd Frazier to defend Home Run Derby title” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “Wednesday’s recap: White Sox 5, Yankees 0” … Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune “Miguel Gonzalez gem helps White Sox to 5th straight series triumph” … Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune “White Sox call up catcher Omar Narvaez, place Alex Avila on DL” … Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune “White Sox’s Chris Sale plans to go all out in All-Star Game” … Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune “White Sox blank Yankees, win fifth series in a row” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “Alex Avila to 15-day DL; Omar Narvaez called up from Charlotte” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “All-Star start ‘would be thrill’ for Chris Sale” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “Todd Frazier excited about defending Home run Derby title” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “White Sox blank Yankees with strong start from Gonzalez” … Scot Gregor, Daily Herald “White Sox ace Sale hoping to make first All-Star Game start” … Scot Gregor, Daily Herald “Gonzalez goes 7 innings, White Sox shut out Yankees 5-0” … Andrew Seligman, Associated Press “White Sox place C Avila on DL with strained right hamstring” … Associated Press “Levine: White Sox keep up quality play, win 5th straight series” … Bruce Levine, CBS Chicago “Levine: Chris Sale looking forward to possible All-Star start” … Bruce Levine, CBS Chicago “Emma: Chicago’s Cubs, White Sox in search of magical summers” … Chris Emma, CBS Chicago

White Sox ride 4-run 2nd to series win

By Scott Merkin and Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | July 6th, 2016

CHICAGO -- Miguel Gonzalez has thrown seven solid innings in each of his last two starts, but on Wednesday the White Sox gave him some support, and they cruised to a 5-0 victory over the Yankees at U.S. Cellular Field. "Just staying focused and not trying to do too much, staying within myself and letting the defense play," said Gonzalez of the two starts. "And especially staying down in the zone is really important. The rest of the pitches are going to be there as long as I'm down and staying aggressive in the zone." Gonzalez allowed one hit in each of the first three innings, but he retired 14 of the last 16 hitters he faced, striking out three and walking one. Michael Pineda looked equally effective in retiring the first five hitters

of the game, but the White Sox put together a four-run, two-out rally in the second that produced all the offense they would need. Brett Lawrie singled, Dioner Navarro walked and Avisail Garcia singled home the first run. J.B. Shuck's ground-rule double sent home a second, and Tim Anderson doubled home runs three and four with a shot down the left-field line. The White Sox claimed their fifth straight series victory, the first time they have accomplished such a feat since Aug. 12-28, 2013. They have an 11-5 record over their last 16 games, improving to 44-41 overall. Didi Gregorius and Jacoby Ellsbury combined for six of the eight New York hits, notching three apiece. MOMENTS THAT MATTERED Don't run on Eaton: It doesn't matter to White Sox right fielder Adam Eaton whether you are fast or slow on the basepaths -- run on him at your own risk. Eaton threw out Ellsbury trying to stretch a single into a double leading off the third for his 13th outfield assist this season. Eleven of them have come while playing right. "All defense is is effort and concentration, day in and day out," Eaton said. "It was nice to be able to keep Ellsbury off second base there early in the game. And it's kind of our focal point -- keep those guys off the bases, keep them out of scoring position." "We've been seeing Adam playing right field; I think his range as well as his arm has just been a big factor," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "Guys are testing him, and they don't quite realize how strong his arm is, and he's accurate. He's made some deep throws. People are challenging him, and he's coming up and showing that he's got the skill set to throw people out." Two-out trouble: Pineda has struggled to record the final out of innings all year long -- entering play on Wednesday, opponents were batting .363 with an 1.129 OPS in that situation against him -- and the issue cropped up again in the second inning. Pineda had two outs and nobody on before watching four White Sox runs score. The effort was a stumble after he had permitted one run over six innings in each of his last two outings. "It didn't happen today," Pineda said. "After the two outs, I was working good in the count and getting two strikes early. I tried to finish it off with my slider, but my slider today was not the best slider. They got a couple base hits." Big hit for Garcia: With an average below .240 and a RBI total below 30, Garcia often has been derided for not living up to his vast potential. But he came through when the White Sox needed him most, delivering a two-out single to score the first run off Pineda in the second. Evo enters late: Bumped to the bullpen earlier this week, Nathan Eovaldi made his first relief appearance as a Yankee, working the final two innings scorelessly while hitting 102 mph on the radar gun. All but four of Eovaldi's previous 126 big league outings had come as a starter, with those four coming during his 2011 rookie season as a member of the Dodgers. "He threw the ball all right. For the first time out of the bullpen, I thought he did a decent job," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. Eovaldi's scoreless relief In his first relief appearance since 2011, Nathan Eovaldi throws two scoreless innings, strikes out one and walks two QUOTABLE

"We have won five series in a row. I think that's really important. Guys are loose right now and getting after it. We're doing a really good job." – Gonzalez UPON FURTHER REVIEW The Yankees successfully challenged a call at second base in the second inning, when Gregorius was initially called out on a stolen-base attempt. The review overturned the call, showing that Gregorius' left hand eluded the tag from shortstop Anderson. But Gregorius was stranded there, as Chase Headley struck out and Aaron Hicks grounded out. In the ninth, the Yankees successfully challenged what was initially ruled a game-ending double play. After a review that lasted an estimated six minutes and 23 seconds, Anderson was shown to have missed the second-base bag before throwing to get Gregorius at first base. Starlin Castro was thus ruled safe at second on a 4-6-3 putout. ROUND NUMBER ALERT Pineda struck out Anderson swinging for the second out of the fifth inning for his 500th career strikeout. Pineda struck out five overall and leads the Yankees with 113 this season. WHAT'S NEXT Yankees: Ivan Nova draws the start as the Yankees open a four-game series with the Indians at Progressive Field on Thursday for their first meetings with the Tribe this season. Nova showed encouraging signs in his last outing, holding the Padres to a run over 5 1/3 innings in a no-decision. Trevor Bauer has the ball for Cleveland. White Sox: The final series of the first half begins on Friday with All-Star Chris Sale on the mound against the Braves. Sale enters this contest with a Major League-best 14 victories, and he sits atop the American League in innings pitched (120) and WHIP (0.983).

Sale in elite group with 5th straight ASG nod

By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | July 6th, 2016

CHICAGO -- Chris Sale is thrilled to be an All-Star, whether it's his first selection or fifth straight, as is the case this season. But this year's contest could have a little extra meaning for the lanky left-hander, who has a solid case to be chosen as the American League's starting pitcher for Tuesday's game at San Diego's Petco Park. Coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. CT on FOX. "It would be awesome," said Sale prior to Wednesday's series finale with the Yankees. "I've always been there and seen the start of the game and just everything that goes into it. I would be thrilled to do that. "I definitely appreciate this one as much as any. There's nothing like the first one. I truly believe that. But I'm definitely very appreciative of the time and what it is. It's a great time for everyone around Major League Baseball to get together and play a game. It's always fun. My family enjoys it. I enjoy having my family with me." With a 14-2 record, 2.93 ERA and 0.983 WHIP, not to mention a 2.9 fWAR, Sale was as safe a bet as an All-Star selection as snow in Chicago in January. He plans on taking his parents, father-in-law, sister and son to celebrate being selected an All-Star in every year he has been a starter. Sale joins left-hander Billy Pierce (1955-59) as the only pitchers in franchise history to make five straight AL All-Star teams. Per Elias, Frank Thomas (1993-97), Luis Aparicio (1958-62), Nellie Fox (1951- 61) and Pierce are the only other White Sox to be selected to five consecutive squads.

