Headlines of May 21, 2015 “Rodon yet to consistently fill the zone” … Scott Merkin, MLB.com “Control issues bite Rodon, Jennings in loss” … Greg Garno and John Jackson, MLB.com “Consistency the heart of Abreu's game” … Scott Merkin, MLB.com “Johnson sharpening skills at Triple-A” … Scott Merkin, MLB.com “Danks tries to maintain mound groove in finale vs. Tribe” … Greg Garno / MLB.com “Big-league education just starting for Carlos Rodon” … Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune “Crunching the numbers for Cubs, White Sox” … Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune “Wednesday's recap: Indians 4, White Sox 3” … Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune “Jose Abreu certainly isn't satisfied with his hitting so far this season” … Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune “David Axelrod on @POTUS: 'Once a Sox man, always a Sox man'” … Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune “Indians hand White Sox second straight defeat” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Sun Times “Joe McEwing, Jose Abreu see White Sox coming together” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Sun Times ”Start of Indians-White Sox delayed by rain” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Sun Times “White Sox expect full house for Paul Konerko jersey retirement” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Sun Times “Fatherhood all good for White Sox rookie Carlos Sanchez” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Sun Times “Carlos Rodon's wild ride continues for White Sox” … Doug Padilla, ESPN.com “Indians slip past White Sox 4-3” … Associated Press, ESPN.com “Rapid Reaction: Indians 4, White Sox 3” … Doug Padilla, ESPN.com “Jose Abreu not content with production numbers” … Doug Padilla, ESPN.com “Indians, Shaun Marcum send White Sox to 4-3 loss” … Dan Hayes, CSN “Carlos Rodon pitches around five walks in White Sox loss” … Dan Hayes, CSN “Baby shower? Nope, just an Adam Eaton home run’ … Dan Hayes, CSN “Already good, White Sox Jose Abreu thinks he can be better” … Dan Hayes, CSN “Danks tries to buck bad history vs. Tribe” Associated Press, Fox Sports.com “Danks, White Sox seek split with Indians” … Sports Network.com, Fox News “Sox Rally Falls Short in Loss to Indians” … Jeff Arnold, NBC Chicago

Rodon yet to consistently fill the zone Left-hander has issued 15 walks in 16 innings over first three starts By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | @scottmerkin | 1:17 AM ET

CHICAGO -- There's little doubt in the minds of anyone associated with the White Sox that Carlos Rodon will develop into a frontline starter, much sooner than later.

But for the 22-year-old southpaw, who made his third big league start during a 4-3 loss to the Indians on Wednesday night at U.S. Cellular Field, this ascension clearly remains a work in progress. It's a sentiment that Rodon himself fully understands after walking five in six innings while striking out four and holding the Indians to just one run.

"Yeah, little steps, day by day, getting better," said Rodon, who threw just 56 of his 103 pitches for strikes. "I just have to fill the zone."

"Give him some time," said White Sox center fielder Adam Eaton, who homered for a second time as a member of the South Siders. "He'll be good for us and we have all the faith in the world in him. When it does come around, it's going to be dangerous."

Through his three starts, Rodon has allowed 13 hits and eight earned runs over 16 innings. He has fanned 17, but the biggest issue centers on his 15 free passes.

Rodon walked one in the first inning, one in the third, one in the fourth and two in the sixth, including Jose Ramirez, who eventually scored the game-tying run. According to brooksbaseball.net, Rodon threw no changeups and just 13 of his 29 sliders for strikes. What makes Rodon special, his wipeout slider and a fastball that touches the high 90s at times, also can get him into trouble when working out of the zone at this level.

White Sox manager Robin Ventura pointed out before the game that it's an adjustment for Rodon now facing more accomplished hitters, veteran players who won't offer at pitches well off the plate.

"Guys are a little more patient. You just have to throw strikes," Rodon said. "When it comes down to the nitty-gritty, that's it right there. They lay off those good sliders that usually get chased. They got in those counts where they can hit and it's tough."

"The way he fought back and got out of that inning was a positive," said Ventura of Rodon. "As he goes along, he's going to get better with command and things like that. The stuff is there, definitely. But cleaning it up, being able to get through that without giving the other team opportunities, you've got to make them beat you. You can't give them stuff like that."

This raw stuff possessed by Rodon sets him apart. It's now all about refining the basics -- throwing strike one and strike two before getting behind in the count.

"Not great, not bad, just in between," said Rodon of his no-decision. "It's tough with five walks."

"That slider he throws, he throws mid- to upper-90s as a lefty, that's tough to deal with," said Eaton of Rodon. "It's just a matter of time working with our catchers and getting his routine down and understanding what he needs to do. We think he's going to be very good."

Control issues bite Rodon, Jennings in loss By Greg Garno and John Jackson / MLB.com | 12:52 AM ET

CHICAGO -- With at least one baserunner in 15 of the last 16 innings, the Indians finally saw results in a 4-3 victory over the White Sox on Wednesday night. A three-run seventh inning gave Cleveland the run support it needed against a Chicago team that has scored six runs in the first three games of the series.

Indians closer Cody Allen gave up one run in the bottom of the ninth on an RBI single from Alexei Ramirez, but he struck out pinch-hitter J.B. Shuck with the bases loaded to escape the jam and earn his eighth save.

Starter Shaun Marcum earned the win for the Indians in his first start since 2013, after missing all of last season as he recovered from surgery. Marcum went 6 2/3, struck out six and didn't walk a single batter while allowing two runs and four hits.

We're excited to win, but it's hard not to pull for a guy who's gone through what he has," said Indians manager Terry Francona. "I thought he really pitched. He's not gonna break that radar gun, but he threw in enough to get them off that fastball. He threw a little slider, changeup and he broke out the breaking ball the third time through. Just really a good feel for pitching."

Reliever Dan Jennings (0-1) took the loss after he surrendered three runs in the seventh inning. Indians shortstop Jose Ramirez reached base four times to spark the offense, and left fielder Michael Brantley added a two-run double in the decisive rally.

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED

Round trips: Despite sitting second to last in home runs, the White Sox belted two on Wednesday night. Center fielder Adam Eaton broke a scoreless tie in the third when he hit his first home run to right field. Third baseman Conor Gillaspie also hit one out to right field with his blast in the seventh.

Patience pays: The Indians didn't square up many balls against White Sox starter Carlos Rodon, but were able to push across a run in the sixth by letting the hard-throwing lefty get himself in trouble. Ramirez led off with a walk and stole second, and one out later, Ryan Raburn walked to put two on. Nick Swisher followed with a single to load the bases and Mike Aviles drove in the run with a sacrifice fly.

Living on the edge: Rodon still had issues with his command Wednesday night, walking five batters, but unlike before, he pitched himself out of multiple jams. In both the third and fourth inning, Rodon walked the second batter, only to record a double play the very next at-bat. He escaped the sixth inning with only one run after forcing a flyout with runners on first and second.

"The way he fought back and got out of that inning was a positive," said White Sox manager Robin Ventura. "As he goes along, he's going to get better with command and things like that. The stuff is there, definitely. But cleaning it up, being able to get through that without giving the other team opportunities, you've got to make them beat you. You can't give them stuff like that."

Seventh heaven: Jennings followed Rodon and the Indians immediately put up a three-spot in the seventh. Ramirez had a run-scoring single and Brantley followed with the big blow, a two-run double to make it 4-1.

"We talk about all the time. If you give a team an extra out, you see what can happen," Francona said. "Fortunately, tonight it helped us. We got a bunt down and they didn't make the play and we made 'em pay for it. We've seen it happen the other way, too."

QUOTABLE

"I think the innings he got at Triple-A are really good for him. He's stretched out enough now and he can bounce back now, so he should have the ability to not only pitch a game but pitch multiple games and win." -- Francona, before Marcum's outing

"I feel like I had a child because everyone is texting me, congratulating me. Abreu hits two in a week and nobody bats an eye. I hit one and it's like I have a child. I should have a home run shower and everything. It's fun to do that every now and again." -- Eaton, on his first home run

SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS

Eaton's home run was his first since April 4, 2014, also against the Indians. The last time he touched all bases against someone other than the Indians came when he was with Arizona on Sept. 3, 2013, against the Blue Jays.

