On Tuesday night, manager Rick Renteria was one of the biggest reasons why the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates snapped the White Sox’ win streak. Not only has he worn this bullpen down with his quick trigger approach to relieving starters, but he has also allowed the pen way too much of a leash.
Tuesday night was going pretty well for the White Sox. They were up 3-0 after the top of the fifth, and starting pitcher Dylan Cease was cruising along until he gave up two runs, cutting the lead to one for the White Sox. Cease came out to start the bottom of the 6th inning, giving up a leadoff single. That was enough for Renteria; he came up and pulled Cease. Cease was only at 79 pitches, but the White Sox couldn’t afford any more hits.
First in was Codi Heuer, who has been good for the White Sox. I would’ve liked to see him saved for later in the game. Heuer made quick work of the next three batters in the 6th inning. Next up was Matt Foster, who has been another reliable arm out of the pen, and disposed of the three batters he faced in the 7th inning. They should be pitching 7th and 8th, bridging to closer Alex Colome, especially with Aaron Bummer still on the mend.
The White Sox added a run to extend the lead to 4-2 heading into the bottom of the 8th, and Evan Marshall was brought in to keep the Pirates at bay. Marshall had been lights out for the White Sox, but lately, he has been very hittable and should not be put in high leverage situations. Renteria didn’t get this memo. Marshall blew the two-run lead and wasn’t able to finish the 8th inning. Ross Detwiler got him out of the inning and was then brought out to start the 9th inning with the score tied 4-4. Detwiler gave up two base hits and was pulled for what should’ve been Alex Colome. Instead, Renteria put in Jimmy Cordero to try to stop the rally.
Cordero was great for the White Sox for the last two months of last season, but this season he has been a weak spot in this bullpen. His poor ERA should’ve stopped Renteria from asking him to pitch seven times in the last ten days, but no. Cordero couldn’t get one out, and the White Sox lost 5-4 to the last-place Pirates. The White Sox blew a chance to distance themselves from the Cleveland Indians and the Minnesota Twins, who both suffered losses on Tuesday.
There is no telling what would’ve happened if the relievers were switched around, but right now, your 7th-8th-9th options should be Heuer, Foster, and Colome because they have been the three best relievers you have in your pen. It will be a sad situation if the White Sox lose a playoff game because Renteria wants to play favorites instead of putting up who is best for that situation.
The White Sox have one more game with the Pirates on Wednesday night as rookie sensation Dane Dunning will take on JT Brubaker. Hopefully, the team can shake off blowing an 8th inning lead and imploding in the 9th. The White Sox have no room to blow games. There is a three-way tie for the AL Central lead, and the White Sox can’t lose these games to last-place teams as they did on Tuesday night.