From yesterday:
The Cubs ripped five home runs in a 12-3 pasting of the White Sox, the ninth time in the Sox last 13 games they've been defeated. Zach Stewart allowed six of the runs in 5 23 innings, but his start was much more about giving Chris Sale and Jake Peavy extra rest than anything else.
John Danks revealed he has a Grade 1 tear in his subscapularis, an injury which will not require surgery, only rest for it to heal. He seemed relieved to not need surgery, but understandably was still frustrated that his return to the Sox rotation hit another delay. There's no timetable for his return at this point, as he explained:
Before the game, Courtney Hawkins was formally introduced to Chicago, signing his contract and taking batting practice with the team before throwing out a ceremonial first pitch to Sale. He's placed high expectations on himself and aims to only focus on baseball from here on out.
Also throwing out a first pitch Monday: Scottie Pippen, who's one of, if not the, first person to throw out a first pitch this year and be taller than Sale on the receiving end.
Kenny Williams is liking the White Sox chances, noting that their recent inability to distance themselves from Cleveland and Detroit is a problem, but not the worst problem possible because it means they're in first.
To anyone clamoring for Dayan Viciedo to be moved back to third base: It's not happening.
MLB
The White Sox fell to Nos. 11 and 12 in our MLB power rankings, with the Yankees vaulting into the No. 1 spot for the first time this season. The Cubs, for the record, are dead last.
More videos: Zach Stewart discusses his start, Robin Ventura speaks after the game, Frank Thomas compares Sale to Randy Johnson, Sale discusses what he's learned from Jake Peavy, Chicago Tribune Live looks at potential trades the Sox could make, Courtney Hawkins gets introduced, CTL wonders what the Sox should do with Jose Quintana and Brooks Boyer talks about the possibility of the Cubs and Sox only meeting three times a year.
Around the division: Cleveland held off Cincinnati in a downright pitcher's duel and Kansas City was sent rocketing back to earth with a seven-run loss to Houston. Detroit didn't play but moved to 2 12 games back of the White Sox by standing pat. The Tigers open a three-game series with St. Louis at Comerica Park tonight.