AND ANOTHER ONE

Previously 0-for-3, White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu took advantage of his last plate appearance in the ninth inning with a single to extend his hitting streak to 15 games.

WHAT'S NEXT

Indians: Right-hander Danny Salazar (4-1, 4.06 ERA) goes in the finale of the four-game series with first pitch Thursday night at 8:10 p.m. ET. Salazar is coming off a no-decision last Saturday against the Rangers when he allowed five earned runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings.

White Sox: Chicago sends a fourth straight lefty to the mound for Thursday night's 7:10 p.m. CT series finale as starter John Danks looks to continue his streak of quality starts. Danks (2-3, 4.66) has allowed three runs over his last two starts, both of which went seven innings.

Consistency the heart of Abreu's game Slugger emerging as White Sox leader on and off the field By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | @scottmerkin | 3:08 AM ET

CHICAGO -- Using the team "streak hitter" in describing Jose Abreu would be accurate only in the sense that the reigning American League Rookie of the Year already has put together four hitting streaks of at least 14 games.

Otherwise, Abreu has been the picture of consistency since joining the White Sox prior to the 2014 season.

Abreu played in his 181st game during Wednesday night's loss to the Indians. He has a hit in 133 of those contests, which works out to 73 percent, not to mention hitting in 39 of 40 games from June 15 to Aug. 1 last season. Yet, the slugger who holds the single-season franchise rookie home run record at 36 believes he can still reach greater heights.

"I know that I'm able to produce more than I'm doing right now, but I'm very confident that, sooner than later, I'll be in a good spot with my offense," said Abreu through interpreter and White Sox Spanish language broadcaster Billy Russo. "I feel good right now. I like the pressure, I like to put pressure on me. But it's good to see what other guys are doing right now."

Those other guys include a healthy Avisail Garcia, who entered Wednesday with a .336 average and 18 RBIs. Adam LaRoche, Melky Cabrera and Adam Eaton have started to come along after slow starts, giving Abreu greater lineup balance in comparison to his 2014 debut.

Not only has he proven to be one of the top offensive forces in the game, but he quietly has become a leader in just a short time.

It was Abreu who stood behind manager Robin Ventura during the team's rough 8-14 start, along with other players on the roster, and it was Abreu who spoke in late April about the team needing to work together and play more as a unit. He seemed happy with the club's recent 10-4 stretch, but much like his game, Abreu believes the White Sox can achieve more.

"There has been a change. I think the change is about the mentality to approach the game," Abreu said. "Right now, we feel like we are going to win every night. That's something we don't have doubt about. I think that is key for us right now. Because this moment, until the streak that we got to until last night, we are playing good and are at a focal point for us right now."

"He is a leader. There is no question. It doesn't matter about the English might not be as good as he wants it to be right now, or singing the anthem or anything like that that he wants to do," said Ventura of Abreu. "A lot of guys follow by example. They see how he works. They see the time he puts into things and what he cares about. You can see him interact with his teammates, either inside our clubhouse, on the field, when we fly. He's definitely a leader on this team. In that part you feel lucky."

Johnson sharpening skills at Triple-A White Sox confident second baseman will earn trip back to Majors By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | @scottmerkin | May 20th, 2015

CHICAGO -- Nick Capra has not spoken to Micah Johnson since the White Sox Opening Day second baseman was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte before last weekend.

But the White Sox director of player development doesn't need to hear the words directly from Johnson to know the hard work he'll put in to get back to the Majors.

"I'm sure he'll do the same thing Carlos [Sanchez] did: go down and work his tail off and get back to the big leagues as soon as he's able and there's a spot and role for him," said Capra. "I'm sure that's what his goal is.

"Offensively, there are things he needs to work on. Defense, obviously, was kind of a question going in. He proved he could play defense in Spring Training. He had a heck of a spring. He came here and probably didn't play up to his expectations.

"I know we've had him out early defensively," Capra said. "And baserunning, get him back in the aggressive mode, where he's aggressive and intelligent in stealing bases, not only when to steal them, picking counts, knowing the pitchers. I think it's a bit of each part of his game."

Johnson homered in his first game with the Knights and drove in the game-winning run against Syracuse but tweaked his right ankle and has been day to day since that contest on May 16. Carlos Sanchez, who lost the job to Johnson during Spring Training, has been a solid force up the middle both defensively and offensively since his return in Oakland.

Having Sanchez and Johnson becomes a good problem for the White Sox, with the organization continuing to keep Johnson's positional focus at second base.

"He's so athletic, he probably could do a lot of other things," said Capra of Johnson. "I think second base is a great position for him. Talking to a couple of coaches here, they are very positive about things that happened with him and the direction he's headed.

"Time will tell. But we are fortunate. We've had a pretty good group of kids, and those guys are at the top of the list."

Danks tries to maintain mound groove in finale vs. Tribe By Greg Garno / MLB.com | 12:12 AM ET

The Indians and White Sox will conclude their four-game series on Thursday night, and for the fourth consecutive time, Cleveland will face a left-handed starting pitcher. It's the first time since 1914 that the Indians will have seen four straight lefties.

Chicago will send starter John Danks (2-3, 4.66 ERA) to the mound, where he'll look to continue his streak of quality starts. Danks has worked seven innings and allowed two runs or fewer in back-to-back games. But he'll need to recreate those performances if the White Sox offense continues to provide little run support.

Cleveland will counter with right-hander Danny Salazar (4-1, 4.06 ERA) as it tries to win the series after two straight victories. Salazar had a rough outing his last time out when he allowed seven runs against Texas.

Things to know about this game

• Salazar is 2-1 with a 5.09 ERA in four career starts against Chicago. Only Jose Abreu and Avisail Garcia are hitting better than .333 against him.

• After a brief spurt of power, the White Sox have hit three home runs in the last five games. Chicago has 25 home runs -- the second-lowest total in the Majors.

• Cleveland has not had a losing record in the month of May since it did so in 2010. The Tribe is 9-9 thus far this month.

Big-league education just starting for Carlos Rodon Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune | May 20, 2015

Carlos Rodon left college at North Carolina State a little more than a year ago, but his big-league education is still in its beginning stages.

The test for the White Sox left-hander Wednesday night against the Indians at U.S. Cellular Field was to bounce back from his first rough start at the major-league level last weekend.

In his third start for the Sox, Rodon allowed one run on four hits in six innings, but the outing wasn't enough to prevent the 4-3 loss to the Indians, their second setback in a row.

Sox reliever Dan Jennings allowed three earned runs over 1/3 of an inning to take the loss. The Sox put together a rally against Indians closer Cody Allen, scoring a ninth-inning run on Alexei Ramirez's infield single. But Conor Gillaspie popped out on the first pitch and pinch-hitter J.B. Shuck struck out with the bases loaded to end it.

Rodon has issued too many free passes thus far, and he walked five Wednesday to raise his total to 19 in 221/3 innings. But he benefited from Alexei Ramirez, Carlos Sanchez and Jose Abreu turning two double plays. The only run he allowed was on a Mike Aviles sacrifice fly to left field in the sixth.

"Once you start giving them free opportunities, it just makes it tougher on yourself," Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "You have to be able to clean that up and force them to swing the bat. They were swinging at strikes and laying off stuff in the dirt."

Over the weekend, Rodon took his lumps against the A's in a four-inning appearance in Oakland. He allowed five earned runs on five hits with six walks and five strikeouts.

"(The majors are) different — guys are a little more patient," Rodon said Wednesday night. "You just have to throw strikes. … They lay off those good sliders that usually get chased. They got in those counts where they can hit, and it's tough."

Ventura isn't very concerned about Rodon's ability to weather a bad start such as he had against the A's. A top-ranked prospect in college, Rodon certainly understands how to perform under pressure.

"His confidence is up there," Ventura said. "He has been through a lot of experiences. Not necessarily at the big-league level, but a lot has been put on him early in his life. He has the stuff to shake it off and get back to it and throw well."

