Colome taking trade possibility in stride
CHICAGO -- Alex Colomé can’t predict if he will be part of the White Sox bullpen at 3:01 p.m. CT on Wednesday afternoon, so it was almost impossible for the closer, who has 21 saves in 22 tries, to guess how he will feel if the team actually does trade him.
“I feel very good here,” said Colome through interpreter Billy Russo. “I know that this is a business, but I feel really good here, and I just try to control what I can control.”
Speaking of control, the White Sox have Colome signed through the 2020 campaign. If they believe they can contend in some form next year, having such high-leverage relievers as Colome, Aaron Bummer, Jace Fry and Evan Marshall already in place will be an important step.
Another school of thought is to add to the critical mass of young talent by moving Colome to a contender, with Bummer seemingly able to move into the closer’s role. Colome has a great deal of success in terms of getting those final three or four outs in a victory, leading the American League in saves with 47 in 2017 and holding opponents to a .079 average in 22 save opportunities in 2019.
Having been traded by the Rays to the Mariners on May 25 of last season, Colome knows there’s not much he can do but focus on his daily responsibilities.
“My mind is always focused on positive things. I just focus on my job and don’t pay attention to what’s going on outside the lines,” he said. “I like the way the coaches treat the players and how they work together [with the White Sox].
“Then the second part is all the talent that this team has, and how those young guys are starting to develop to the potential of the players that they can be.”
Back to action for Anderson
Prior to Tuesday’s series opener against the Mets, shortstop Tim Anderson returned from his rehab assignment at Triple-A Charlotte and was reinstated from the 10-day injured list. The White Sox also recalled right-hander Carson Fulmer from Charlotte and optioned outfielder Ryan Cordell to Charlotte.
Fulmer takes the roster spot of right-hander Dylan Covey, who was optioned to the Knights following Sunday’s 11-1 loss to Minnesota.
Anderson, 26, was out of action since June 26 with a high right ankle sprain, and he hit .346 in five games for Charlotte. He said on Tuesday that his absence now leaves him ready to have even more fun.
“I appreciate the game a lot more. I'm just ready to get back out there,” said Anderson, who tied the score in the ninth inning with a sacrifice fly before the White Sox fell, 5-2, in extras. “Just being able to bring that energy to the ballclub.
“I’m hearing from some of the guys that they missed me. I'm excited to be back and ready to get back with the guys and keep competing at a high level.”
Anderson said that being able to go to his left in the field was the biggest challenge for him during his rehab, but he feels good moving around on the ankle.
More praise for Robert
Anderson took time to extol the virtues of outfielder Luis Robert, his Charlotte teammate for about one week.
“Off the charts. Unbelievable player. He can hit, he can do everything,” Anderson said. “It was good to go down and spend a few days with him. He's real good. He looked way better than he looked in Spring Training. He's continuing to get better, and he looks relaxed.”
Anderson smiled at the suggestion of whispering in general manager Rick Hahn’s ear about soon bringing up baseball's No. 5 overall prospect, per MLB Pipeline, who has a .338/.403/.662 slash line since being promoted to the Knights. Robert also has three doubles, two triples, five home runs, five stolen bases and 12 RBIs.
“Nah, that ain't my job. Not my job,” he said. “But if he keeps doing what he's doing, I don't think I'll have to whisper. I think Rick Hahn will call him up.”
Third to first
• Ryan Goins, who started at shortstop in Anderson’s absence, did outfield work prior to Tuesday's game to increase his versatility.
“He can play multiple positions, including first base,” said manager Rick Renteria. “We're going to keep him as active as possible and try to find matchups that give us the opportunity to take advantage of his versatility.”
• The White Sox and Chicago White Sox Charities raised $235,636 during this season's Sox Serve Week. The organization has raised $2,026,027 during Sox Serve Week's 11-year run.
• The Sox Junior RBI team went 5-0 at the RBI Regionals this weekend in Indianapolis. They advanced to the RBI World Series at the Jackie Robinson Complex in Florida starting on Monday.
He Said It
“It’s difficult when you are traded, because then you need to re-start all the process again and get used to a new city, new teammates and a new team.” -- Colome, on getting traded midseason