Andrew Benintendi was not in the lineup for the Chicago White Sox on Friday as they faced the Detroit Tigers. This was expected given the Tigers’ starting pitcher Tarik Skubal, a left-hander. Benintendi, despite hitting a pinch-hit grand slam in the eighth inning against the Yankees the previous night, was not fielded. That slam marked his third home run in six games, highlighting his strong performance in June. However, manager Will Venable prefers to sit Benintendi against left-handers, opting instead for Randall Grichuk, who homered off Skubal in the first inning.
Tigers’ pitcher Skubal showed noticeable emotion during the fifth inning. After striking out Colson Montgomery with bases loaded, he pointed and yelled toward the White Sox dugout. No clear reason emerged from the umpires’ discussion concerning the incident.
Benintendi has begun in only six games against left-handed pitchers this season after starting just 12 against them last year. This role was not part of his expectations when he signed a five-year, $75 million contract in 2023. Yet, he accepts his role on a rebuilding team focused on victory. Grichuk’s .987 OPS against lefties justified his selection for Friday’s game.
“I understand my role now,” Benintendi commented, appreciating his contributions despite spending more time on the bench.
Benintendi turns 32 next month, maintaining effective years ahead, though probably away from the outfield. He is committed to contributing to a winning team, contrasting three previous losing seasons.
Venable, noting the varying ways players handle reduced roles, praised Benintendi’s importance both on and off the field. Benintendi’s readiness was evident in his recent performances, despite not always playing against left-handers due to the team’s depth against such pitchers.
Grichuk and Benintendi are two of the few experienced players in the White Sox lineup, bringing leadership to the clubhouse of a younger team. Benintendi aims to foster an environment for younger players, intervening only when necessary.
Since Munetaka Murakami’s injury, Benintendi has stepped up with six home runs and 14 RBIs in 16 games, posting a 1.095 OPS. His career .823 OPS in June continues to be his strongest monthly performance.
His recent grand slam against the Yankees was pivotal, being the first pinch-hit grand slam for the Sox since 2012. More historically, it marked only the second occurrence by a visitor in Yankee Stadium.
The White Sox entered the series against the Tigers aware of the potential to impact Detroit’s future. Five games back from the division leaders, the Tigers faced additional setbacks, including Justin Verlander’s canceled return due to injury. Skubal emphasized the importance of their immediate future due to the trade deadline looming.
Venable held off on announcing a Saturday starter, with Davis Martin set for Sunday. Despite challenges, the Tigers remain a potential threat, as the Sox navigated a demanding schedule against top teams without respite in their pursuit of respectability.
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