Sox center fielder Adam Eaton helped with that when he gave Rodon an early lead with his first home run since April 12, 2014 — a shot to right field off Indians right-hander Shaun Marcum in the third inning for a 1-0 Sox lead. Gillaspie also homered in the seventh off Marcum.

Marcum was making his first start since July 6, 2013, while with the Mets and he was tough through 62/3 innings, giving up only four hits and striking out six.

"(Rodon) will be fine," Eaton said. "Give him some time, he'll be good for us. We have all the faith in the world in him, and when he does come around, it's going to be dangerous because of that slider he throws."

Among the lessons Rodon is figuring out is how to handle the peaks and valleys of an MLB season.

"It's a long road here," Rodon said. "That's why you have to take it day by day — 162 games takes a toll. But take it day by day and it's fun, especially when you're winning."

Understanding how to cope with a full season — physically and mentally — is something with which Ventura said he can help Rodon.

"It's just talks (about) being here and being confident, understanding how to go about it," Ventura said. "The mechanics of it are going to be with (pitching coach Don Cooper. My role) is just having conversations (telling him) he belongs."

Crunching the numbers for Cubs, White Sox Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune | May 21, 2015

The approaching Memorial Day weekend means baseball players on teams off to bad starts finally can stop saying, “It’s still early.”

One quarter of the major-league season has passed, enough time to fairly assess everyone’s strengths and weaknesses before the trade rumors begin to heat up in June.

The Mets, Tigers and Yankees all have come back to Earth after red-hot starts, while the Nationals, Giants and -- yes -- the Twins, have rebounded from their early struggles and are playing like contenders.

Only four teams can be called dominant: the Cardinals, Astros, Royals and Dodgers. And only four are truly horrible: the A’s, Brewers, Rockies and Marlins.

Parity rules, and it’s here to stay.

So where do the White Sox and Cubs stand?

Somewhere in the middle class, thanks to recent six-game winning streaks.

be able to capitalize on their recent play and contend for postseason berths, though neither team is running on all cylinders yet. Fangraphs.com gives the Cubs a 61.8 percent chance to make the postseason, while the Sox have an 11.2 percent chance.

Here are some relevant numbers to munch on with your burgers and brats at your Memorial Day barbeque:

According to baseballreference.com, the Sox have played the fifth-hardest schedule thus far, behind the Indians, Tigers, Yankees and Twins. Obviously, AL Central teams make up the bulk of the top five because they’ve been dominant in games outside the division. The Cubs have had the 26th-toughest schedule, meaning the fifth-easiest. The softest schedules have belonged to the Dodgers, Braves, Nationals and Cardinals, respectively.

Both the Cubs and Sox have true home-field advantages, with the Cubs eighth in home record (13-8) and the Sox ninth (11-7). The average home record is 10-9. The Cubs are about average on the road (9-9), while the Sox are horrible, tied for 25th at 7-12, despite their 5-1 road trip to Milwaukee and Oakland. The average road record is 9-10.

Winning close games is important in establishing confidence, and the Cubs are second in one-run games (12-7) behind Houston (10-3). The Sox are fifth at 8-4. Last year the Cubs were 18th (19-21) while the Sox were 11th (28-24).

In wins above replacement (WAR), the Cubs are 11th in the majors at 5.7, while the Sox are dead last at -0.6. According to this stat, the Dodgers are the best team (11.0), while the Royals (10.4) are runners-up. Are we looking at a Dodgers-Royals World Series?

The Cubs still have the major's worst strikeout rate (25.6 percent), just as they had last year (24.2 percent). That doesn’t mean much in won-lost records these days, since the Astros are second-worst at 24.4 percent, yet are dominating the AL West. The Sox, meanwhile, are 19th at 10.7 percent, with Adam LaRoche leading the team with 39.

Rookie Jorge Soler is tied for second in the majors in strikeouts with 57, an alarming amount, while fellow rookies Kris Bryant (40) and Addison Russell (38) are also learning the strike zone. Joe DiMaggio struck out only 369 times in his 17-year career, and his high was 39 strikeouts as a rookie.

Neither team is particularly good in the field. The Cubs are fifth-worst in fielding percentage (.980) while the Sox are only slightly better, ranking 24th (.981). Starlin Castro’s seven errors are tied for seventh-most among shortstops, though far below the A’s Marcus Semien, who leads all shortstops with 15 errors. Russell, a natural shortstop, is tied with Kolten Wong and Chase Utley for most errors among second baseman with five.

Finally, Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo already has been hit by 12 pitches, which leads the majors. As ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian pointed out the other night, Mickey Mantle had 9,907 plate appearances over 18 years and was hit by a pitch only 13 times.

Wednesday's recap: Indians 4, White Sox 3 Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune | May 20, 2015

The summary

The Indians mostly froze the White Sox offense for the third night in a row to walk away with a 4-3 victory Wednesday night at U.S. Cellular Field. The Indians scored three runs off Sox reliever Dan Jennings, two on Michael Brantley's double, to take the lead in the seventh.

At the plate

Adam Eaton hit his first home run since April 12, 2014, in the third inning off Indians right-hander Shaun Marcum and Conor Gillaspie homered off him in the seventh. The Sox rallied for one run in the ninth on Alexei Ramirez's infield single but J.B. Shuck struck out to end the game with the bases loaded.

On the mound

Sox rookie Carlos Rodon allowed one run on four hits with five walks and four strikeouts over six innings.

In the field

The Indians stole three bases against Rodon and catcher Tyler Flowers. Jose Ramirez stole second before scoring the Indians' first run on a sacrifice fly.

Key number

19 — Walks Rodon has issued over 221/3 innings this year.

The quote I

"On a lighter note, I feel like had a child because everybody is texting me congratulating me. (Jose) Abreu hits two in a week, and no one bats an eye, but I have one and it's like I have a child and I should have a home run shower." — Eaton on his homer

The quote II

"It was a good pitch to hit. He just popped it up. You're trying to be aggressive and you have the tying and winning run on there that you have a chance to knock in. It was a good pitch to hit. He just didn't hit it." — Sox manager Robin Ventura on Gillaspie popping out on the first pitch to him with the bases loaded in the ninth

The quote III

"There has been a change (in the clubhouse). I think the change is about the mentality to approach the game. Right now, we feel like we are going to win every night. I think that's something we don't have a doubt about. I think that is key for us right now." — Abreu through a team interpreter

Up next

Vs. Indians, 7:10 p.m. Thursday, CSN.

Jose Abreu certainly isn't satisfied with his hitting so far this season Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune | May 20, 2015

The White Sox might have other players who can help Jose Abreu carry the offensive load this season, but the Sox first baseman said before Wednesday's game against the Indians that he thinks he can do more to shoulder his part.

Abreu is hitting .294 with a .861 OPS, a team-leading six home runs and 22 RBIs through Tuesday.

The "more" is partially in the power numbers for Abreu, who has one homer this month, on May 9 against the Reds. In a blistering start to his rookie campaign last year, he had 15 home runs and 42 RBIs through May.

"I like to put pressure on myself, but it's good too see what other guys are doing right now," Abreu said through a team interpreter. "Avi (Garcia's) performance has been outstanding for us because he's a big piece of our team. Melky (Cabrera), probably right now, he isn't at his best, but he's getting better. … I know that I'm able to produce more than I'm doing right now, but I'm very confident that sooner rather than later I'll be in a good spot with my offense."

Even if he's not up to his own standards, Abreu entered Wednesday's game on a 14-game hitting streak. He is the only player in baseball to record four hitting streaks of 14 or more games over the last two seasons, according to the Sox, also having streaks of 14, 18 and 21 games in 2014.

"(The streak) is something that makes me feel proud of myself because it is the result of the work I put in every day on the field," Abreu said. "Everybody on the team can be proud of it, because it's not just something for myself. It's something for the team also."

Sox manager Robin Ventura agrees Abreu can produce even better numbers, but he said he is not getting too caught up in worrying about when that might happen.

Ventura thinks Abreu's strength and his ability to drive an inside pitch the other way is what makes him consistent.

"There are times when he is a swing-and-miss guy if he's trying to hit homers," Ventura said. "But for the most part (with) his technique, he gets balls through the infield and to the outfield that a lot of people can't. It's a gift and he's one of the few who can do that."

