Jordan Danks called up; Kosuke Fukudome on DL
BY DARYL VAN SCHOUWEN dvanschouwen@suntimes.com June 7, 2012 10:12PM
Sox baserunner Gordon Beckham is forced out at second base on a fielder's choice in the first inning. Toronto shortstop Yunel Escobar's throw to first was too late to double up batter Adam Dunn. as the Chicago White Sox take on the Toronto Blue Jays Thursday June 7, 2012 at U.S. Cellular Field. | Tom Cruze~Sun-Times
TONIGHT
ASTROS at Sox
The facts: 7:10, CSN, 670-AM, 97.5-FM.
The pitchers: Wandy Rodriguez (4-4, 3.14 ERA) vs. Gavin Floyd (4-5, 5.32).
THE REST OF THE SERIES
Saturday: 3:10 p.m., Ch. 9, 670-AM, 97.5-FM. Jordan Lyles (1-1, 4.97) vs. Chris Sale (7-2, 2.30).
Sunday: 1:10 p.m., CSN, 670-AM, 97.5-FM. Lucas Harrell (5-4, 4.70) vs. Philip Humber (2-3, 5.68).
Updated: July 9, 2012 6:20AM
Jordan Danks got his long-awaited shot to wear a big-league uniform Thursday. Wearing one with big brother on the team will have to wait.
The White Sox called up Danks from Class AAA Charlotte to replace Kosuke Fukudome, who was put on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right oblique.
Danks, 25, is said to be the best defensive outfielder in the Sox’ system, but he has a modest .263 career average. He said going back to methods that worked in high school revived his offense — he’s batting .302 with eight home runs, 15 doubles and 28 RBI. Danks’ .934 OPS ranked seventh in the International League.
“Last year, there were a couple of times where you hit rock bottom,’’ Danks said. “There are times you’re hitting great and you’re like, ‘Oh, wow, this is easy.’ And then all of a sudden, a light turns off and you’re like, ‘What happened?’ Stuff runs through your head a lot, but I had no doubt this day would come.’’
Fukudome, who’s 7-for-41 (.171), was injured swinging a bat during Sunday’s game against the Mariners.
Danks is the younger brother of Sox pitcher John Danks, who’s on the disabled list with a left shoulder strain but is expected back soon. The parents will be in town Friday.
“It’s been a long time coming, and everybody’s real excited,’’ Jordan Danks said. “I didn’t have any battery left in my phone last night.’’
“This has been a hope of ours for a long time,’’ John Danks said. “Hopefully he plays well and makes it a tough decision.’’
Danks’ rehab start
John Danks said he’ll pitch in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday for Charlotte. Danks played catch Thursday and will throw a bullpen session Saturday. He hopes to get by with one rehab start.
“Everything is great; I feel fine,’’ he said.
Interleague resumes
After three interleague games at home against the Astros this weekend, the Sox split six more on the road against the Cardinals and Dodgers next week.
Sox pitchers are taking batting practice in preparation for the no-DH games in National League parks. Gavin Floyd, 3-for-53 with 29 strikeouts in his career, said he likes the pressure-free feel of hitting. “The expectation is so low,’’ he said.
This and that
Following up on a strong showing in spring training, Jared Mitchell, a first-round pick in 2009, was one of four Birmingham Barons named to play in the Southern League All-Star Game.
Mitchell, who missed a year with an ankle injury, is batting .290 with a league-high nine triples. He has made nine errors in the outfield, however.
Also named: left-handers Jose Quintana and Pedro Hernandez and catcher Damaso Espino.