Clayton Kershaw (2011-16), Felix Hernandez (2011-15) and Justin Verlander (2009-13) are the other active pitchers to be selected to five consecutive All-Star teams. Lefty Gomez (7; 1933-39), Carl Hubbell (7; 1933-38), Sandy Koufax (6; 1961-66), Warren Spahn (6; 1949-54), Fernando Valenzuela (6; 1981-86), Lefty Grove (5; 1935-39), Kershaw and Pierce are the only other left-handers to be named to five straight. "Those are things that I try not to pay too much attention to," Sale said. "I like to think I'm doing something right when I'm in the same sentence with those guys." "He's a five-time All-Star, well deserved. I'm proud of him," White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper said. "I'd love to see him start the game; I'd love to see him only go one [inning] in the game." Cooper is uncertain where Sale will be plugged into the rotation to begin the season's second half. Sale's first post-break start will be no earlier than the series finale in Anaheim on July 17, or it could come on the 18th or 19th in Seattle. This year's transformation has painted Sale more as a mature pitcher rather than a hurler going max effort with every pitch. But when he takes the mound on July 12, against a National League lineup that will include five Cubs, "strikeout Sale" will return. "I'm not going to reserve anything when I get in there," a smiling Sale said. "You've got a packed crowd, you're facing the best, so you better bring it." "I've even asked him, 'What are you going to be going with?' And he said, 'I'm going to get after it,'" Cooper said. "Makes sense." Fans can vote for the 2016 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Final Vote until 4 p.m. ET on Friday. The winners, as chosen exclusively by online fan voting totals, will be announced during a Final Vote-themed telecast of "MLB Now" featuring commentary from political analyst Jeff Greenfield, live on MLB Network and MLB.com from 4-5 p.m. ET. MLB Network will provide extensive coverage across all of its studio programming during the Final Vote, including interviews with the candidates, frequent updates, heat maps indicating the cities where votes are being cast for each candidate, news on player and club campaigns and a running countdown clock leading up to the announcement. Baseball fans have cast nearly 600 million online votes for Final Vote candidates since the program's inception in 2002. In addition to MLB.com and the official club websites, fans can use their mobile devices to cast votes at MLB.com/vote or via text message. To receive the ballot, text the word "VOTE" to 89269. To vote for a specific player, fans can text their choice to 89269. EXAMPLE: Text "A3" to vote for AL Player 3 or "N3" to vote for NL Player 3. Message and data rates may apply. Text "STOP" to end and "HELP" for information. Mobile voting in Canada also is available and fans should text their choices to 101010. For the fifth consecutive year, the Final Vote will include social balloting, as Twitter support for the 10 candidates over the last six hours of balloting will count toward their vote totals. From 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ET on Friday, any tweet that includes a designated player hashtag will be tabulated as part of the official vote total used to determine the winners. On Tuesday, July 12, watch the 2016 All-Star Game presented by MasterCard live on FOX, and during the game visit MLB.com to submit your choice for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet via the 2016 MLB All-Star Game MVP Vote. The 87th All-Star Game, in San Diego, will be televised nationally by FOX, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 160 countries via MLB International's independent feed. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB.com, MLB Network and SiriusXM will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com.

Reversal of fortune no surprise to Ventura

By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | July 6th, 2016

CHICAGO -- By virtue of their 5-0 victory over the Yankees on Wednesday night at U.S. Cellular Field, the White Sox have won 11 of their last 16 games and five straight series. They sit at 44-41 overall, remaining, at the very least, firmly in play for an American League Wild Card berth. It's hard to imagine this sort of turnaround when thinking back 16 games to the three-game sweep at the hands of the Indians in June, even for a team that once sat at a lofty 23-10 atop the AL Central. But when manager Robin Ventura was asked postgame if he could see this run coming, he replied, "Of course." "You're seeing some guys grind through some stuff. The pitching's been great. Offensively, we've been getting it," he said. "Everybody seems to be contributing in one way or another, and it's nice. We're playing better baseball, it's that simple. We're playing all-around better baseball." Wednesday's recipe for success incorporated a little bit from all aspects of winning baseball. Miguel Gonzalez worked seven innings for a second straight start, but this time he received run support, as opposed to his start in Houston. He allowed hits in each of the first three innings, but after Adam Eaton threw out Jacoby Ellsbury trying to stretch a single into a double at the start of the third, he retired 14 of the next 16. As for Eaton, his 13th outfield assist helped preserve a four-run advantage that grew to five in the sixth. "Guys are loose right now and getting after it," Gonzalez said. "We're doing a really good job." "It's not how we really draw it up, kind of that roller-coaster mentality," Eaton said, "if we're doing really well, then do really poorly and then do really well again. But I think we learned from it. We learned from our success early on. We learned from our failure last month, and right now we're kind of riding the wave again." Rock bottom came for the White Sox in Cleveland, the series that also began the Indians' 14-game win streak. The White Sox were in danger of losing their series opener in Boston immediately following, but Zach Duke pitched out of a bases-loaded, nobody-out jam in the ninth inning of a tie game. The White Sox won that game and haven't looked back. Duke threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings in Wednesday's victory, although the outing was not quite as eventful as that Boston appearance. "There's so many moments throughout a season where you can shift one way or another. If that was one that got us going, then great. It could have been anybody," Duke said. "Really, we are never out of a game, which is great. "Even when we were on our bad stretch, we were never out of those games. We kept battling back and battling back. You keep playing ball like that, and things will turn for you. We knew we were capable of playing like this."

Fulmer may follow path of Buehrle, Sale, Rodon

By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | July 6th, 2016

CHICAGO -- Double-A Birmingham's rotation currently features right-hander Carson Fulmer, the organization's No. 1 prospect per MLBPipeline.com and the eighth overall selection in the 2015 Draft.

But don't count out Fulmer as an addition to the big league club this season, with him initially working out of the bullpen much like Mark Buehrle, Chris Sale and Carlos Rodon did before him. "I'm always thinking that. I've been thinking that for a while," White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper said. "We did it with Sale for a year and a half. Why wouldn't it be the same deal with him? Maybe getting your feet wet in relief, finding spots and getting some experience, getting a lay of the land. We'll make a change if and when we think it's appropriate." "You're always looking for ways to improve, and sometimes you've got to be creative with him as well as anybody else in the organization, to see what you need to fill to get through the year," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "Part of it is going to be to see if he can handle it out of the bullpen." Breaking down the rosters Fulmer took the loss for the Barons on Wednesday despite striking out 10 over five innings. In his last three starts, he has yielded two earned runs on 10 hits and nine walks over 19 innings while striking out 22. He has 46 strikeouts over his last 35 innings pitched and will represent the White Sox on Sunday in the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game. The game will air live on MLB Network and MLB.com at 6 p.m. CT. Sale knows Quintana's day will come The first thought Sale had after All-Star selections were announced on Tuesday was that teammate Jose Quintana wasn't selected. "If you compare him and I and put our numbers back to back, you would probably have a hard time figuring out who is who, honestly -- other than wins and losses," Sale said. "Those are things you really can't control. "I thought this year was the year. He's as good as anybody. I'm not speaking from a biased standpoint when I say that. There's not a doubt in my mind he'll be there one day, for sure." Quintana, whose 3.2 fWAR is better than Sale's 2.9, took the decision in stride. "Maybe next year I can go to my first All-Star Game," Quintana said. "But I have my focus on the team." "We value him as high as anybody, just because we see him every day and know how good he is," Ventura said. "I think win-loss record is going to end up hurting him." Narvaez gets the call With catcher Alex Avila placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring on Wednesday, the White Sox purchased the contract of catcher Omar Narvaez from Triple-A Charlotte and transferred right-hander Jake Petricka to the 60-day disabled list to make room for Narvaez on the 40-man roster. "It feels like a lot of happiness," Narvaez said. "It's like every ballplayer's dream, to come up here and do the best we can do." Narvaez gained experience with White Sox pitchers by taking part in big league camp in Arizona. He hit .239 with the Knights and threw out eight of 29 basestealers.

Braves, White Sox play Interleague set to end first half By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | July 6th, 2016 The White Sox play host to the Braves in both teams' final first-half series, beginning on Friday at U.S. Cellular Field.

The Braves could almost be described as Chicago South, as A.J. Pierzynski, Tyler Flowers, Lucas Harrell, Emilio Bonifacio and Gordon Beckham (disabled list) all are former White Sox players now suiting up for Atlanta. Pierzynski was an integral part of the 2005 World Series champion squad, and Flowers was the team's starting catcher from 2013 to 2015. Left-hander Chris Sale gets the start for the White Sox, trying to become Major League Baseball's first and only 15-game winner in the first half. He'll go from Friday's start to San Diego for his fifth straight All-Star appearance; he could be tabbed as the American League's starting pitcher. He leads the AL with 120 innings pitched and a 0.98 WHIP. "It's almost like a little mini-vacation with a couple days of baseball mixed in," said Sale. "I've always loved it." Right-hander Matt Wisler gets the start for Atlanta. He trails only All-Star Julio Teheran among ERA leaders for Braves starters. Three things to know about this game • The White Sox are 3-3 during 2016 Interleague Play. They are 1-2 at home. • Wisler has struck out 15 over his last 12 innings pitched, covering two starts. • Pierzynski might not start in either of the first two games with left-handers scheduled to start for the White Sox. Pierzynski has no home runs this season but has hit 76 of his 186 career long balls at U.S. Cellular Field.