David Axelrod on @POTUS: 'Once a Sox man, always a Sox man' Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune | May 20, 2015

Colleen Maxwell’s phone pinged Monday morning with a notification of a new Twitter follower.

“It was an interesting one to see,” she said.

As senior coordinator of social media for the White Sox, Maxwell is in charge of their Twitter account, which has more than 293,000 followers, including one Sox fan named Barack Obama.

Of course, people on Twitter pretend to be someone they’re not all the time, so when Maxwell saw @POTUS was following the Sox, she wasn’t immediately sure it was the real deal.

“As soon as I clicked the page I saw the little (verification) check mark and saw his first tweet that said 'It’s true, it’s me,’ or whatever it was,” she said. “Then I saw all the tweets coming in that he was following all the Chicago sports teams, blah, blah, blah. That’s when I took a look at who he was following.”

But President Obama was not following all the Chicago sports teams. He followed the Bulls, Bears, Sox and Blackhawks, but left out one significant team, the Sox’s crosstown rivals. The snub of the Cubs soon became a story in itself when the Cubs’ account chimed in with a humorous tweet asking for a follow from the president.

Former presidential advisor David Axelrod, who roots for both the Sox and the Cubs and saw both teams in spring training last March, wasn’t surprised that his former boss followed the Sox while snubbing the Cubs.

“Hey, say what you will, he’s consistent,” Axelrod said. “Once a Sox man, always a Sox man.”

Axelrod said Obama has proven his allegience to the Sox many times in the past, recalling a day in Boston in 2008 when they were on the campaign trail.

“The Red Sox were playing the Yankees, and the organizers of the rally wanted Obama to wear a Red Sox cap,” he said. “He was incredulous. And when he went onstage, he reported this and said, ‘I had to tell them they had the wrong color Sox.’ The crowd booed lustily. But he recovered well. He said, ‘I tell you this, though. When you're playing the Yankees, I'm a Red Sox fan.’”

Obama doesn’t have to worry about losing votes since he won’t be running for office again. But politicians in Chicago sometimes have to satisfy their fan base, which may include fans of both teams. Axelrod once joked to me that his old friend, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, wasn’t a rabid Cubs fan at all.

“He's a duffer, he’s a poseur,” he said. “But he grew up on the North Side. He has the tribal thing, and the Cubs were in his (congressional) district.”

Emanuel's official Twitter account doesn't follow any Chicago team.

As for the Sox, they said they didn’t really care that Obama snubbed the Cubs. They were just happy he was following them.

“I think it was a bigger deal to fans of both teams than it was to us,” Maxwell said. “We’ve known he was a White Sox fan. He threw out a pitch here, so it’s pretty standard (to follow your team). We weren’t going to make a big deal out of it. We sent him a little tweet saying thanks for the follow, with a photo of him throwing out the first pitch.

“Cubs fans might feel slighted, or Sox fans may feel a little glory, but to us it’s standard procedure that when you’re a big fan of a team you don’t want to give the other team the satisfaction of a follow. I’m not sure if it was him clicking through all the teams or if he had an intern doing it. But if it was him, it shows he knows the audience. He knows what he’s doing.”

The Cubs’ Twitter account has more than 531,000 followers, so in that respect they have bragging rights over the Sox.

When the City Series begins July 10 at Wrigley Field, will the Sox's Twitter account remind the Cubs of the famous follower they don’t have?

“No, we pretty much have the view we’re OK with being the nicest team in the league, if that’s what it is,” Maxwell said. “We like to have fun, but I don’t think we’re a snarky voice, per se.

“We know the (social media) people from the Cubs. We respect them. We’ve worked with them. Maybe we’ll tease them in person, but nothing that’s going to be on our social media.”

Indians hand White Sox second straight defeat Daryl Van Schouwen, Sun Times | May 20, 2015

Carlos Rodon got away with being wild. Dan Jennings wasn’t as fortunate.

After Rodon allowed only one run over six innings despite allowing five walks – hiking his base on balls total to 15 in 16 innings of work since he became a starter – Jennings walked the first batter he faced in the seventh, then threw the ball into center field after fielding a sacrifice bunt to set up a three-run inning Wednesday that powered the Cleveland Indians to a 4-3 victory at U.S. Cellular Field.

The Sox made it interesting with Conor Gillaspie’s home run in the seventh and a run in the ninth to get within one, but closer Cody Allen struck out pinch-hitter J.B. Shuck to end the game.

“You’re just giving the other team opportunities,’’ manager Robin Ventura said of Jennings’ rocky seventh. “You clean that up and you probably have a better chance to win that game.’’

Rodon, the Sox’ prized rookie whose big-time slider and fastball provide hope for a bright future, knows he’ll have to zero in on the strike zone to avoid giving away too much. When dominating at North Carolina State just a year ago, hitters chased what major league hitters are laying off.

“Yeah, little steps day by day,” he said. “Getting better. I just have to fill the zone.

“They get in those counts where they can hit and it’s tough.’’

Indians right-hander Shaun Marcum (1-0, 2.31 ERA) didn’t walk anyone and held the Sox to a pair of runs on homers by Adam Eaton and Gillaspie. The Sox had a chance against Allen, who walked two and allowed Jose Abreu’s single that extended his hitting streak to 15, but Gillaspie fouled out on the first pitch for the second out – Ventura defending him for being aggressive with a good pitch to hit — and after Ramirez pushed a run across with an infield single, pinch-hitter J.B. Shuck struck out swinging with the bases loaded.

Rodon has walked and struck out at least four batters in each of his three starts, so he’s kind of all over the board as he learns on the job.

“When it does come around he’s going to be dangerous,” Eaton said.

Joe McEwing, Jose Abreu see White Sox coming together Daryl Van Schouwen, Sun Times | May 20, 2015

White Sox third-base coach Joe McEwing played in New York and coaches in Chicago, so he’s no stranger to vocal criticism. And when the Sox played bad baseball to start this season, he understood why there was so much of it.

‘‘It’s the nature of the game,’’ McEwing said.

To what extent manager Robin Ventura and coaches such as McEwing were responsible — general manager Rick Hahn said everyone was accountable — McEwing knows poor execution, bad decisions and mental errors reflect poorly on them, even if that wasn’t what was taught during spring training.

‘‘We’re all in this together, all battling, and we all want the right thing — to play the game right and play the game clean,’’ McEwing said Wednesday. ‘‘Every one of us as staff members has busted our butt to put everyone in position to be successful.’’

While playing far-from-perfect baseball even during their six-game winning streak that ended Tuesday, the Sox are playing better.

‘‘We’re putting it together,’’ McEwing said. ‘‘We’re playing better defensively, and we’re getting good pitching and timely hitting. That’s a good chemistry for good baseball. And wins.’’

Sox starting pitchers had made six quality starts in their last seven games through Tuesday and had a 3.13 ERA in their last 12 outings. Mistakes are less glaring, although a misjudged fly ball by right fielder Avisail Garcia and a mistimed leap by shortstop Alexei Ramirez led to runs in the Indians’ 3-1 victory Tuesday. So it’s not quite a complete transformation, but the Sox feel better about themselves today than they did two weeks ago.

‘‘There has been a change,’’ first baseman Jose Abreu said. ‘‘The change is about the mentality to approach the game. Right now, we feel like we are going to win every night. That’s something we don’t have doubt about. That is key for us right now.’’

During the bad times, Abreu was saying the team needed ‘‘to come together.’’ McEwing said it has, but it took time because so many players — Jeff Samardzija, Carlos Rodon, David Robertson, Zach Duke, Dan Jennings, Adam LaRoche, Melky Cabrera, Geovany Soto and Emilio Bonifacio — are in their first season with the Sox.

‘‘The chemistry is coming together where guys are getting used to playing with each other,’’ McEwing said. ‘‘When you turn over a third of your roster, it’s going to take time to jell and start playing together.’’

McEwing sees 25 players pulling together and having each other’s backs, and nothing makes him happier. Nothing rankles him more, though, than hearing Ventura’s abilities as a manager questioned.

