Sox fall to the Rangers, 12-5

With a FIP of 6.97 from Carson Fulmer and 5.38 from Matt Moore, a score of 3-2 after the first inning should have been expected — and it could have been worse after two.

The Chicago White Sox were able to load the bases in the second, thanks to a Jurickson Profar error that extended the inning. One run scored, but Moore was able to punch out Welington Castillo with three pitches to keep the Texas Rangers’ 4-3 lead intact.

That was the last time the Sox had a chance to take the lead. Fulmer could not calm down at any point during his outing, and it led to him getting knocked out of the box in the third.

In that frame, Fulmer left with the bases loaded and nobody out. Chris Volstad arrived to put out the fire and was almost able to pull an El Duque, retiring the first two batters. However, Shin-Soo Choo cracked one over the right field fence for a grand slam.

Fulmer, again, was unable to make it past the third inning. He allowed three hits, five walks, eight runs and had a 14 game score, his lowest of the season. In May alone, Fulmer has allowed 17 runs in 7 ¹⁄₃ innings.

Fulmer may need a demotion, but that does not mean Michael Kopech is coming anytime soon. With Miguel Gonzalez or Carlos Rodon returning in the coming weeks, Fulmer’s spot in the rotation may not be open for too many Hector Santiago spot starts.

In fact, immediately after the game, the White Sox demoted Fulmer:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, May 18, 2018

WHITE SOX OPTION CARSON FULMER TO CLASS AAA CHARLOTTE

CHICAGO – Following tonight’s game vs. Texas, the Chicago White Sox optioned right-handed pitcher Carson Fulmer to Class AAA Charlotte.

Fulmer, 24, is 2-4 with a 8.07 ERA (29 ER/32.1 IP), 24 walks and 29 strikeouts over nine games (eight starts) this season. He suffered the loss tonight, allowing eight runs on three hits and five walks over 2.0 IP.

The White Sox will make a corresponding roster move prior to tomorrow night’s game against the Rangers.

Aaron Bummer and Joakim Soria took over for Volstad after Volstad threw four frames. Bummer is becoming a key bullpen piece to watch for the future, and tonight he threw two scoreless innings. Last season, Bummer had an atrocious 6.16 FIP in 22 innings; heading into Friday, Bummer’s FIP had improved to a 2.59 in 2018.

Just to keep the bad news coming, Nicky Delmonico will miss the next four to six weeks with a fracture in his hand after being hit by a pitch in the third inning. On the broadcast, there was speculation that Jake Elmore may be called up, though Charlie Tilson is what most Sox fans will want for the promotion.

The positives lie with the bats in this game.

The Pale Hose hitters ended the game with more hits than the Rangers, thanks in large part to the middle of the order. The three through six batters in the lineup each collected a base hit and went a combined 6-for-17.

Jose Abreu was able to extend his hitting streak to nine games with two doubles off Moore. He only has one home run in May, but his average has climbed back up to .293. With the news that the Texas Rangers are willing to sell, Jose Abreu will have some competition come July as a trade piece.

Tim Anderson was able to put together a 2-for-4 night, his first multi-hit game since May 5. Anderson has struggled this month, and his move to the leadoff spot today was intended to give him a jolt. It worked. In May, Anderson is slashing .156/.240/.378, but he does have more home runs than Abreu, with three. The shortstop is still keeping his high walk percentage, at almost 10%, including a walk tonight.

Tomorrow’s game will feature Lucas Giolito, but the main attraction will be the Hawk Harrelson Han Solo bobblehead.

Just kidding. It’s Methup X tomorrow night!

Hopefully some of you attendees can check in on the gamethread from the tailgate or ballpark.