Miguel Gonzalez tosses seven scoreless to lead White Sox to win over Yankees By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | July 6th, 2016 White Sox starting pitchers have been much more consistent in July, and Miguel Gonzalez continued that trend on Wednesday night. The right-hander delivered seven scoreless innings, and the White Sox closed out their fifth straight series victory with a 5-0 win over the New York Yankees in front of 21,144 at U.S. Cellular Field. Gonzalez made his best White Sox start to date as he and two relievers combined on an eight-hit shutout. Tim Anderson doubled in two runs. “The pitching's been great,” White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. “We scuffled for a little while. But I think when you're looking at it and we're trying to figure out where we're at heading into the break, I think we've been on a pretty good run. These guys have gathered it back together, and they're strong right now.” They haven’t been picture-perfect as evidenced by Carlos Rodon’s struggles on Tuesday night. But after a long June, White Sox starters have shown signs of rebounding over the last six games. Starting with Gonzalez’s previous turn Friday in Houston, White Sox starters have a 3.00 ERA in 39 innings. The team’s starters went 6-11 with a 5.97 ERA in 26 starts in June. They averaged 5 2/3 innings in the month and only completed seven innings six times. Four of the team’s last six starting efforts have gone at least seven innings. “Every guy that goes out there, as a team you get a sense that you have a chance to go out there and win a series and win every night,” Ventura said. Early on that sentiment seemed unclear as Gonzalez, who brought a 7.84 home ERA in four starts into Wednesday, struggled. He put two runners on base in the first, including a two-out walk of Brian McCann.

But Gonzalez, who allowed two earned runs in seven innings on Friday, struck out Mark Teixeira with a 2-2 fastball to escape the jam. The strikeout began a span in which Gonzalez retired nine of 11 hitters. One key for Gonzalez was strong defense. Adam Eaton, who picked up his major league leading 13th assist when he cut down Jacoby Ellsbury stretching a leadoff single into a double in the third, Anderson and Jose Abreu all turned in nice plays. “Gonzo pitched a heck of a game tonight, kept them off balance the whole game, hit his spots well and good defense behind him,” Eaton said. “When there’s good defense played behind Gonzo, he’ll throw good for you. He threw really well, and we’re really happy with that.” Gonzalez, who lowered his ERA to 4.39, didn’t run into trouble again until the fifth inning. Didi Gregorious singled to start the fifth and went from first to third on Chase Headley’s grounder as third was left uncovered by a defensive shift. But Gonzalez induced a pop up off Aaron Hicks’ bat, and Ellsbury grounded out. Gonzalez retired nine of the last 10 batters he faced. He allowed five hits, walked one and struck out three. The White Sox did the bulk of their damage against Michael Pineda in the second inning, all with two outs. Avisail Garcia broke a scoreless tie with a two-out RBI single to score Brett Lawrie, who started the rally with a single. J.B. Shuck’s ground-rule double produced a run. Anderson then made it a 4-0 game with a two-run double past the dive of Headley. Lawrie’s RBI fielder’s choice in the sixth made it a five-run lead. “We came out, played some really good defense,” Gonzalez said. “Our offense was there. I kept them in the ballgame, did a really good job changing speeds. (Dioner) Navarro did an awesome job back there. “We have won five series in a row. ... Guys are loose right now and getting after it.”

White Sox place Alex Avila on DL, purchase contract of Omar Narvaez By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | July 6th, 2016 The White Sox announced on Wednesday they have placed catcher Alex Avila on the 15-day disabled list and purchased the contract of catcher Omar Narvaez from Triple-A Charlotte. Avila, who has a slash line of .236/.362/.358 in 41 games this season, exited Tuesday's loss to the New York Yankees with a right hamstring strain. Avila also had a DL stint in April with a hamstring strain. [SHOP: Gear up, White Sox fans!] The 24-year-old Narvaez has a .239/.291/.314 slash line with two home runs and 16 RBI across 54 combined games with Birmingham and Charlotte in 2016. Narvaez has thrown out 25 percent (12-48) of attempt baserunners this season. Narvaez was originally acquired by the White Sox in the minor-league portion of the Rule 5 Draft in 2013. To make room for Narvaez on the 40-man roster, the White Sox transferred pitcher Jake Petricka to the 60-day DL. Petricka is expected to miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum.

Chris Sale won’t hold back in All-Star Game By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | July 6th, 2016 Chris Sale intends to make the most of his fifth All-Star appearance. Whether it's as the American League’s starter or in another role, Sale said Wednesday afternoon he wouldn’t hold back when he takes the mound in Tuesday night’s All-Star Game at Petco Park in San Diego. Sale, who starts on Friday against the Atlanta Braves, potentially could be named the AL’s starting pitcher. AL manager Ned Yost said Tuesday night he hadn’t made a decision on who would get the start. “I’m not going to reserve anything when I get in there,” Sale said. “I fully intend on letting it eat when I get out there, whenever that is. It’s hard not to. You’ve got a packed crowd, you’re facing the best, so you better bring it.” Pitching coach Don Cooper and Sale discussed the pitcher’s plans for the contest during a Wednesday bullpen session. If Sale were to earn the start, he could be required for two innings. With that in mind, and with how he’ll approach the exhibition, the White Sox plan to play Sale’s second-half schedule by ear. There’s no question they would give Sale a few extra days to rest if he goes full bore for two innings, Cooper said. “We’ve got to see whatever he does,” Cooper said. “Is he gonna pitch one? Is he gonna pitch two? See how that goes and then shake it out. “I said, ‘What are you gonna be going with?’ And he said, ‘I’m gonna get after it.’ Makes sense. It makes some sense, and that’s why I’m hoping it’s one inning getting after it rather than two. But after one if he wants another one and he says something to them, they give it to him ... Chris has earned that one to kind of say what he’d like to do there.” The White Sox would trust Sale to work an extra inning because of the relationship the sides have built over the years. While Sale didn’t particularly enjoy the management process — receiving an extra day off here and there or that time he was temporarily moved into the bullpen — in his first season as a starter, he and the White Sox have created an open line of communication. White Sox manager Robin Ventura said Wednesday he appreciates how far Sale has come since his first season as a starter (2012). “He's at a point right now where he understands what he needs to do going into a season to withstand the rigors of the season,” Ventura said. “It's just fun to be able to see him do that along the way.”

White Sox disappointed Jose Quintana didn’t make All-Star Team By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | July 6th, 2016 There’s a lot of sentiment around the organization that Chris Sale shouldn’t be the only pitcher who represents the White Sox in Tuesday’s All-Star Game. It’s not that they’re shocked at the outcome. But teammates, coaches and the play-by-play man all expressed disappointment Wednesday when Jose Quintana was left off the American League All-Star roster. Even though he’s among AL leaders in several prominent pitching categories, Quintana was denied his first All-Star bid yet again. Quintana’s exclusion would seem to be largely based upon his losing record, which is largely dependent upon his run support (Quintana is tied for 136th out of 140 qualified starters with a 2.9 run-support average). “The really tough thing about All-Star Games is there are a lot of deserving people,” announcer Jason Benetti said. “My only concern with how its being chosen at points is that you might look beyond some more important numbers for certain guys."