‘‘It’s totally unfair,’’ McEwing said. ‘‘Robin is a tremendous leader and a winner. The preparation he puts in every day, as much as he cares about winning and every individual in this clubhouse, it’s very unfair.

‘‘He’s been a gold medalist, a collegiate player of the year, a major-leaguer who had a tough rookie season, an All-Star and a bench guy at the end of his career. So he knows how tough it is in every aspect of this game, and he knows what every guy is going through in this locker room. He’s been there and done it all.’’

Players don’t always have each other’s backs, but they do in the Sox’ clubhouse.

‘‘I’m proud of all the good results we have been getting the last few weeks,’’ Abreu said. ‘‘We have to keep working. We have to do more things to become a better team. We have enough room right now to continue getting better, and we have to continue to work because I think we have all the elements, all the players, to compete and compete beyond 162 games.’’

Start of Indians-White Sox delayed by rain Daryl Van Schouwen, Sun Times | May 20, 2015

The White Sox game against the Cleveland Indians was expected to begin at 7:40 p.m. Wednesday, 30 minutes after the scheduled starting time because of rain at U.S. Cellular Field.

Carlos Rodon (1-0, 4.96 ERA) is the scheduled starter for the Sox. Shaun Marcum (0-0, 1.80) was the Indians starter. The Indians defeated the Sox 3-1 on Monday to halt the South Siders’ six-game winning streak.

White Sox expect full house for Paul Konerko jersey retirement Daryl Van Schouwen, Sun Times | May 20, 2015

Only standing room tickets remain for the White Sox game against the Minnesota Twins on Saturday (3:10 p.m.), when former captain Paul Konerko’s No. 14 jersey will be retired during a pregame tribute at U.S. Cellular Field.

Konerko retired at the end of the 2014 season, his 16th with the Sox.

Konerko, who will throw out a ceremonial first pitch, will be the 11th player to have his number retired by the Sox. A six-time All-Star first baseman, he is the franchise leader in total bases (4,010) and ranks among White Sox leaders in virtually every offensive category.

Konerko finished 16 homers (432) behind the Sox’ all-time leader, Hall-of-Famer Frank Thomas (448) and ranked third in hits (2,292) and doubles (406). He was the Sox’ cleanup hitter on their World Series championship team in 2005 and hit a grand slam in Game 2.

The first 20,000 fans who attend the game will receive a Paul Konerko Replica Statue.

Parking lots open at 11 a.m. and gates open at 1:10 p.m. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 2:25 p.m.

Fatherhood all good for White Sox rookie Carlos Sanchez Daryl Van Schouwen, Sun Times | May 20, 2015

Carlos Sanchez is one of the youngest White Sox. But heads-up play that scores big points with manager Robin Ventura isn’t the only thing revealing maturity beyond the Venezuelan second baseman’s 22 years. Sanchez is married with a seven-month old son — who has helped refine him in a profound way.

“It changed everything, and in a good way,” Sanchez says of becoming a father. “You have to be more responsible because he looks at you every day. I just try to be the best father I can be, for him. He’s the best thing for me.”

To have seen Sanchez beaming with anticipation last September before he left the team in Detroit to be with his wife, Moralis, for son Noah’s birth was to know he was about to experience the proudest day of his life. Sanchez said he wanted to start a family in his early adult years so that he could enjoy parenthood in the prime years of his life.

“I just try to enjoy every moment I can,’’ Sanchez said.

Being a dad brings a balance to that’s good for his game, too. The daily grind of a long baseball season is best dealt with by placing bad days in the rear-view mirror and looking ahead to tomorrow’s game.

“If I go 0-for-4, when I see my son everything changes,’’ he said. “Sometimes you can have a bad night and think about it all night long. But now I don’t see the game [in my mind], I just focus on my son.’’

Through his first five games in 2015, Sanchez hasn’t had a bad night yet. His defense has been a sound, sometimes slick and welcome addition to the Sox infield, and he contributed a walk-off game-winning single in the 10th inning Monday. The Sox are 4-1 in his first four games after Sanchez was called up from AAA Charlotte on Thursday.

“He’s a very heady player,” Ventura said. “He just has a real knack for the game, the feel, and he has savvy and all that stuff you like in a player.”

Carlos Rodon's wild ride continues for White Sox Doug Padilla, ESPN.com | May 20, 2015

CHICAGO -- There are rollercoasters with less thrills than what Carlos Rodon has provided in his short tenure as a Chicago White Sox starting pitcher.

The talented young left-hander has already shown he has the ability to have a long and successful career, but he has also shown the inexperience of a 22-year old. It's easily identified in the five walks Wednesday against the Cleveland Indians, six Friday at Oakland and four against the Cincinnati Reds on the previous homestand.

A total of 15 walks in three games is a recipe for disaster, although Rodon is 1-0 in those starts and the White Sox won two of them. He ended up with a no-decision in the White Sox's 4-3 defeat to the Indians on Wednesday, but when he left the game it was in a 1-1 tie.

Carlos Rodon has walked 15 batters in his past three games, but the White Sox have won two of those. AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast

"Uh, not great, not bad, just in between," Rodon said afterward. "It's tough with five walks, gets the pitch count up."

At that point, he credited the middle infield of shortstop Alexei Ramirez and second baseman Carlos Sanchez for the two double plays that were turned behind him, showing that he does have the smarts of a seasoned pro.

For Rodon, it all comes down to going through the process of being a young pitcher. At this point last year, he was going to college classes and pitching for NC State. There isn't a hitter he faced a year ago that is playing on the level where he now resides.

"I think for him, there is a learning curve of being young and being able to consistently do it because hitters up here don't swing as much as college hitters for at the good stuff that you throw," manager Robin Ventura said. "You have to be able to throw strikes."

Sure Rodon only was tagged with one run, but by throwing 103 pitches he was only able to last six innings. That in itself proved to be problematic since Dan Jennings was called on to pitch the seventh inning and promptly gave up three runs.

Had Rodon been more efficient and been able to go seven innings, the White Sox would have been able to tap into relievers even more dependable deeper in the bullpen.

While it's easy to say that it is unfair to put Rodon in such a demanding situation of starting so early in his big league career, he isn't going to learn the nuances of major league hitters any quicker than he is right now.

"I think a lot of very good pitchers, like the guy across the hall (Corey) Kluber, kind of find it later down the road," teammate Adam Eaton said. "When they find it, it's tough to compete against. He'll be fine. It's his third start? Yeah, give him some time. He'll be good for us and we have all the faith in the world in him, and like I said, when it does come around it's going to be dangerous."

Rodon gave up his only run in his final inning of work, when he also walked two batters. The Indians cashed in on a sacrifice fly from Mike Aviles, but it was their only run of the sixth despite the fact they had the bases loaded with one out.

"The way he fought back and got out of that inning was a positive," Ventura said. "As he goes along, he's going to get better with command and things like that. The stuff is there, definitely. But cleaning it up, being able to get through that without giving the other team opportunities, you've got to make them beat you. You can't give them stuff like that."

Rodon knows it. He figures to start again on Monday at Toronto to begin a massive four-city, 11-game road trip, or the White Sox can start Hector Noesi that day and push Rodon back to the May 28 doubleheader at Baltimore.

Whenever that next chance comes, the rookie will be one start closer to finding his comfort zone at the major league level. While the White Sox are trying to get Rodon to learn a changeup to broaden his arsenal, he didn't throw any Wednesday, and only 13 of his 29 sliders were for strikes.

"Yeah, I mean it's different, guys are a little more patient," Rodon said. "You just have to throw strikes. When it comes down to the nitty-gritty, that's it right there."

Indians slip past White Sox 4-3 Associated Press, ESPN.com | May 20, 2015

CHICAGO -- Cleveland manager Terry Francona was happy with the win.

He was especially pleased with how the Indians earned the victory.

Shaun Marcum won his first start in almost two years, Michael Brantley had a two-run double in the seventh inning, and Cleveland beat the Chicago White Sox 4-3 on Wednesday night.

Recalled earlier Wednesday from Triple-A Columbus, Marcum went 6 2/3 innings and gave up solo home runs to Adam Eaton and Conor Gillaspie but struck out six for the Indians, who have won four of six.

