The Sox will need performances like Thursday’s outing from Alonso to go from a rebuilding team to playoff contender.
White Sox designated hitter Yonder Alonso is having a rough 2019 season.
All one needs to do is see his near career-low outputs in multiple batting categories to understand he has struggled to find consistency at the plate this year, which is a concern for a player whose sole role in most games is to hit.
But when the Sox needed him against the Indians and Carlos Carrasco — a pitcher who has dominated the Sox on multiple occasions — he showed up strong in their 10-4 victory over their AL Central rivals.
Alonso had the Sox’ first hit of the game with a double to down the left-field line in the second inning before hitting his first home run since May 12 with a 396-footer to right in the third to finish a 2-for-3, two-RBI performance.
Asked how he maintains composure despite his offensive struggles, Alonso said he tries to take the positives from each opportunity.
”Just try to be prepared,” Alonso said with his 3-year-old son Troy by his side. “Work hard every day, and have the same attitude and compete.”
Alonso wasn’t alone in the Sox’ offensive dominance against Cleveland. Seven of his teammates had at least one hit, with four getting at least two, including Jose Abreu, who drove in three runs with a homer and a sacrifice fly to lead the AL in RBI with 49.
”He’s the face of the team,” Alonso said of Abreu. “He is a true leader inside the clubhouse and outside of the clubhouse. He’s always trying to get guys to be better. Just an incredible person, leader and baseball player for sure.”
The team has fared well despite its pitching woes because of its well-rounded hitting contributions — six starters from Thursday’s game have a batting average above .250 for the majors’ 12th-best team in the category. The Sox are one game behind the Indians in their division because of their offense and pitcher Lucas Giolito’s dominance in May.
But for the Sox to take the next step — from rebuilding ballclub to a playoff contender in the middle of the season — Alonso will need to regain the hitting prowess that earned him the three-hole spot in the Sox’ lineup.
Manager Rick Renteria said he’s confident in Alonso because of his professional approach to every game.
”Every day is the same for him,” Renteria said. “He comes in, has his steady routine, does his work and is on the bench the days he’s playing at a certain time every single day. It’s methodical. He just plays. He can’t change what’s occurred in the past, he understands that. He just tries to understand what’s going on in the moment and continues to try to have, to the best of his ability, good at-bats.”
