White Sox right-hander Jimmy Cordero was handed a three-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for intentionally hitting Willson Contreras of the Cubs with a pitch Friday at Guaranteed Rate Field, MLB announced Saturday.
Sox manager Rick Renteria received a one-game suspension and an undisclosed fine as a result of Cordero’s intentional actions. Renteria will serve his suspension tonight when the Cubs and Sox continue their crosstown series.
“They did what they had to do,” Renteria said.
Following the game, Renteria and Cordero said the pitch was not intentional.
“We stated our case so to speak,” Renteria said. “We explained it wasn’t something we were looking to do and it happened. But it’s in their judgement, it’s the protocol they have in place. Just abide by it.”
Sox pitching coach Don Cooper received an undisclosed fine.
Cordero and Renteria were ejected after Cordero hit Contreras with a pitch in the seventh inning of Sox’ 10-0 loss. It was an apparent response to Contreras’ bat flip following a homer against Dylan Cease in the third inning.
Cooper was also ejected after arguing with plate umpire Dan Bellino and his crew.
Cordero, who leads Sox pitchers in appearances with 29 and has the highest ERA (5.61) on the staff among pitchers with more than three appearances, can begin to serve his three-game suspension today but might appeal it, Renteria said. In any event, the suspension would not affect his eligibility in the playoffs.
The regular season ends Sunday. The postseason begins Tuesday.
Garcia hoping for return
Outfielder/infielder Leury Garcia, sidelined since tearing a left thumb ligament sliding into first base Aug. 10, will be working out with the team Sunday and is a possibility for the playoff roster.
“As long as he’s progressing positively physically speaking it’s always a possibility,” Renteria said. “Nothing surprises me about Leury. This kid can sit for a month, fall out of bed and hit like he’s playing every single day and do a lot of special things between the lines.”
Garcia, who had thumb surgery, has been working at Schaumburg. He batted .271/.317/.441 with three homers in 16 games.
Eloy ‘progressing
Left fielder Eloy Jimenez, who is out for the Cubs series after spraining his right mid foot Thursday, has been receiving treatment and was “better [Saturday],” Renteria said.
“We still remain optimistic that after a few days Eloy will be able to rebound and join us,” Renteria said.
The Sox’ offense, which led the American League in numerous categories while rolling through a 22-5 stretch, has stalled in the last 13 games, averaging 3.1 runs.
“He’s a significant player for us obviously,” Renteria said. “You look at what he has been able to [.296/332/.559 and 14 homers in 55 games) do and is capable of doing, he’s one of our impact guys.”