Marcum (1-0) hadn't started a game in the major leagues since July 6, 2013, for the New York Mets. He was later diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome, which involves nerves near the neck and caused tingling and numbness in Marcum's right hand, eventually leading to shoulder surgery.

The win was his first since June 26, 2013, against Chicago and was the culmination of the recovery for Marcum, who had made one appearance in relief this season, throwing five innings and allowing one run against Detroit on April 12.

"We're excited to win, but hard not to be pulling for a guy that has gone through what he has," Francona said.

Getting that win, and not what he's gone through, was on Marcum's mind.

"Maybe after the season I'll sit back and reflect on it, but right now we've got to keep grinding away and trying to get better each and every day," Marcum said.

Jose Ramirez had two hits and two runs and reached base four times in a game that began after a 31-minute rain delay.

Chicago loaded the bases with one out in the ninth against Cody Allen. Gillaspie, whose home run in the seventh pulled Chicago within 4-2, fouled out to third before Alexei Ramirez's infield single cut Cleveland's lead to 4-3.

J.B. Shuck, pinch-hitting for Tyler Flowers, struck out to end the game and Allen picked up his eighth save in nine attempts.

"The guys fought back there in the ninth, but really I think on our pitching side you're just giving them too many opportunities," Chicago manager Robin Ventura said.

Cleveland gave Marcum the lead in the seventh with three runs against reliever Dan Jennings (0-1). Ramirez's one-out single through a drawn-in infield put the Indians ahead 2-1, and then Brantley's double gave Cleveland a 4-1 lead.

Chicago lost its second straight after a six-game winning streak, but got a strong outing from rookie left-hander Carlos Rodon. The White Sox's top prospect entering the season, Rodon pitched six innings and gave up one run and four hits and struck out four and walked five.

Making the third start of his career, Rodon's control problems continued as he's walked 15 in 16 innings as a starter.

"Just got to fill the zone," Rodon said.

Marcum didn't have such problems, especially after working through some added emotions early.

"He said he got a little jumpy in the first inning," Indians catcher Brett Hayes said. "He's a professional. He got right back up there and he did his job. He did a great job."

TRAINER'S ROOM

Indians: 1B Carlos Santana (back spasms) was held out of the lineup for the fourth straight game despite feeling as if he might be well enough to return. ... LHP T.J. House (left shoulder) threw five innings in a rehab start for Triple-A Columbus, and C Yan Gomes (right knee) went 1 for 2 with a walk in the same game.

White Sox: RHP Nate Jones (right elbow) and RHP Matt Albers (right pinky finger) remained on the disabled list.

UP NEXT

Indians RHP Danny Salazar (4-1, 4.06) faces Chicago LHP John Danks (2-3, 4.66). Danks has struggled against Cleveland, going 5-12 with a 5.16 ERA.

KEEP IT GOING

Jose Abreu went 1 for 4 to extend his hitting streak to 15 games. He is hitting .352 over that span.

TRANSACTION

To make room for Marcum, Cleveland optioned INF Zach Walters to Triple-A Columbus. Walters is hitting .059 in seven games.

Rapid Reaction: Indians 4, White Sox 3 Doug Padilla, ESPN.com | May 20, 2015

CHICAGO – The Chicago White Sox fell 4-3 to the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday, losing for the second time in the four-game series.

How it happened: The Indians broke through against White Sox reliever Dan Jennings with a three-run seventh inning to take control of the game. White Sox rookie Carlos Rodon gave up one run over six innings despite the fact that he walked five batters. The Indians' Shaun Marcum, in his first start since July 2013, gave up two runs on four hits over 6 2/3

innings. Adam Eaton hit his first home run for the White Sox in the third inning, while Conor Gillaspie added his second in the seventh. The White Sox loaded the bases in the ninth inning and scored once, but their rally fell short.

What it means: Rodon delivered another high-wire act as he settles into life as a major league starter. The 22-year-old lefty now has three starts, walking a combined 15 batters in those outings. Even with all the free passes, Rodon is 1-0 in his three starts, ending up with no decisions in each of his last two outings.

Outside the box: Eaton was credited with a 404-foot home run into the right-field seats in the third inning. It was his first home run since April of last season, with that one also coming against the Indians for the Ohio native. Eaton did hit five home runs in 66 major league games for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 66 games.

Off beat: Jennings threw a ball into the center field in the seventh inning, yet still didn’t get tagged with an error. Michael Bourn bunted, with Jennings trying to retire Brett Hayes trying to advance to second base. The wild throw wasn’t error-worthy because nobody advanced an extra base. The official scorer’s call was sacrifice, fielder’s choice. It did loom large though, as Jose Ramirez delivered his go-ahead single to score Hayes.

Up next: The White Sox will send left-hander John Danks (1-3, 5.12 ERA) to the mound Thursday in the finale of the four-game series. The Indians will counter with right-hander Danny Salazar (4-1, 4.06) in the 7:10 p.m. CT start from U.S. Cellular Field.

Jose Abreu not content with production numbers Doug Padilla, ESPN.com | May 20, 2015

CHICAGO -- A quick scan of the American League's offensive leaders finds that Jose Abreu is not in the top 10 of any major category.

He became the first rookie in major league history last season to finish in the top five of each triple crown category, yet he doesn't appear among the league leaders in home runs, RBIs or batting average this year. A year ago he led baseball with a .581 slugging percentage, yet he isn't in the top 10 this year.

Jose Abreu's offensive numbers are beginning to climb, but his leadership this season has remained at a high level. Duane Burleson/Getty Images

Regardless, Abreu has been the furthest thing from a disappointment this year. His six home runs, 22 RBIs and .861 OPS all lead the Chicago White Sox, and his leadership skills have been off the charts as he has set an example of hard work and persistence even when the team struggled through the opening month.

Now that the team is playing much better, Abreu is still searching for more, both from himself and from a club that has 71 runs scored, 34 extra-base hits and 11 home runs in its last 16 games.

"I'm proud of all the good results we have been getting the last few weeks, but we have to keep working," Abreu said through an interpreter Wednesday. "We have to do more things to become a better team. We have enough room right now to continue getting better and we have to continue to work because I think we have all the elements, all the players to compete and compete beyond 162 games."

That Abreu has no quit in him might be his biggest asset. And if the White Sox continue to play well into the summer, it will be necessary for Abreu to play a major role.

"I think there is more there, I think he is a good hitter and I think he will have a fine year," said manager Robin Ventura, told that Abreu expects to do better than what he has shown over the first month and a half.

Any scenario that had the White Sox playing well was based on Abreu at least giving the team what he gave them last season, if not more, as he headed into 2015 with more knowledge of AL pitchers.

"If we're worrying about him, we have a lot of problems because he's a good hitter and he's going to be in the middle of our lineup," Ventura said. "I know he cares and works hard and all of that. For me, if that's something we have to worry about, we have big problems."

Abreu already is showing that better offensive numbers are on the way. He entered Wednesday night's game riding a season-best 14-game hitting streak, batting .333 (18-for-54) over that stretch. It is the longest active hitting streak in the AL.

In fact, it is already Abreu's fourth hitting streak of at least 14 games going back to last season. No player in baseball has four hitting streaks of at least 14 games in that time frame. In addition to his 14-game streaks this year and last year, he also has 18- and 21-game hit streaks.

"Just his technique of being inside the baseball and being as strong as he is, to take an inside pitch and take it the other way, he gets balls through the infield that a lot of people can't," Ventura said. "It's a gift and he's one of the few that can do that. To be able to do that consistently, you're going to get on base a lot, you're going to get hits and it's hard to pitch to you."

The emergence of Avisail Garcia means there is less reliance on Abreu to be the sole run producer, but that won't affect his drive.

"I like the pressure and I like to put pressure on me," Abreu. "But it's good to see what other guys are doing right now. Avi's performance has been outstanding for us because he's a big piece of our team. Melky [Cabrera] probably right now he isn't at his best but he's getting better. He's a veteran player and knows what we have to do to win games and all those elements together is something good for me and the team.

"I know that I'm able to produce more than I'm doing right now but I'm very confident that sooner rather than later, I'll be in a good spot with my offense."

