Last week the White Sox placed left-handed pitcher Dallas Keuchel on the 10-day injured list, which was retroactive to Sept. 7. Despite the setback because of back spasms, the White Sox were hopeful Keuchel would return Thursday against the Twins. However, after Wednesday’s loss to the Twins Rick Renteria said Reynaldo Lopez would be on the mound instead in the series finale.
Lopez starting tomorrow.
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) September 17, 2020
Keuchel last started against the Royals on Sept. 6, and was lifted after five innings as he was experiencing some discomfort. You certainly never want to see a pitcher dealing with a back issue, but this doesn’t seem like something to panic over.
The White Sox are on the verge of clinching a playoff berth and they’re already planning on lining up their starting rotation for the postseason.
Renteria said Dallas Keuchel and Carlos Rodón performed PFPs today pregame and it went fine.
He said pushing back Keuchel is part of lining up the rotation for ~*The Playoffs*~ https://t.co/4xNnYOg3Wc
— James Fegan (@JRFegan) September 17, 2020
So, Keuchel won’t be coming back as early as the White Sox thought, but it sounds like he’ll be returning this weekend against the Reds.
Renteria on Lopez, not Keuchel pitching Thurs: “We’re going to go ahead and see what we can do to line ourselves up as we move forward. You’ll probably see Keuchel in the Cincinnati series (this weekend).”
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) September 17, 2020
The White Sox are currently the No. 1 seed in the AL, a game up on the Rays, and have a two-game edge over the Twins in the division entering Thursday’s action.