“You’ve got to win games. You have to win games for your team. That’s the point of baseball. You don’t get into the playoffs because of your (Fielding Independent Pitching). However, if you’re not winning games, it shouldn’t be to the exclusion of your award winning. It just shouldn’t be.” They don’t know for sure, but the White Sox believe Quintana’s 6-8 record is a significant factor for being left off the AL roster. How else could you explain it? Not only does Quintana lead all AL pitchers with 3.2 Wins Above Replacement, he’s second in FIP (3.21), eighth in earned-run average (3.06) and fifth in homers per nine innings (0.73). Still, White Sox manager Robin Ventura didn’t seem overly surprised Quintana wouldn’t make the trip to San Diego. "You know, you look at him and we understand we value him as high as anybody just because we see him every day and know how good he is,” Ventura said. “I think win-loss record is going to end up hurting him. But, you know, we understand how good he is. He's up there with anybody else, as well, to be able to go to the All-Star Game." Sale — who could very well be the AL’s starting pitcher — said he’s surprised Quintana wasn’t included. Wins aside, Sale, a five-time All-Star, doesn’t see much difference between himself and his teammate. “If you compare him and I and put our numbers back to back, you would probably have a hard time figuring out who is who honestly — other than wins and losses,” Sale said. “Those are things you really can’t control. There’s not a doubt in my mind he’ll be there one day. I thought this year was the year. He’s as good as anybody.” As Benetti pointed out, there are always plenty of deserving candidates. Though the AL roster includes 14 pitchers, only five are starters. The others to get the nod over Quintana include Texas’ Cole Hamels, Toronto’s Marco Estrada, Cleveland’s Danny Salazar and Boston’s Steven Wright. Manager Ned Yost brought nine relievers, though Kansas City closer Wade Davis is on the disabled list. But you could make an argument that Quintana has put together a better season than any of the other starters on the list. “There are other metrics that say Jose Quintana is one of the top pitchers in Major League Baseball and that would be the thing that concerns me about him not going,” Benetti said. “If it’s based on other criteria, fantastic.”

Todd Frazier to defend home run derby title By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | July 6th, 2016 Todd Frazier will defend his Home Run Derby title, a baseball source confirmed Wednesday night. The third baseman — who leads the White Sox with 23 home runs — is set to head to San Diego for Monday’s event and defend his 2015 Home Run Derby championship. Frazier wasn’t available for comment.

Prior to Wednesday’s 5-0 victory over the New York Yankees, Frazier said he’d know whether or not he would participate within 24 hours. But Frazier has made it clear for the past few days he’d like to defend his title if possible. “You grow up playing it in the backyards and high school fields when you're younger,” Frazier said before Wednesday’s game. “You get an opportunity to play in a big league ballpark, packed house, in front of your peers and it's exciting. Win, lose, or draw. I already have one under my belt, and I just think it's a lot of fun. I bring my family there and have your brother throwing to you. They get a thrill of a lifetime, this will be the third year now if it happens, and they love it, too, as well.” Corey Seager of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Baltimore Orioles’ Mark Trumbo confirmed they were set to participate in the Derby earlier Wednesday.

Wednesday’s recap: White Sox 5, Yankees 0 By Collen Kane / Chicago Tribune | July 6th, 2016 White Sox right-hander Miguel Gonzalez pitched seven scoreless innings and the offense put together one big inning on the way to a 5-0 victory over the Yankees on Wednesday night at U.S. Cellular Field. The Sox completed their fifth straight series victory for the first time since August 2013, and they have a chance to make it six in a row before the All-Star break when they host the Braves for three games this weekend. At the plate The Sox scored four runs with two outs in the second inning against Yankees right-hander Michael Pineda to take the early lead. Avisail Garcia’s RBI single, J.B. Shuck’s RBI ground-rule double and Tim Anderson’s two-run double down the left-field line pushed the Sox up by four runs. Melky Cabrera scored on Brett Lawrie’s groundout in the sixth for another run against Pineda. On the mound Gonzalez gave up five hits with one walk in his first scoreless start of the year. It was also Gonzalez’s second straight seven-inning start, the first time he has had back-to-back outings of at least seven innings since May 2015. In the field Gonzalez got some help in the third from Adam Eaton, who recorded his 13th outfield assist when he fielded Jacoby Ellsbury’s single to right field and threw him out at second as he tried to stretch it to a double. Robin Ventura and Dioner Navarro on Wednesday's White Sox win White Sox manager Robin Ventura and Dioner Navarro on Miguel Gonzalez's victory over the Yankees. In relief Sox relievers Zach Duke and David Robertson completed the shutout. But Robertson had to withstand a 6-minute, 24-second review on what was called a game-ending double play. The out call at second was overturned, but Robertson stranded runners on second and third by striking out Chase Headley.

Miguel Gonzalez gem helps White Sox to 5th straight series triumph By Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune | July 6th, 2016 Miguel Gonzalez walked off the field after the seventh inning Wednesday night at U.S. Cellular Field and entered a White Sox dugout waiting with high fives. The Sox right-hander pitched seven scoreless innings and the offense put together one big inning on the way to a 5-0 victory over the Yankees. The Sox completed their fifth straight series victory for the first time since August 2013, and they have a chance to make it six in a row before the All-Star break when they are host to the Braves for three games this weekend. Relievers Zach Duke and David Robertson finished the Sox's sixth shutout this year. "We have won five series in a row — that's really important," Gonzalez said. "Guys are loose right now and getting after it." Gonzalez gave up five hits with one walk in his first scoreless start of the year. It was also Gonzalez's second straight seven-inning outing, the first time he has had back-to-back performances of at least seven innings since May 2015. Gonzalez got into a high pitch count early but was able to stretch out his night. He stranded runners in scoring position in four of his seven innings. "He was fantastic," Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "Any time he fell behind, he made a quality pitch. He just has a way to take a little off, put a little on. … This was the best he has thrown for us. It's just a confidence builder for him." Gonzalez got some help in the third from Adam Eaton, who recorded his 13th outfield assist when he fielded Jacoby Ellsbury's single to right field and threw him out at second as he tried to stretch it to a double. "His range, as well as his arm, has just been a big factor," Ventura said. "Guys are testing him, and they don't quite realize how strong his arm is. And he's accurate." Robin Ventura and Dioner Navarro on Wednesday's White Sox win White Sox manager Robin Ventura and Dioner Navarro on Miguel Gonzalez's victory over the Yankees. The Sox scored four runs with two outs in the second inning against Yankees right-hander Michael Pineda to take the early lead. Avisail Garcia's RBI single, J.B. Shuck's RBI ground-rule double and Tim Anderson's two-run double down the left-field line pushed the Sox up 4-0. Melky Cabrera scored on Brett Lawrie's groundout in the sixth for another run against Pineda. Before the game, the Sox placed catcher Alex Avila on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring he suffered during Tuesday night's game. Ventura said the team is hopeful Avila will need the minimum time out and could return for the first homestand after the All-Star break. The Sox called up catcher Omar Narvaez, 24, from Triple-A Charlotte. Narvaez is hitting .239 with eight doubles, two home runs and 16 RBIs over 54 games with Double-A Birmingham and Charlotte this year. He has thrown out 12 of 48 base-stealers this season. When Avila was hurt earlier this season, the Sox called up catchers Kevan Smith and Hector Sanchez to back up Dioner Navarro. But Smith is on the disabled list at Charlotte, and Sanchez was claimed off waivers by the Padres and is in their minor-league system.

"We're not having BP today, so Omar can't get hurt," Ventura joked before the game. Navarro actually fared well when Avila went down the last time. "When it happened in April, I think I did a pretty good job, so I'm just trying to do the same now," Navarro said. The Sox transferred right-hander Jake Petricka to the 60-day disabled list to make room on the 40-man roster. Petricka had right hip surgery June 10.

White Sox call up catcher Omar Narvaez, place Alex Avila on DL By Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune | July 6th, 2016 The White Sox purchased the contract of catcher Omar Narvaez from Triple-A Charlotte on Wednesday and placed catcher Alex Avila on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring. Avila suffered the injury while running to first Tuesday night against the Yankees, the same injury that landed him on the DL earlier this season. Narvaez, 24, is hitting .239 with eight doubles, two home runs, 16 RBIs and 18 runs scored over 54 games with Double-A Birmingham and Charlotte this year. He has thrown out 12 of 48 basestealers this season. He is a career .277 hitter with a .353 on-base percentage over eight minor-league seasons in the Rays and Sox organizations. The Sox acquired him in the Rule 5 draft in 2013. The Sox were already short-handed at catcher in the minor-league system. They called up catchers Kevan Smith and Hector Sanchez to back up Dioner Navarro when Avila was last hurt. But Smith is on the disabled list at Charlotte and Sanchez was claimed off waivers by the Padres and is in their minor-league system. “Earlier in the year, I was out the minimum of two weeks. I hope and expect it will be the same thing,” Avila said Tuesday. “Just try to get it healed as quickly as possible. Since I came off the DL, I haven’t had any issues whatsoever. It’s definitely a little frustrating and a little strange.” The Sox transferred right-hander Jake Petricka to the 60-day disabled list to make room for Narvaez on the 40-man roster. Petricka had right hip surgery on June 10.