Indians, Shaun Marcum send White Sox to 4-3 loss Dan Hayes, CSN | May 20, 2015

After two games of hard heat from Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer the White Sox offense couldn’t adjust to soft tossing Shaun Marcum.

While they belted a pair of solo home runs on Wednesday night, Marcum otherwise held the White Sox in check as they fell to the Cleveland Indians 4-3 in front of 15,146 at U.S. Cellular Field.

The White Sox dropped back below .500 as Marcum and two pitchers combined on a six-hitter. Cody Allen pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the ninth against the White Sox, who are now 2-16 when they score three runs or fewer.

“It’s such a change of speed between Bauer and Kluber,” said leadoff man Adam Eaton, who accounted for the team’s first run with a 404-foot solo homer. “(Marcum) mixes his pitches. You never know what’s coming in certain counts.

“My third at-bat, I could have sold the house he wasn’t going to throw me a heater in. I figured something soft away. He hit his spot and you kind of tip your cap to that. “That’s kind of how the day went.”

Making his first start since July 2013, Marcum didn’t allow more than one batter to reach base in an inning. Bringing a much softer approach than Kluber and Bauer, Marcum allowed only a single his first time through the lineup.

Eaton did get the White Sox on the board first with a two-out, solo home run in the third inning, his first since April 12, 2014. But Marcum settled in and retired 12 of the next 13 batters until he surrendered a solo homer to Conor Gillaspie with two outs in the seventh inning to allow the White Sox back within two.

Marcum limited the White Sox to four hits and struck out six in 6 2/3 innings.

“We were swinging at a lot of stuff off the plate and Marcum did a good job of getting us to do that,” White Sox manager Robin Ventura said.

The White Sox scored a run in the ninth after Allen gave up a single to Jose Abreu, who extended his hitting streak to 15, and walked Adam LaRoche and Avisail Garcia. Gillaspie popped out on the first pitch he saw before Alexei Ramirez’s infield single drove in a run. But Allen struck out pinch hitter J.B. Shuck.

The effort was similar to the first two games of this series and the first 20 of the season when the White Sox offense has sputtered. In their first 20 games, the White Sox scored 64 runs, a trend they seem to have reversed this month until Cleveland came to town.

The Indians did most of their damage in the seventh against the White Sox bullpen. Dan Jennings issued a leadoff walk in the seventh and threw wide of second on a fielder’s choice. One out later, Jose Ramirez singled in the go-ahead run off Jennings and Michael Brantley doubled in two more to put Cleveland ahead 4-1.

“You're just giving other teams opportunities,” Ventura said. “You clean that up and you probably have a better chance to win that game. The guys fought back there in the ninth, but really I think on our pitching side you're just giving them too many opportunities.”

The Indians couldn’t break through against Carlos Rodon, who walked six batters in his previous start, and issued five more free passes on Wednesday night. But unlike last Friday in Oakland, Rodon managed to work around his walks until his last inning, when he walked two.

Rodon -- who has walked 19 batters in 22 1/3 innings this season -- allowed a run, four hits and struck out four over six innings.

Carlos Rodon pitches around five walks in White Sox loss Dan Hayes, CSN | May 21, 2015

Major league hitters have shown Carlos Rodon they’re not afraid to lay off his wicked slider-fastball combo.

One outing after he issued six walks, the rookie walked five more batters in a six-inning start on Wednesday. He was much better this time as he limited the Cleveland Indians to one run but Rodon has room for improvement. The White Sox lost to the Indians, 4-3, at U.S. Cellular Field on Wednesday.

“I mean it’s different, guys are a little more patient,” Rodon said. “You just have to throw strikes. When it comes down to the nitty-gritty, that’s it right there.”

When Rodon was promoted last month, general manager Rick Hahn said this would be the final step in the left-hander’s development. Even with top-flight talent, the White Sox expect some growing pains for Rodon.

In his second and third starts, Rodon ran into patient clubs in the Oakland A’s and Cleveland Indians, teams that weren’t chasing his slider. Rodon only threw strikes on 13 of 29 sliders on Wednesday, according to Brooksbaseball.net.

“They lay off those good sliders that usually get chased (in college),” Rodon said. “They got in those counts where they can hit and it’s tough.”

Holding a 1-0 lead, Rodon issued a leadoff walk to Jose Ramirez in the sixth and he stole second base. Rodon then walked Ryan Raburn before Nick Swisher singled to load the bases with one out. Mike Aviles’ sac fly tied the game at 1 but Rodon stranded a pair of runners when he got Brandon Moss to fly out to deep left.

Same as he did out West, Rodon flirted with trouble in the early innings. He stranded a pair of runners in the first inning and man in scoring position in the second. Two double plays got Rodon out of trouble in the third and fourth innings.

“The way he fought back and got out of (the sixth) was a positive,” White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. “As he goes along he's going to get better with command and things like that. The stuff is there, definitely. But cleaning it up, being

able to get through that without giving the other team opportunities, you've got to make them beat you. You can't give them stuff like that.”

Rodon has walked 19 batters in 22 1/3 innings. But he likes how he pitched in tight spots on Wednesday, especially with the help of a pair of double plays.

“Not great, not bad, just in between,” said Rodon, who has a 4.03 ERA. “It’s tough with five walks, gets the pitch count up, but two good double plays turned by that tandem right here, one of the best in baseball, I think. Especially when you see those double plays turned right there. That was impressive. But just leadoff walks hurt.”

Baby shower? Nope, just an Adam Eaton home run Dan Hayes, CSN | May 20, 2015

For his next home run, Adam Eaton may pass out cigars.

The White Sox leadoff hitter said he received the kind of congratulations on Wednesday night one might expect for fatherhood after he hit his first home run in 13 months.

Prior to his third-inning solo shot off Shaun Marcum, Eaton had gone 627 plate appearances without a homer. Following a 4-3 loss to the Cleveland Indians, Eaton said he received numerous texts.

“I feel like I had a child because everyone is texting me congratulating me,” Eaton said. “(Jose) Abreu hits two in a week and nobody bats an eye. I hit one and it’s like I have a child. I should have a home run shower and everything. It’s fun to do that every now and again. My job is to get on base and it’s fun to have one of those every now and again.”

Eaton’s previous homer with the White Sox also came against the Indians on April 12, 2014. He had five homers in 380 plate appearances with the Arizona Diamondbacks and has seven overall.

Already good, White Sox Jose Abreu thinks he can be better Dan Hayes, CSN | May 20, 2015

Jose Abreu has been very good this season for a White Sox club that only recently started to find its offensive potential.

The White Sox slugger has a .294/.368/.493 slash line with six home runs and 22 RBIs in 152 plate appearances. But here’s a scary thought: Abreu, who’s in the midst of his fourth 14-game hitting streak since the start of last season, thinks he can be better.

“I feel good right now,” Abreu said through an interpreter. “I like the pressure, I like to put pressure on me. …

“I know that I’m able to produce more than I’m doing right now, but I’m very confident that sooner than later that I’ll be in a good spot with my offense.”

Last season, Abreu slugged an American League-high .581 en route to winning the AL Rookie of the Year award. So far the closest he has come to carrying the White Sox offense is a 34-plate appearance span from April 14-22 when he homered four times.

Manager Robin Ventura believes Abreu is capable of more but that’s the least of his worries.

“I think there is more there, I think he is a good hitter and I think he will have a fine year,” Ventura said. “If we’re worrying about him, we have a lot of problems because he’s a good hitter and he’s going to be in the middle of our lineup. I know he cares and works hard and all of that. For me, if that’s something we have to worry about we have big problems.”

Abreu is the only player in the majors with four hitting streaks of at least 14 games since the start of last season. Ventura said Abreu’s ability to stay inside of the ball on a swing is what makes him consistent.

“For the most part just his technique of being inside the baseball and being as strong as he is, to take an inside pitch and take it the other way, he gets balls through the infield and to the outfield that a lot of people can’t,” Ventura said. “It’s a gift and he’s one of the few that can do that. To be able to do that consistently, you’re going to get on base a lot, you’re going to get hits and it’s hard to pitch to you.”

