The hits, runs, two walks and caught steals were part of Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Thiel’s major league debut on Friday, a 7-2 victory over visiting Kansas City Royals.
On Saturday afternoon, Teel aims to secure another milestone (his first straight win as a big leaguer) in the second contest on a three-game set with the Royals.
Chicago used five innings on Friday, improving to 3-2 on a seven-game homestand that added a plot after the White Sox promoted Teel, according to MLB Pipeline. The 23-year-old has hit .295 with eight home runs in Triple-A Charlotte this season and 30 RBIs.
“It’s cool. This is something I’ve dreamed of since I was a little kid. Everything I worked for is coming up to this point,” Thiel said. “So this is great. I’d say I’m just working hard and being consistent with my process every day, and I don’t think it’s going to stop.
“Down your head and keep working hard. It’s a big part of my game, just a ball player with a nose.”
Chicago snapped a 10-game winning streak against Kansas City. The White Sox try to keep the atmosphere in good condition with a look at veteran right-handed Adrien Hauser (1-1, 1.47 ERA).
Having delivered a quality start in three outings since joining Chicago, Hauser realizes that he could be a valuable tip for the rebuilding franchise at the trade deadline next month. Still, he’s pivoting quickly from this subject too.
“Now, my process takes it every day. I’m having a good time with these people.
Kansas City built an early lead on Friday behind consecutive home runs from Maykel Garcia and Vinny Pascantino.
Garcia matched his seventh home run in last season’s career-high set.
The Royals promoted top prospects this week as they joined the team in St. Louis on Tuesday.
Cagliannon notched the first hit of his career in the opener with the Cardinals against the doubleheader on Thursday, but is struggling overall. He’s hit 0.059 (17-1) on strikeouts on Friday. The 22-year-old was the sixth overall pick in the 2024 MLB draft.
Bobby Whitt Jr. and Drew Waters helped Kansas City’s offense float with two hits each.
The Royals, which has scored six runs over the worst American League White Sox this season, are looking for an offense where they can find it in the 4-6 stretch.
“I think there’s an attack happening. …We’re fighting more on two strikes. We’re not as surprised as before,” Garcia said. “And that’s us.”
Hauser is 0-0 and has an ERA of 4.50 in three career appearances (two starts) against the Royals, covering 10 innings.
Kansas City right-hander Michael Wacha (3-4, 2.88) is scheduled to start Saturday and has dominated against the White Sox in his career, making him 6-1 with a 2.83 ERA in 10 starts. That includes the May 7th gem, when he visited Chicago 2-1 behind seven scoreless innings.
Wacha scattered three hits, one walk, five strikeouts, and threw 60 of the 84 pitches for strike.
– Field-level media
– Field-level media
