White Sox veteran pitcher makes rehab start for Triple-A Charlotte. A top pitching prospect continues to shine for Class A Kannapolis.
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher James Shields made his first rehab start for Triple-A Charlotte on Saturday against the Buffalo Bisons. Shields is looking to return from a strained right lat muscle injury that has sidelined him since April 21 when he was placed on the disabled list.
Shields pitched four innings while allowing one earned run on three hits and recording three strikeouts. The Sox surely need a healthy Shields in their starting rotation. Despite his awful season in 2016, the Sox are missing depth in their rotation currently and needs a pitcher that can eat innings. Shileds pitched longer than six innings in 12 of his 22 starts last season with the Sox.
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Although Shields pitched well through four innings, the Knights would lose their fourth consecutive game 4-0. With the loss, Charlotte moves to 26-28. Yoan Moncada was 0-for-4 with one strikeout on Saturday. Nick Delmonico and Danny Hayes were also hitless for the Knights.
Alec Hansen, the Sox tenth ranked prospect according to mlbpipeline.com had another impressive start for Single-A Kannapolis. Hansen pitched six innings for the Intimidators while recording seven strikeouts and allowing two walks and one earned run. The 2016 second round draft pick has continued to lower his ERA from 4.42 on April 22 to 2.82 after Saturday’s start. Hansen has also recorded seven or more strikeouts in four consecutive starts.
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Despite a strong start for Hansen, Kannapolis was unable to capitalize on it as they would lose to the Greensboro Grasshoppers 8-1. Greensboro scored three runs in the seventh inning off Victor Diaz, and they scored another four runs in the eight inning. Winston-Salem of Single-A Advanced and Double-A Birmingham both won their respective contests on Saturday.
Click links below for box scores:
Buffalo Bisons 4-Charlotte Knights 0
Birmingham Barons 7-Chattanooga Lookouts 6