Danks tries to buck bad history vs. Tribe Associated Press, FoxSports.com | May 21, 2015

John Danks might be turning around his season following a rough start if his recent results are any indication.

He'll try to help the Chicago White Sox salvage a series split with the visiting Cleveland Indians on Thursday night.

Danks (2-3, 4.66 ERA) has been lackluster for a few seasons now, going 18-29 with a 4.88 ERA from 2012-2014. This year also began in equally unpromising fashion with a 1-3 record and 6.20 ERA in his first five outings.

The left-hander has given Chicago reason for optimism in his last two starts, though, giving up three runs and nine hits over 14 combined innings versus Cincinnati and Oakland.

"To get the last one and follow up with this one, it's good," Danks told MLB's official website after picking up his second win Saturday against the A's. "Hopefully it becomes a nice extended streak and helps us win some ballgames."

He'll be looking to buck a bad history versus Cleveland (16-23), against whom he is 5-12 with a 5.16 ERA in 24 career meetings. He allowed seven runs in two matchups spanning 10 2-3 innings last month, losing once. The 12 losses are his second-most against one club, trailing his 14 to Minnesota.

The White Sox (18-19) had won eight of nine before dropping the last two. They were held in check in Wednesday's 4-3 defeat by Cleveland's Shawn Marcum, who won in his first start in nearly two years after thoracic outlet syndrome threatened his career.

"Maybe after the season I'll sit back and reflect on it, but right now we've got to keep grinding away and trying to get better each and every day," Marcum said.

Michael Brantley drove in two runs to cap Cleveland's three-run seventh and Jose Ramirez was 2 for 3 with an RBI.

Cleveland gives the ball to Danny Salazar (4-1, 4.06 ERA). He allowed season worsts of seven runs - five earned - and two homers over 4 2-3 innings Saturday at Texas, though Cleveland rallied for a 10-8 victory. The right-hander didn't seem to have his best stuff, striking out a season-low four after fanning nine or more in four of his first five outings.

"He didn't have his changeup," manager Terry Francona told MLB's official website. "It looked like he was trying to get the fastball down to the wrong hitters early on."

Salazar has struggled in four career starts versus Chicago, going 2-1 with a 5.09 ERA, and is winless in two trips to U.S. Cellular Field.

Alexei Ramirez is batting just .235 but has owned Salazar, going 8 for 10 with a home run and double.

The Indians expect to have Carlos Santana back in their lineup Thursday after he missed his fourth straight game with back spasms.

"He was much, much better," Francona told MLB's official website. "I actually held the lineup out for a while because he was feeling pretty good."

Santana is third on the team with 20 RBIs, though he is 0 for 14 over his last four games and 2 for 17 versus Chicago this season.

Adam Eaton is batting .350 during a nine-game hitting streak after hitting his first homer in 144 games Wednesday, while Jose Abreu extended his streak to 15 games.

Danks, White Sox seek split with Indians Sports Network.com, Fox News | May 20, 2015

(SportsNetwork.com) - The Chicago White Sox will look for left-hander John Danks to post a third straight solid start on Thursday evening when they try to earn a split of their four-game set with the Cleveland Indians.

Danks lost his first start of May to fall to 1-3 with a 6.20 earned run average on the season, but he rebounded in a solid no-decision against Cincinnati on May 10. He scattered a run, six hits and three walks over seven innings and the White Sox were able to piece together a 4-3 win.

The 30-year-old stayed on track Saturday in Oakland, limiting the Athletics to a pair of runs, three hits and three walks over another seven innings in a win. Danks also struck out six and improved to 2-3 with a 4.66 ERA this season.

Danks has allowed seven runs over 10 2/3 innings in two starts against the Tribe this season, losing his lone decision, and is 5-12 against them lifetime with a 5.16 ERA in 24 games.

Danny Salazar gets the call for the Indians tonight looking to rebound from a rough no-decision last Saturday against Texas.

Salazar was drilled for seven runs -- five earned -- by the hosting Rangers over 4 2/3 innings, giving up nine hits, two homers and a walk while striking out four. Though Cleveland won 10-8, it was step back for Salazar after he fanned 11 over seven innings of one-run, one-hit ball to beat Minnesota on May 10.

The right-hander is 4-1 with a 4.06 ERA this season while striking out 52 over 37 2/3 innings in six starts. He has 33 strikeouts in 17 2/3 innings against the White Sox over four career starts, but is just 2-1 with a 5.09 ERA.

The White Sox won Monday's opener of this series for a sixth straight victory, but the Indians have responded with back-to-back wins. They held off the White Sox 4-3 on Wednesday night thanks to Michael Brantley's key two-run double in the seventh inning.

Jose Ramirez went 2-for-3 with two walks, two runs scored and an RBI, while Mike Aviles also drove in a run as Cleveland won for the fourth time in six games.

Shaun Marcum, who was recalled from Triple-A Columbus prior to the game, surrendered just two runs on four hits with no walks and six strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings in his first major league start since July 6, 2013 with the New York Mets.

"He threw the ball great and kept us in the game," Brantley said of Marcum. "We have to keep it going as a group."

Cleveland's bullpen nearly lost Marcum the win as Alexei Ramirez hit a two- out, RBI single in the ninth inning off Cody Allen to make it a one-run game, but Allen settled down to strike out pinch-hitter J.B. Shuck with the bases loaded.

Adam Eaton and Conor Gillaspie each hit solo home runs for the White Sox, while starter Carlos Rodon struggled with his control in a no-decision. The rookie yielded four hits and five walks over six innings, though he allowed only one run.

"He'll be fine," Eaton said of Rodon. "What's this, his second or third start? Give him some time, he'll be good for us."

Cleveland first baseman Carlos Santana did not start for a fourth straight game due to back spasms, but there is a chance he will be in the lineup for tonight's finale.

The Indians have won eight of their past 12 against the White Sox, but did lose two of three in Chicago from April 20-22.

Sox Rally Falls Short in Loss to Indians Jeff Arnold, NBC Chicago | May 20, 2015

Carlos Rodon is doing his best to remain patient. But he admits it's not always easy.

Especially when the Chicago White Sox rookie pitcher is finding hitters at the big-league level are willing to grind out at-bats.

After making his third major league start, Rodon will have to wait for his second victory.

Shaun Marcum won his first start in almost two years, Michael Brantley had a two-run double in the seventh inning, and the Cleveland Indians beat the White Sox 4-3 on Wednesday night.

Chicago lost its second straight game for the first time this season — after a six-game winning streak.

The White Sox's top prospect pitched six innings and gave up one run and four hits and struck out four and walked five. He has walked 15 in 16 innings as a starter.

"(I) just gotta throw strikes," Rodon said. "When it comes down to the nitty-gritty, that's it right there."

Marcum didn't experience such issues.

Marcum went 6 2-3 innings and gave up two runs and four hits and struck out six for the Indians, who have won four of six.

Marcum (1-0) hadn't started a game in the major leagues since July 26, 2013, for the New York Mets. He was later diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome, which involves nerves near the neck and caused tingling and numbness in Marcum's right hand, eventually leading to surgery.

"Maybe after the season I'll sit back and reflect on it," Marcum said. "But right now we've got to keep grinding away and trying to get better each and every day."

Chicago loaded the bases with one out in the ninth against Cody Allen. Conor Gillaspie, whose home run in the seventh pulled Chicago within 4-2, fouled out to third before Alexei Ramirez's infield single cut Cleveland's lead to 4-3.

J.B. Shuck, pinch-hitting for Tyler Flowers, struck out to end the game and Allen picked up his eighth save in nine attempts.

Cleveland gave Marcum the lead in the seventh with three runs against Chicago reliever Dan Jennings (0-1). Ramirez's one-out single through a drawn-in infield put the Indians ahead 2-1, and then Brantley's double into the right-field corner gave Cleveland a 4-1 lead.

While Rodon was charged with only one earned run, he — along with White Sox manager Robin Ventura — understand the rookie has to have better control.

"You clean that up and you probably have a better chance to win that game," Ventura said. "Really on our pitching side, you're just giving them too many opportunities. You have to be able to clean that up and force them to swing the bat."