White Sox’s Chris Sale plans to go all out in All-Star Game By Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune | July 6th, 2016 Chris Sale doesn't intend to hold anything back if he pitches in the All-Star Game on Tuesday night in San Diego. The White Sox left-hander, who was named to his fifth straight All-Star team this week, didn't pitch in last year's game because the team was concerned about his workload. He said he still enjoyed the game, like "a fan with a little bit better seat," but he sounded eager to get back to the full experience this year. "I'm not going to reserve anything when I get in there," said Sale, who pitched one inning in the 2012 game and another in 2014. "I fully intend on letting it (fly) when I get out there, whenever that is. It's hard not to. You have a packed crowd. You're facing the best, so you better bring it." American League manager Ned Yost will make the decision on which pitcher will start the game next week, but Sox manager Robin Ventura and pitching coach Don Cooper said they would love to see Sale get that opportunity.

Sale, who leads the majors with 14 victories, would accept gladly. "It would be awesome," he said. "That would be such a thrill. I've always been there and seen the start of the game and just everything that goes into it." Cooper said he understands Sale taking an all-out mentality into the game. He hopes Sale pitches only one inning but said Sale has earned the right to pitch two if that's the way it works out. The Sox will wait to see how his appearance goes before setting his start date out of the All-Star break, when the team opens with a trip to Anaheim and Seattle. "It's not going to be too soon," Cooper said. "We're going to let him recover from that because he's one of our most important pieces." Sale is the only Sox pitcher besides Billy Pierce to make five straight All-Star teams, and one of four active major-league pitchers to make five straight, along with Clayton Kershaw, Felix Hernandez and Justin Verlander. But he said the excitement of participating in the festivities with his family hasn't worn off. "I definitely (will) appreciate this one as much as any," he said. Sale said it might be "weird" to face as many as five Cubs hitters in the game, especially considering the Sox and Cubs meet for four City Series games July 25-28. But he also recognized that could make the game more fun to watch for Chicago fans. "Anything that can promote something positive for this city, I'm in for it," he said.

White Sox blank Yankees, win fifth series in a row By Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun-Times | July 6th, 2016 The beat goes on for the White Sox, who defeated the New York Yankees 5-0 Wednesday to claim their fifth consecutive series. The Sox (44-41) took two of three games from the Yankees (41-43), including the rubber game behind right-hander Miguel Gonzalez’ seven scoreless innings before 21,144 fans at U.S. Cellular Field. The Sox have won five straight series for the first time since 2013. A four-run second, which started after Yankees starter Michael Pineda (3-8) retired the first two batters, gave Gonzalez (2-4, 4.39 ERA) a cushion. In succession, Avisail Garcia’s two-out single to left scored Brett Lawrie, J.B. Shuck’s ground-rule double to left scored Dioner Navarro and Tim Anderson’s double down the third-base line scored Garcia and Shuck. Lawrie extended his hitting streak to nine games. Right fielder Adam Eaton collected his 13th outfield assist, which leads the majors, when he threw out Jacoby Ellsbury trying to stretch a leadoff single into a double in the third. After that, Gonzalez retired 14 of the next 16 Yankees before leaving after seven innings with a 5-0 lead. “It was nice to be able to keep Ellsbury off second base there early in the game,” Eaton said. “And it’s kind of our focal point, keep those guys off the bases, keep them out of scoring position. Gonzo pitched a heck of a game tonight, kept them off balance the whole game, hit his spots well and had good defense behind him. TA [Anderson] made a good play. Also Jose [Abreu] made a heck of a play as well and when there’s good defense played behind Gonzo he’ll throw good for you.”

Gonzalez, pitching seven innings for his second straight start (he allowed three runs against the Astros in Houston last Friday), allowed five hits and one walk while striking out three. He threw 102 pitches before giving way to Zach Duke in the eighth. “He was fantastic,” manager Robin Ventura said. “Any time he fell behind he made a quality pitch. He has a way to take a little off, put a little on.” “Just staying focused, not trying to do too much, staying within myself and letting the defense play,” Gonzalez said. Gonzalez was pleased with his fastball command “and I did a really good job changing speeds.” Duke recorded four outs before closer David Robertson got the last two outs in a non-save situation. The Sox streak of winning series includes taking three of four from the Red Sox in Boston, two of three at home against the Toronto Blue Jays and Minnesota Twins, two of three from the Astros in Houston and two of three from the Yankees. The Sox have won four of their last five and 11 of the last 16. “The pitching has been great,” Ventura said. “Offensively we’ve been getting it, tonight from the bottom of the order that really comes through. Everybody seems to be contributing one way or another and it’s nice. We’re playing better baseball, it’s that simple.” The Sox are off Thursday before hosting the Atlanta Braves for three games this weekend leading to the All-Star break.

Alex Avila to 15-day DL; Omar Narvaez called up from Charlotte By Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun-Times | July 6th, 2016 Catcher Alex Avila was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring Wednesday, and the White Sox purchased the contract of catcher Omar Narvaez to take his place. Narvaez, 24, who has no major league experience, was called up from AAA Charlotte. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Sox transferred right-hander Jake Petricka to the 60-day disabled list. Avila strained the hamstring running out a ground ball in the fourth inning of the Sox’ 9-0 loss to the New York Yankees Tuesday. It’s the same hamstring that landed him on the disabled list in late April. The left-handed hitting Avila, who doubled off the wall in his first at-bat Tuesday, was batting .279 (19-for-68) with a .395 on-base percentage over his last 20 games. “I thought maybe it was more of a cramp [initially],” Avila said. “Went out to catch the next inning and going through that inning, I knew that I’d got it just like earlier. Get a MRI in the morning and see the severity. “Just try to get it healed as quickly as possible.” The switch-hitting Dioner Navarro, who took Avila’s place Tuesday, will get the bulk of the work behind the plate while Avila is out. Narvaez is batting .239 with two homers, eight doubles and 16 RBI over 54 games between AA Birmingham and Charlotte this season. He has thrown out 25 percent (12-48) of attempted basestealers, including 8-29 (27.6) with the Knights. He will wear uniform No. 38.

Narvaez is a career .277 hitter a .353 on-base percentage and seven homers, 57 doubles and 170 RBI in 459 games over eight minor-league seasons in the Tampa Bay and Sox organizations. He has thrown out 40.1 percent (161-401) of attempted basestealers. The Sox picked Narvaez in the minor-league phase of the 2013 Rule 5 draft.

All-Star start ‘would be thrill’ for Chris Sale By Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun-Times | July 6th, 2016 Chris Sale won’t be holding anything back. Don Cooper knows this, which is why the White Sox’ protective pitching coach hopes Sale goes one inning and not two in the All-Star Game, which Sale probably deserves to start. “I even asked him,’’ Cooper said. “I said, ‘What are you gonna be going with?’ And he said, ‘I’m gonna get after it.’ Makes sense.’’ Sale, named to his fifth All-Star team in five years – he hasn’t missed one since he became a starting pitcher – is a high-octane guy who has, with Cooper’s guidance, learned to hold back and take something off his velocity and effort levels for the greater good. He’ll be pumped to the max when he faces the National League All-Stars in San Diego. “I’m not going to reserve anything when I get in there,’’ Sale said. “I fully intend on letting it eat when I get out there, whenever that is. It’s hard not to. You’ve got a packed crowd, you’re facing the best, so you better bring it.’’ He hopes he’ll be bringing it to the National League’s leadoff batter. Kansas City manager Ned Yost will name the starter on Monday. Sale, who makes his last start before the game Friday when the Sox host the Atlanta Braves, pitched in relief in 2012 in Kansas City (one scoreless inning), 2013 in New York (two perfect innings, two strikeouts, winning pitcher) and 2014 in Minnesota (one inning, one run). A start would be “awesome,” he said. “That would be such a thrill,’’ he said. “I’ve always been there and seen the start of the game and just everything that goes into it. I would be thrilled to do that.’’ The Sox powers that be, Cooper included, frowned on the idea of pitching Sale pitching in the game at Cincinnati last season, which is why Yost didn’t use him. Sale had thrown 115 pitches against the Cubs on the Saturday before the game. This time, he’ll have three days rest and won’t pitch again till next Sunday at the latest, five days after the Midsummer Classic. Cooper knows Sale will give it everything he’s got “and that’s why I’m hoping it’s one inning getting after it rather than two. But after one if he wants another one and he says something to them, they give it to him … Chris has earned that one to kind of say what he’d like to do there.’’ For Sale, the honor isn’t getting old. He enjoys everything about the event, from watching the Home Run Derby with his young son on the field to celebrating it with extended family. When he didn’t pitch last year, he said he enjoyed “being a fan” but participating brings it “full circle.” “It’s something that doesn’t come around very often,’’ Sale said. “I definitely appreciate this one as much as any. There’s nothing like the first one. I truly believe that. But I’m definitely very appreciative of the time

