The Diamondbacks lost a game to the worst team in baseball on Saturday night, falling 9-2 to the Chicago White Sox at Chase Field, a setback that again delays their quest to reach the .500 mark by at least a few days.
His attempt to put together a bullpen game ahead of pitcher Tommy Henry did not go well as the White Sox, owners of the worst offense in baseball, scored runs against each of the Diamondbacks’ four pitchers that night.
Lenyn Sosa (three-run homer), Andrew Vaughn (two-run homer), Paul DeJong (solo homer) and Korey Lee (two-run homer) were deep for the White Sox.
If the Diamondbacks had been able to sweep this series, they would have left for their trip to Washington and Philadelphia with a .500 record. Instead, they fell to 34-37. In Sunday afternoon’s finale, they will look to avoid the embarrassment of losing a series to a team that entered the weekend with just 18 wins.
White Sox take early lead against Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks trail the White Sox, 2-1, after four innings Saturday night at Chase Field.
This was always going to be an unusual game, with the Diamondbacks starting reliever Scott McGough. However, it has proven to be even more unusual than expected.
The Diamondbacks took the lead in the first inning but gave it back in a strange sequence in the third. With two outs and slow catcher Martín Maldonado on second, Torey Lovullo ran to the mound to meet reliever Thyago Vieira. He appeared to tell Vieira to intentionally impede Maldonado at third base by dropping the ball, presumably out of concern that Maldonado would steal signs at second base. Vieira obeyed. One pitch later, batter Andrew Vaughn singled to center field, scoring Maldonado on a play in which he probably would not have scored from second.
The White Sox then took the lead in the fourth inning on a solo home run by Paul DeJong.
—Theo Mackie
Schedules come into focus for Alek Thomas and Merrill Kelly
Manager Torey Lovullo shed light on when a pair of injured players could return to action for the Diamondbacks.
Center fielder Alek Thomas, who played his second rehab game in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League on Saturday, aims to return at some point during the upcoming homestand, Lovullo said.
Thomas will play another game in the complex league on Monday before joining Triple-A Reno on Wednesday. He will likely remain in Reno through the weekend, Lovullo said. The Diamondbacks’ next homestand begins June 25 against Minnesota.
As for right-hander Merrill Kelly, Lovullo acknowledged that his second starter probably won’t return before mid-July.
“It might be a little bit after the All-Star break,” Lovullo said. “We’re just being very cautious with Merrill. She knows her body well. She gives a great contribution.”
Lovullo added: “We are going to be extremely cautious. If we have to wait a little longer on the front lines to get him back for the remaining (two months) of baseball, we’ll take it.”
—Nick Piecoro
Sunday’s Diamondbacks-White Sox pitching matchup
White Sox vs. Diamondbacks, 1:10 p.m., Cox, Cap. 3. 4
Diamondbacks LHP Jordan Montgomery (4-4, 6.58) vs. White Sox RHP Drew Thorpe (0-0, 1.80).
At Chase Field: Montgomery had struggled in his previous two outings before turning in a more competitive outing against the Angels, allowing three runs in 5 2/3 innings. … Although Montgomery’s numbers aren’t great, he’s been a decent bet to keep the Diamondbacks in games, holding opposing teams to three runs or fewer in six of his 10 starts. …Montgomery owns a 2.20 ERA in 28 2/3 innings in his career against the White Sox. C Martín Maldonado is 3-for-4 with two home runs in his career against Montgomery. … Thorpe was traded twice last year, first from the Yankees to the Padres in the OF Juan Soto trade, then from the Padres to the White Sox in the RHP Dylan Cease trade. … This will be Thorpe’s second career start. He made his major league debut Tuesday against Seattle, limiting the Mariners to two runs (one earned) in five innings, walking two and striking out four. …Thorpe’s best pitch is said to be his changeup. He struck out seven in 19 swings in his debut, a strong 36.8 percent rate.
Going up
Monday: free.
Tuesday: In Washington, 3:45 pm, Diamondbacks RHP Slade Cecconi (1-5, 6.70) vs. Nationals RHP Jake Irvin (5-5, 3.00).
Wednesday: In Washington, 1:05 pm, Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Pfaadt (3-5, 4.38) vs. Nationals LHP Patrick Corbin (1-7, 5.84).
Thursday: In Washington, 10:05 am, Diamondbacks RHP Ryne Nelson (4-5, 5.49) against Nationals LHP MacKenzie Gore (6-5, 3.24).
Keynote USA
For the Latest Sports News, Follow Keynote USA Sports on Twitter.