NEW YORK — Closer Alex Colome has appeared in five games for the 4-9 White Sox with all of two save opportunities, so staying sharp has been a challenge. Manager Rick Renteria is getting him in games just to keep the rust off.
“It’s a little hard but every two, three days they give me an inning,” said Colome, who last pitched in a 9-1 loss to the Rays Wednesday. “I try to have it in my mind that [when I pitch in low leverage situations] there are no excuses.”
Colome (3.68 ERA, two saves) said he’s at his best “when I pitch more. Two or three days in a row is when I’m better, more consistent.”
The Sox acquired the 30-year-old Dominican right-hander, who ranks fourth among American League saves leaders since 2016 behind Edwin Diaz, Craig Kimbrel and Roberto Osuna with 98, in an offseason trade with the Mariners for catcher Omar Narvaez.
Colome is confident there will be more chances for saves.
“Some things aren’t right right now but we have a great team,” he said. “We know we’re going to win games. I know the guys behind me. They have talent.”
Santana, take two
Right-hander Ervin Santana, who was rocked by the Rays for seven runs on seven hits including three home runs in 3 1/3 innings his first appearance as a Sox Tuesday, said there is no mystery as to why he was ineffective.
“I was not in the strike zone, I was behind in the count and when that happens you’re going to pay,” the two-time AL All-Star, most recently with the Twins in 2017, said. “I saw the video and that was it. There was nothing major.’’
Santana worked with a 93-94 mph four-seam fastball in 2017. He was at 91 Tuesday, which he said is more than good enough.
“You ask about the velocity but I don’t really care about the velocity,” Santana said. “I care about locating the fastball and making pitches. If I throw 93-94 it’s fine for me and if I throw 90-91 it’s fine, too. The main thing for me is locating.’’
Santana gets his second start Monday night when the Sox open a three-game homestand against the Royals.
Struggling Yolmer
Struggling second baseman Yolmer Sanchez went 0-for-2 with a strikeout, lowering his average to .094, and made an error on a double play ground ball opening the gates to a three-run inning in the Sox’ 4-0 loss to the Yankees Saturday. Jose Rondon started at second against lefty CC Sabathia, and Sanchez, a switch-hitter, will be starting Sunday when the Sox close the series at Yankee Stadium, manager Rick Renteria said.
“That is not typical of Yolmer; I’m sure he’s pressing a little bit,” Renteria said. “I’m sure I’ll have a conversation with him. He’s just got to play. He has to be himself.”
“I just [messed] it up,” Sanchez said of his fourth error in 10 games.
“A bad day, and nobody wants that. It’s a long season, and I believe I can help my team, and I will keep working. I’m still here — I have a chance to prove myself to them.’’
Sanchez, 26, batted .242/.306/.372, tied for the AL lead with 10 triples, led the Sox with 145 hits and was second with 34 doubles. Per Baseball Reference, he was second on the team in wins above replacement behind right-hander Reynaldo Lopez.