and what it is. It’s a great time for everyone around Major League Baseball to get together and play a game.’’

Todd Frazier excited about defending Home Run Derby title By Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun-Times | July 6th, 2016 The Home Run Derby participants will be announced Thursday, and Sox third baseman Todd Frazier, the defending champion, will be among them. Mark Trumbo and Corey Seager said Wednesday they are participating. Frazier didn’t announce that he is going, but two sources said Frazier will be in San Diego for the event during All-Star week. Frazier can’t wait. “You grow up playing it in the back yards and high school fields when you’re younger,” Frazier said Wednesday. “You get an opportunity to play in a big league ballpark, packed house, in front of your peers and it’s exciting. Win lose or draw.” Frazier won the event last season in Cincinnati as a member of the Reds. “I already have one under my belt and I just think it’s a lot of fun,” he said. “I bring my family there and have your brother throwing to you. They get a thrill of a lifetime, this will be the third year now if it happens and they love it, too, as well.” Frazier is batting .211 with 23 homers and 52 RBI. Fulmer in the wings? No. 8 overall 2015 draft pick Carson Fulmer seems to have a handle lately on the command issues that troubled him at AA Birmingham, and it appears as though the right-hander could join the Sox bullpen before the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline. Manager Robin Ventura and pitching Don Cooper both talked about Fulmer, a starter, breaking in as a reliever Wednesday. “We did it with [Chris] Sale for a year and a half,’’ Cooper said. “Why wouldn’t it be the same deal with him? Maybe getting your feet wet in relief, finding spots and getting some experience, getting a lay of the land. We’ll make a change if and when we think it’s appropriate.” Injuries to Zach Putnam, Jake Petricka and Daniel Webb have thinned the bullpen’s ranks. “You’re always looking for ways to improve, and sometimes you’ve got to be creative with him as well as anybody else in the organization, to see what you need to fill to get through the year,’’ Ventura said. Fulmer has allowed two earned runs on 10 hits and nine walks and struck out 22 over 19 innings in his last three starts. He will represent the Sox in Sunday’s Futures Game in San Diego.

White Sox blank Yankees with strong start from Gonzalez By Scot Gregor / Daily Herald | July 6th, 2016 In his last five starts for the Chicago White Sox heading into Wednesday night's outing against the New York Yankees, Miguel Gonzalez was up, down, up, down and up, respectively. The trend strongly indicated Gonzalez was headed for a fall at U.S. Cellular Field, but the right-hander bucked the odds and was brilliant in the Sox's 5-0 win.

"Just staying focused, not trying to do too much, staying within myself and letting the defense play," Gonzalez said after allowing just 5 hits over 7 innings against a Yankees team that scored 9 runs and had 20 hits Tuesday night. "And especially staying down in the zone is really important," Gonzalez added. "The rest of the pitches are going to be there as long as I'm down and staying aggressive in the zone." Having now pitched 7-plus innings in back-to-back starts for the first time since May of last season, when he was with the Baltimore Orioles, Gonzalez could be a big asset for the White Sox in the second half. The White Sox jumped on New York starter Michael Pineda for 4 runs with 2 outs in the second inning. After Avisail Garcia opened the scoring with an RBI single, J.B. Shuck drove in a run with a double and rookie Tim Anderson followed with a 2-run double. Not only have the Sox gone 11-5 over their last 16 games, they've won five straight series (Boston, Toronto, Minnesota, Houston, New York) for the first time since 2013. "We learned from our success early on," right fielder Adam Eaton said. "We learned from our failure last month and right now we're kind of riding the wave again. But we want to make sure that we keep our successes in line and have them continue. And then we do have a lull or a dip in the season, to get out of it quickly." Fulmer on fast track? After a rough first two months at Class AA Birmingham, top pitching prospect Carson Fulmer has put himself on the White Sox's radar for the second half of the season. Starting against Chattanooga Wednesday, Fulmer allowed 2 runs in 5 innings while striking out 10. The No. 8 overall draft pick in 2015, Fulmer has allowed only 2 runs in 19 innings in his last three starts with the Barons. The right-hander also has 22 strikeouts over that span. While he's projected as a future starter, Fulmer could find himself in the Sox's bullpen at some point after the all-star break. "Is he someone who could help in the second half?" White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper asked. "I'm always thinking that. I've been thinking that for a while. We did it with (Chris) Sale for a year and a half. Why wouldn't it be the same deal with him? Maybe getting your feet wet in relief, finding spots and getting some experience, getting a lay of the land. "We'll make a change if and when we think it's appropriate. He kind of fits the bill for me in everything that he does to maybe start out as a reliever first and get his career started that way. He's kind of a high-strung guy, too, so maybe that could play better out there in the bullpen than it might be starting." Narvaez joins Sox: With Alex Avila back on the disabled list with a hamstring injury, the White Sox purchased catcher Omar Narvaez's contract from Class AAA Charlotte before Wednesday's win over the Yankees. "It feels like a lot of happiness," Narvaez said. "It's like every ballplayer's dream, come up here and do the best we can do." Dioner Navarro figures to do the bulk of the catching until Avila returns from his second right hamstring strain of the season.

Narvaez has no major-league experience. After spending the entire 2015 season with high Class A Winston-Salem, he batted a combined .239 with 2 home runs and 16 RBI with AA Birmingham and 18 runs scored over 54 combined games between Class AA Birmingham and Charlotte this season.

White Sox ace Sale hoping to make first All-Star Game start By Scot Gregor / Daily Herald | July 6th, 2016 Chicago White Sox ace Chris Sale not only deserves to be at Tuesday's All-Star Game in San Diego, he deserves to be the American League starting pitcher. "It would be awesome," Sale said on Wednesday, a day after being named to his fifth straight all-star team. "That would be such a thrill. I've always been there and seen the start of the game and just everything that goes into it. I would be thrilled to do that." Sale leads the major leagues with 14 wins, and when he takes the mound against the Atlanta Braves Friday night at U.S. Cellular Field, the 27-year-old lefty will attempt to become the first AL pitcher to reach 15 in the first half since David Wells in 2000. "I'm proud of him," Sox pitching coach Don Cooper said. "I'd love to see him start the game." The starting pitchers won't be announced until Monday, and AL manager Ned Yost is going to decide if Sale becomes the first White Sox pitcher to start the All-Star Game since Mark Buehrle in 2005. If Yost decides on the Indians' Danny Salazar or the Rangers' Cole Hamels, there is going to be some controversy. Does Yost opt to snub Sale based on a brawl between the Sox and Royals at the Cell in April of 2015? True, volatile Kansas City starter Yordano Ventura ignited the scrap, but Sale was also pitching that night and he aimed high when retaliating and drilled Mike Moustakas in the shoulder. Before being ejected from the game and inexplicably trying to get into the Royals' clubhouse after play resumed, Sale and Yost exchanged heated words on the field after the brawl simmered, undoubtedly about the pitch that hit Moustakas. Start or relieve, Sale is not going to take velocity off his fastball like he's done throughout the first half in order to pitch deeper into games. "I'm not going to reserve anything when I get in there," said Sale, who leads the AL with 120 innings pitched and a 0.98 WHIP. "I fully intend on letting it eat when I get out there, whenever that is. It's hard not to. You've got a packed crowd, you're facing the best, so you better bring it." If Sale (14-2) has one regret, it's not bringing rotation mate Jose Quintana (6-8) with him to San Diego. Despite ranking seventh in the AL with 111⅔ innings pitched and eighth with a 3.06 ERA, Quintana failed to make his first all-star team. "If you compare him and I and put our numbers back to back, you would probably have a hard time figuring out who is who, honestly, other than wins and losses," Sale said. "Those are things you really can't control. There's not a doubt in my mind he'll be there one day. I thought this year was the year. He's as good as anybody. "I'm not speaking from a biased standpoint when I say that."

