White Sox closer Alex Colome knows he might get traded, and he knows what it’s like to be dealt during the season. It happened to him in May, 2018, from the Rays to the Mariners.
It’s not the most peaceful feeling, but one day before Wednesday’s trade deadline, Colome calmly stood with a group of reporters answering questions about the possibility of leaving the Sox after half a season.
“I can’t tell you how I will react to that because I’m still here,” he said Tuesday through a translator. “I know that this is a business, but I feel really good here and I just try to control what I can control.”
The Sox have control of Colome’s contract through next season, but relief pitchers are in demand for contending teams and the Sox are from being a contender so it would make sense to pry a quality prospect or two for Colome, who has converted 21 of 22 save opportunities. Even if the Sox believe they will contend next season, they can address filling his role in the offseason.
“It feels good [to be wanted] because that makes you know you are doing your job,” Colome said. “And there’s a lot of people that appreciate that. That’s something that gives you more confidence or motivation more to keep doing your job.”
Moncada exits with tight hamstring
Third baseman Yoan Moncada exited the game Tuesday with a tight right hamstring after playing an inning at third base. Moncada, who is day to day, was replaced by Ryan Goins.
Moncada was walking gingerly after charging to make a play on a ground ball in the top of the first.
Fulmer returns
Right-hander Carson Fulmer, the 2015 No. 8 overall Sox draft pick, was recalled from Class AAA Charlotte to fill struggling righty Dylan Covey’s spot on the pitching staff. Fulmer, 25, hasn’t fared much better than Covey, who was demoted with a 6.99 ERA, but continues to get his opportunities.
Fulmer is 1-1 with a 6.32 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 13 appearances (one start) over four stints covering 15 2⁄3 innings with the Sox this season. He is 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA, one save and 49 strikeouts in 22 relief appearances over 30 innings with the Knights in 2019.
Fulmer will work out of the bullpen.
“That’s the plan right now,” manager Rick Renteria said. “Carson will be in the bullpen and give us a little more help there. Covey is starting at Triple-A, work to get him back on track. We’ll decide as we move forward on rotation spot.”
Since the Sox drafted him eighth overall out of Vanderbilt in the 2015 draft, Fulmer has a 6-8 record and 6.61 ERA in 83 innings of work in the major leagues.
Robert impresses
During his five injury rehab games at Charlotte, Tim Anderson said he saw a better and more relaxed Luis Robert than the one he saw during spring training.
“Off the charts,” Anderson said. “Unbelievable player. He can hit, he’s real fast, he can do everything. It was good to go down and spend a few days with him. He’s real good.”
Asked if Robert is ready for the majors, Anderson backed off, saying, ”Nah, that ain’t my job. But if he keeps doing what he’s doing, I don’t think I’ll have to whisper. I think [general manager] Rick Hahn will call him up.”
Claimed
Infielder Jose Rondon was claimed off waivers by the Orioles. Rondon was designated for assignment by the Sox on Sunday.
