Two days after White Sox closer David Robertson called Mike Scioscia “bush league” for his actions after an umpire review, manager Robin Ventura defended his $46 million right-hander but also refused to criticize the longtime Los Angeles Angels skipper.
Robertson was upset Scioscia stood in front of home plate while getting clarification from umpire Fieldin Culbreth, preventing him from throwing any warm-up pitches after the lengthy delay. Robertson went on to blow the save in a game the White Sox won in 13 innings.
“Guys are emotional, man. They play,” Ventura said. “Do I think Scioscia is (bush league)? No, but when a guy is on the mound and he’s emotional, he’s in the middle of it, stuff gets said.”
Not only was Robertson upset Scioscia blocked his ability to throw warm-up pitches, he was frustrated that the Angels manager even came out to talk to Culbreth after the review ruling was given. Ventura — who allowed that Scioscia’s actions could’ve been gamesmanship, but wasn’t certain — said there is room for a manager to talk to an umpire after a review.
“He wasn’t arguing about a safe or out call, but you’re getting clarification,” Ventura said. “So there have been times when you’ve been able to go out there and talk to him about how it all went down and what was the reasoning for it. And you have a little leeway on that.”
[MORE: David Robertson - Mike Scioscia's actions were 'bush league']
Bonifacio returns, Garcia optioned
MLB
Prior to Friday’s Crosstown Cup game against the Cubs, the White Sox reinstated utilityman Emilio Bonifacio from the disabled list and optioned Leury Garcia to Triple-A Charlotte. The 30-year-old Bonifacio, who signed a one-year, $4 million deal in January, was placed on the 15-day disabled list July 29 with a left oblique strain.
Bonifacio appeared in three games on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte, going 4-11 with a pair of doubles. In 45 games (81 plate appearances) with the White Sox this year, Bonifacio has a .169/.200/.195 slash line with one stolen base in five attempts.
“(He’s a) great guy inside the clubhouse and very versatile,” Ventura said. “We can get into a couple different binds here and be able to have a guy to go out and do multiple different things.”
[NBC SHOP: Gear up, White Sox fans!]
Former Cub vs. the Cubs
When Jeff Samardzija takes the mound Friday afternoon, he’ll be only the second former Cubs pitcher to start for the White Sox in a Crosstown game the North Siders. Jamie Navarro is the only other player to do so, having pitched three games for the White Sox against the Cubs (for whom he played in 1995-1996) between 1997-1999.
Navarro struggled in those three starts, combining to allow 15 runs on 19 hits with five walks, 15 strikeouts and four home runs over 16 2/3 innings.
Former White Sox right-hander Jon Garland was drafted by the Cubs, but was traded to the White Sox for right-hander Matt Karchner before he made his major league debut.