Quintana never complains about his lack of run support, and he's not complaining about being bypassed for the All-Star Game. "I have my focus on the team," said Quintana, who has the lowest run support average (2.88 runs per game) in the AL. "If I make all-star, that's good. That's good for any player. Now I have my focus on the team. Maybe next year I can go to my first All-Star Game."

Gonzalez goes 7 innings, White Sox shut out Yankees 5-0 By Andrew Seligman / Associated Press | July 6th, 2016 CHICAGO -- From their torrid start to their dreadful slump and sudden resurgence, it sure has been a wild season for the Chicago White Sox. They are looking better as the All-Star break approaches. Miguel Gonzalez pitched five-hit ball over seven innings and the White Sox beat the New York Yankees 5-0 on Wednesday night. The White Sox have won six of eight and 11 of 16. They took two of three from the Yankees and won their fifth straight series. That's more like it for a team that led the AL Central at 23-10 before going into a huge tailspin. "Everybody seems to be contributing in one way or another and it's nice," manager Robin Ventura said. "We're playing better baseball, it's that simple. We're playing all-around better baseball." The White Sox bounced back after getting blanked for the fifth time and handed the Yankees their fifth shutout. Tim Anderson capped a four-run second with a two-run double off Michael Pineda (3-8). Gonzalez (2-4) took it from there. He matched his longest outing of the season and shut down New York after it pounded out a season-high 20 hits in Tuesday's 9-0 romp. Gonzalez, who went seven innings in a loss at Houston last week, struck out three and walked one. The right-hander was 0-3 with a 7.25 ERA in his previous four starts. Zach Duke worked 1 1/3 innings, and David Robertson got the final two outs, striking out Chase Headley with runners on second and third to end the game. "I think that we learned from our success early on, we learned from our failures last month," Adam Eaton said. Jacoby Ellsbury and Didi Gregorious each had three hits for New York. But the Yankees (41-43) missed a chance to reach the .500 mark and dropped to 2-4 on a 10-game trip that takes them to the All-Star break. "We can't get over the hump," manager Joe Girardi said. "We can't play consistent enough to get over the hump and get to five games over, get to 10 games over and it's a number of different things. It's pitching at times. It's swinging the bats at times. You look at the two games here and we didn't hit with runners on and that was the difference." Pineda, who had a 2.75 ERA in six June starts, gave up five runs and five hits in six innings.

The White Sox did most of their scoring in the second, pounding out four runs after Pineda retired the first two batters. Brett Lawrie singled to ignite the rally and scored from second on a base hit by Avisail Garcia, who came in on a 6-for-46 slump. J.B. Shuck added an RBI ground-rule double to left, putting runners on second and third, and Anderson followed with a double to left that made it 4-0. NO BATTING PRACTICE Both teams were forced to cancel batting practice after a pipe on the third-base side cracked. Workers dug a trench on the foul side of the base, though it was filled in by the time the game started. "If we lose a player in a sink hole ...," Girardi said. "Maybe one of their players should walk over it first." SALE'S PITCH White Sox ace Chris Sale was "very appreciative" after joining Billy Pierce as the only White Sox pitchers to make five straight AL All-Star teams. He also said it would be "such a thrill" to start, a possibility considering he leads the majors with 14 wins. "I've always been there and seen the start of the game and just everything that goes into it," he said. "I would be thrilled to do that." TRAINER'S ROOM Yankees: Carlos Beltran was back at designated hitter after playing the outfield Tuesday for the first time in a week. He has been bothered by a tight right hamstring. "The issue is not gone, so he's probably going to DH more than the outfield for a little bit," Girardi said. Girardi also said he thinks Beltran will be able to play in the All-Star Game after being selected for the ninth time. White Sox: The White Sox hope to get C Alex Avila (strained right hamstring) back during their series against Detroit at home July 21-24 after placing him on the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday. UP NEXT Yankees: New York opens a four-game series at AL Central leader Cleveland, with RHP Ivan Nova (5-5, 5.06 ERA) starting for the Yankees and RHP Trevor Bauer (7-2, 3.02) pitching for the Indians. White Sox: Sale (14-2, 2.93) goes for his 15th win as the White Sox open a three-game series against Atlanta on Friday.

White Sox place C Avila on DL with strained right hamstring Associated Press | July 6th, 2016 CHICAGO -- The Chicago White Sox have placed catcher Alex Avila on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring. They also purchased catcher Omar Narvaez's contract from Triple-A Charlotte on Wednesday and transferred reliever Jake Petricka to the 60-day disabled list to make room for Narvaez on the 40-man roster. Avila left Tuesday's game against the New York Yankees with the injury. He is batting .236 with three home runs and six RBIs in his first season with the White Sox.

Narvaez is batting a combined .239 with Charlotte and Double-A Birmingham and has thrown out 12 of 48 attempted base stealers this season. Petricka had season-ending surgery on his right hip last month.

Levine: White Sox keep up quality play, win 5th straight series By Bruce Levine / CBS Chicago | July 6th, 2016 CHICAGO (CBS) — The surging Chicago White Sox are continuing their climb back from a standings free fall that befell them from early May and into June, posting their fifth straight series victory with a 5-0 win against the Yankees at U.S. Cellular Field on Wednesday night. Right-hander Miguel Gonzalez pitched seven shutout innings, gaining his second win of the season. Behind this recent good play for Chicago has been better starting pitching and solid defense. This was reflected when White Sox right fielder Adam Eaton threw out another runner trying to advance on a base hit, snuffing out a would-be New York uprising in the third inning by nailing Jacoby Ellsbury at second base on a one-hop throw. “People are going to do what they do, “White Sox catcher Dioner Navarro said of the play. “Ninety percent of the time, Ellsbury is safe on that hit. Eaton just did a great job on that. He is doing a great job in the outfield all year.” Eaton’s 1.6 defensive WAR is the highest among outfielders and third-best mark for any position this season. He also leads the majors with 13 outfield assists. “His range and his arm has been a big factor defensively,” White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. “Guys are testing him, and they don’t quite realize how strong his arm is.” The White Sox (44-41) have thrust themselves back into the wild-card battle, sitting 2.5 games out of the second spot after winning 11 of their past 16. “We are seeing guys grind through these things,” Ventura said. “Our pitching has been great. Offensively, the bottom of the order has really been coming through for us. Everybody seems to be contributing in one way or another.” On Wednesday, Gonzalez had great command of his fastball. He allowed just five hits and one walk while striking out three. “The guys came out and played some real good defense,” Gonzalez said. “Our offense was there. I was able to keep them in the ballgame. I was able to do a good job of changing speeds.” The veteran Gonzalez has good at times and erratic at times. The key is simple. “Fastball command,” Navarro said about the difference in Gonzalez on Wednesday. “That is the game, not only for him but every good pitcher. When you pitch ahead, you are always going to be in good shape. Miguel did a great job.” The White Sox have won five straight series for the first time since September 2013.

