SAN FRANCISCO — Andrew Benintendi was off Monday night, at least not in the starting lineup against Giants left-hander Kyle Harrison. It’s better that he’s resting than because he’s not feeling well.
After a terrible start, the White Sox left fielder has done more than expected when the Sox signed him to a five-year, $75 million contract before last season. It’s only 12 games, but it’s something.
“It feels good to be back,” said Benintendi, who had scored a goal in 11 of his last 12 games before Monday. “I’m trying to split this into two seasons now. The first half was terrible, of course. I’m just trying to capitalize on it as much as I can.”
Benintendi has a batting average of .216/.269/.366 with 13 home runs in 102 games. In his last 12 games, he had a batting average of .311 with five home runs, four doubles and 10 RBIs, a stretch that surpassed his 1,000thth Career hit.
“I was just able to hit my pitch and not foul them,” he said. “I’m more aggressive on pitches where I’m looking in the zone. Obviously, it’s better to have results than not. In the first half, I hit the ball hard a lot, just right at someone. It’s nice to see them fall.”
The difference between solid contact and fouling on the field is very small. Usually the ball is touched a little too late or too early, or the ball is pulled away.
“But I seem to hit the ball harder now,” Benintendi said. “I try to hit the ball now instead of just shooting it into left field or center.”
De Los Santos new in the squad, Foster leaves
All Matt Foster managed to do after his Tommy John surgery was pitch a perfect inning in Friday’s win over the Astros, so it was a surprise in the Sox locker room that Foster was the one sent down to Triple-A Charlotte to make room for Enyel De Los Santos, who was placed on waivers and added to the active roster.
“It wasn’t because of his play, we just needed a spot on the roster for De Los Santos,” said interim manager Grady Sizemore. “It’s unfortunate, we didn’t want to send anyone out, but it was a difficult decision, but as soon as we have an extra spot or someone else goes down, he’ll be the first one back.”
In Charlotte, Foster has a 2.31 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 11 2/3 innings over 11 games.
De Los Santos, 28, was signed by the Yankees on Saturday. He has a 4.51 ERA in 214 career relief pitching appearances.
this and that
Foster was 57th.th Players at the Sox (29th pitcher) on Friday, breaking the franchise record of 56 set last season.
*Justin Anderson entered Monday with a 1.04 ERA and has allowed one hit and five walks in eight appearances this month.
*Len Kasper and Gordon manned the TV broadcast booth while Steve Stone was on tour and John Schriffen was on a UFC assignment. Connor McKnight was on the radio with Darrin Jackson.
