Lucas Giolito said he wasn’t trying to buzz the Yankees’ Luke Voit on Friday night.
He wasn’t too upset that he did.
Voit homered off Giolito in the top of the first, and his at-bat in the third started with a 94.8 mph Giolito fastball that went up and in. Voit was displeased moments after the pitch was thrown, and wasn’t much happier about it following the game, saying a pitch in that area was “not good.”
“I go deep on him, then the next pitch (95). I don’t even know how it didn’t hit me,” Voit told reporters Friday. “It’s a bunch of BS. It’s really frustrating.”
Giolito said he had seen Voit’s comments and didn’t sound bothered by what was said. As for the pitch in question, Giolito said it was an accident and was trying to work away from Voit.
But that will have no impact on Giolito’s game plan. He’s going to throw inside, whether the opponents like it or not.
“Every once in a while I’m going to throw inside, back a guy off. That’s how I pitch,” Giolito said. “If you don’t like it, then that’s your problem. So, whether it be accidental or I’m going in for effect that’s how I pitch. It’s going to happen. And I mean, that’s that.”
Sox manager Rick Renteria didn’t give Voit’s quotes much oxygen.
“I did not (see them) and I really don’t care to hear about them, to be honest,” Renteria said.
Speaking of Giolito…
Giolito’s next start will be Wednesday at Wrigley Field against the Cubs. Last year on May 13, Giolito beat the Cubs at Wrigley despite walking seven in 5 2/3 innings.
Since then, Giolito’s gone from a prospect trying to find his way to one of the best pitchers in baseball who has a legitimate shot to start the all-star game.
“So, yeah that was definitely a little different then how I pitch now,” Giolito said. “I’d say I was effectively wild that day. I’m looking forward to going in there and filling up the zone.”
Reunion weekend
Not too long ago, Eloy Jimenez and Gleyber Torres were working their way through the Cubs system. Thanks to trades, the two have been opponents this weekend.
Jimenez said the two are frequently in touch and said they have a close relationship.
”It’s been fun (playing against Torres),” Jimenez said. “We didn’t expect that when we signed, but now it’s business and we just enjoy it.”
Moncada and Fry
Yoan Moncada (back) did not start Saturday and hadn’t played since Monday. Renteria said there was a chance he’d be available Saturday and hoped to get him back into the lineup Sunday.
“Moncy’s doing very, very well and the reports today were obviously optimistic,” Renteria said.
As for Jace Fry (left shoulder soreness), the left-hander threw before Saturday’s game. Renteria said the reports on Fry were positive and hopefully would be back soon.
So long, Stephens
Cleveland claimed Sox minor-league pitcher Jordan Stephens off waivers. Stephens, 26, had spent most of the season at Class AAA Charlotte and made one appearance at Class A Winston-Salem, going 3-4 with an 8.39 ERA overall.
Stephens’ departure opens a spot on the 40-man roster, which is now at 39.