Levine: Chris Sale looking forward to possible All-Star start By Bruce Levine / CBS Chicago | July 6th, 2016 CHICAGO (CBS) — At age 27, White Sox ace Chris Sale has accomplished the impressive feat of making five straight trips to the All-Star Game. And come next Tuesday in San Diego, Sale has a better than decent chance of being the American League starter. With 14-2 mark, 2.93 ERA and 0.98 WHIP, Sale has been the best pitcher in the AL this season. The decision on who to start will be up to Royals manager Ned Yost, who will lead the AL. “That is going to be up to Ned,” White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. “He can decide that. Is (Sale) deserving as anyone else? He is at the top of the list with anybody in the American League.” A humble leader on his team, Sale would love to get that unique chance to be the man for the AL. “It would be awesome and such a thrill,” Sale said Wednesday. “I have been there and have seen the start of the game and what goes into it. I would be thrilled to do that and be honored.” The White Sox have had two other pitchers start the All-Star game — Mark Buerhle in 2005 and Esteban Loaiza in 2003. In his journey to do so, Sale has done so much to change his style this season, using the two-seam fastball more for early contact. That said, Sale’s approach to NL hitters will be more old-school for a short stint in California. “I am not going to reserve anything when I get in there,” Sale said. “I fully intend on letting it (the fastball) eat when I get out there, whenever that is. It would be hard not to. You have a packed crowd and you’re facing the best. You better bring it.” Sale will be the White Sox’s lone representative in the All-Star Game. Meanwhile, the crosstown Cubs will feature seven players, including five position players. So a Sale matchup against some Cubs could loom. “That would be a little weird,” Sale said. “We will be facing them the next couple weeks after that. It would be fun.” Sale admitted that a change occurs after making your first All-Star Game. “You can have a lot of people tell you how good you are,” Sale said. “If you don’t believe it, it’s kind of a wash. I do think, sometimes, guys go in their (game) and they start believing in themselves. Other people can believe in you. When you start believing in yourself moving forward, that is what makes you a better player.” Of course, Sale has earned the All-Star respect. He’s emerged as one of the top pitchers in all of baseball. In reaching the All-Star Game in the past five seasons, there was little doubt to his candidacy. Sale has the full support of his teammates, as you could imagine. “Playing behind him is special,” third baseman Todd Frazier said. “It will be him going out there and attacking the day. He is a bulldog. He works fast getting us back in the dugout. We get some runs up. Away we go ” Cubs right-hander Jake Arrieta is a candidate to start for the NL with Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw injured. Cubs and White Sox pitchers have never opposed one another to start an All-Star Game.

“It would be great for the city,” Sale said. “No doubt. Just like if we got to the end together. It would be crazy. Anything that could promote something positive for this city, I am in for it. It is good for the city of Chicago and would make it more fun for the baseball fans in the Midwest.”

Emma: Chicago’s Cubs, White Sox in search of magical summer By Chris Emma / CBS Chicago | July 6th, 2016 CHICAGO (CBS) — In this fair city, hope often comes with the playful tunes of an organ. ADVERTISING Walk through the gates of fabled Wrigley Field and you’re struck by the scenic backdrop of green grass, blue skies and sunshine. Then, the sound of the famous Lowrey organ nestles you in for Cubs-Reds at the Friendly Confines. On the other side of town, the upbeat tones of the organ at U.S. Cellular Field brought sounds of delight as the White Sox on Wednesday looked to take their fifth straight series, this one against the Yankees. Those simple joys of baseball — whether it’s a hot dog and a beer or just a beautiful day in the bleachers — are what bring fans to the ballparks. It’s enough to put a smile on your face in Chicago, but there could be greater on the horizon. Chicago is home to two contenders — the Cubs are an National League-best 52-32 record, and the White Sox are inching closer to the wild card now at 44-41. With baseball’s All-Star break just days away, both of Chicago’s teams were in town for a rare doubleheader of action at their home ballparks Wednesday. The sun was shining down over the Second City. — With one crack of the bat, Wrigley Field fell nearly faint. There were even some boos to be heard. Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart hit a three-run home run off of Trevor Cahill that served as the difference in the series-clinching 5-3 win over the Cubs. There was no comeback for the best team in the NL against one of the worst. Ever since starting out as baseball’s best team — even bringing forth the thought of a record 117-win regular season — the Cubs haven’t found consistent wins. They have now gone 15-16 in their last 31 games and 5-12 since center fielder and lead-off man Dexter Fowler went to the disabled list. Any reason for concern about this Cubs team? “It’s more likely a snapshot,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. The Cubs are simply going through struggles. They happen to even the best of teams. Plus, this stretch is revealing just how important Fowler is to the Cubs. He was leading the National League position players in wins above replacement before his hamstring tweak two-and-a-half weeks ago. Don’t start worrying — not with this Cubs team, not with seven All-Stars and so many terrific talents. They’re frustrated, too, but certainly not concerned. “I really can’t explain it right now,” Cubs shortstop Addison Russell said. “But we’re still going to try to go out and get the job done. Obviously, the past few weeks, it hasn’t been working. But we still have high hopes and high faith. We just got to go to the next day and get better.” What the Cubs need first and foremost is health, with their center fielder back to his place as the catalyst atop the order. Bullpen help will arrive, perhaps even in the form of a shutdown arm from the Yankees like Andrew Miller or Aroldis Chapman.

Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein will do whatever it takes to ensure his team maintains its position as a World Series favorite. The bullpen need is obvious, but the Cubs could also add another bat or starter to the equation as an insurance policy. In the meantime, the Cubs look ready for the All-Star break as they continue to scuffle. It’s a short-term problem — nothing more. “I can’t connect a bunch of negative thoughts,” Maddon said. “It’s just happened. I think it is a snapshot. I’m not really concerned.” — The sun had begun to set by the bottom of the second inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Still, the July humidity was steady throughout the ballpark. This inning started as many have for the White Sox this season, with the heart of the order failing to come through. Melky Cabrera popped up to shortstop, then Todd Frazier fanned for strike three. But the White Sox soon showed their better half with two outs. Energizer bunny Brett Lawrie lined a base knock to right field, then Dioner Navarro walked to put two on with two outs. Avisail Garcia came through with a two-out single to score Lawrie, and J.B. Shuck followed with an RBI ground-rule double. Then, rookie shortstop Tim Anderson delivered again, this time with a two-out, two-run double. Look at what these White Sox can do. They earned a 5-0 win over the Yankees to clinch their fifth straight series win. “Everybody is contributing,” White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. “It’s nice. We’re playing better baseball. It’s just that simple. We’re playing all-around better baseball.” During their miserable stretch of May into June, the White Sox were let down by the meat of their lineup, then again by the bottom part. A team built to contend for the postseason was often beating itself. Anderson has been the difference-maker, a steady presence at the start of the order. He gets on base — see his .338 wOBA and 109 RC+ — and makes an impact. The rest of the lineup has followed. The White Sox got a quality start from Miguel Gonzalez, who had seven shutout innings of work. That’s the team’s fifth starter, with the previous four settled into their roles. With James Shields out of his awful funk, the White Sox can count on a chance to win each time out. Out of the gates, the White Sox went 23-10 and had the best record in the American League. They followed that with a terrible run that dropped them below the .500 mark. Now, here they are playing consistently good baseball. “It’s not how we really draw it up,” White Sox right fielder Adam Eaton said of the roller coaster ride this season has been. What makes this White Sox team a threat to contend until the end is how there are so many players making a difference — the stars like Jose Abreu and Chris Sale but also the contributors like Frazier, Cabrera, Eaton, Anderson, Lawrie and more. The White Sox aren’t the team that went 23-10, nor are they the group that fell off the earth in the weeks that followed. Simply put, these are the White Sox, a team that should be a contender with consistent play.

“Now, we got to smooth the ride for the whole season,” Navarro said, “and let’s see what happens.” — All throughout the offseason, the baseball world celebrated the Cubs and their super-team. It was deserved, because what Epstein, Jed Hoyer and the team’s baseball brass did to rebuild the organization is something out of a 30 for 30, whether it’s a fruitful or crushing end to that story. Perhaps this is the year that the Cubs finally win a World Series. Meanwhile, the White Sox righted many of their wrongs and pieced together a contender. They weren’t touted as a World Series team, nor did they warrant that after a disappointing 2015. Everything was put on the line with a roster that looked good, just not great, and Ventura was left to fend for his job with this group. Chicago’s fascination with baseball is a constant. Those ballpark comforts like the warmth of sunshine or sounds of the organ make one feel home at Wrigley or U.S. Cellular Field. Fans embrace their baseball in this city. A summer of baseball hope in Chicago could lead to something special ahead come the fall.