chicago_suntimes
DETROIT TheWhite Soxstarted a non-starter for the third consecutive game Saturday against the Tigers, but Sean Newcomb wasnt a typical opener.
He was beginning a bullpen day.Nevertheless, manager Will Venable has used an opener plenty this season, and hell continue to, even though starters generally prefer to start games.The players reactions, as weve done it more, theyve been more open to it, and really thats where it starts, Venable said.
Youre sensitive to the fact that these guys are very routine-oriented, and for a starting pitcher, using an opener can disrupt that.
So you have different reactions to it.Whatever the case, it has been worked on this road trip.
On Thursday in New York, Bryan Hudson threw 1 23 scoreless innings before handing off to Sean Burke, who went the rest of the way, holding the Yankees to one run in a 5-1 victory.
The 7 13 innings matched Burkes season high from April 26, which also came after Hudson opened, throwing one inning.On Friday in Detroit, Brandon Eisert threw 1 13 innings before giving way to Erick Fedde, who went 4 23.
Though Eisert allowed two runs in the first, Venable said the opener put Fedde in a favorable spot.
He responded, retiring nine in a row in one stretch before allowing a tough-luck, bloop double that scored the Tigers tying and go-ahead runs in their 4-3 win.In fact, Fedde has been so accommodating to the coaching staffs game plans that he followed two openers in his previous start, a 6-4 victory against the Dodgers on June 14.
Hudson and Newcomb combined to allow one run in 3 13 innings before Fedde pitched 2 23 scoreless innings.
Venable greatly appreciates the veterans willingness and touts the benefits.You have some upside to the matchups up front, Venable said.
In the case of, lets say, the Tigers, you have [left-handed hitters Riley] Greene and [Kevin] McGonigle that, regardless of if you throw a lefty or a righty, youre going to get in the top four.
Also, theres an adjustment by the opposition that benefits your bulk guy.So [Friday] again, really good example, you have [Matt] Vierling in there, you end up with an extra righty or two for Fedde.
Youre able to start him in the spot thats maybe more beneficial for him.
Theres a lot of benefits to it.
Even with the two runs they ended up scoring [against] the opener, it really did put Fedde in a good spot to go through that lineup a couple times.But not everyone is saddled with an opener.
Davis Martin, whos scheduled to start the series finale Sunday, hasnt followed one.
Anthony Kay has followed an opener twice but not since April 16.Its really as much about the opposing lineup and where youre at with your bullpen, Venable said.
Theres so many different inputs as youre calculating whether its a good time or not.
For some guys, it makes sense, and some lineups it makes sense.
For some guys and some lineups, it doesnt.The Sox didnt schedule any openers in their upcoming showdown with the Guardians for first place in the American League Central.
Kay, Burke and Fedde are slated to take the ball first, but that could change.The Rays gave rise to the opener in 2018 when they had closer Sergio Romo face the top of the opponents lineup.
As more teams put their best hitters there, expect the opener to live on.Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesnt, Venable said.
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