The Knights’ 6-4 win against the Durham Bulls Thursday night was a microcosm of the season thus far — maddeningly inconsistent relief pitching with too many walks. As good at Ryan Burr was in the 9th, it was a miracle that he had a chance to come into the game in a save situation as the three relievers before him surrendered an astounding seven walks in 2.2 innings.
Burr had good life on his fastball, with excellent command, and recorded three strikeouts in the bottom of the 9th to lock down the win. Prior to Burr, however, Jacob Lindgren, Tayron Guerrero and Alex McRae struggled to find the plate.
The good news for the pitching staff is that it received its second strong start in a row. After Reynaldo Lopez only lasted one inning on Tuesday, Mike Wright followed on Wednesday with six innings of three-hit, one-run ball.
He was followed tonight by Felix Paulino, who turned in his best effort of the season, going 5.1 innings and giving up just four hits and two runs while walking one and striking out eight.
But with Jimmy Lambert — and his limited pitch count — on the mound Friday for the Knights, the team will likely need to rely on a handful of relievers yet again. And the odds are slim that they will all be firing on all cylinders. A big effort from a long reliever, presumably Tanner Banks or maybe Kyle Kubat, will be critical.
Tonight’s Hitting Stars
Brian Goodwin kept the Knights in the game early with solo homers in the 2nd and 4th innings. It was a welcomed sight for the MLB veteran, who is off to a slow start hitting just .200 with 16 strikeouts in 40 at bats. Tim Beckham then had the decisive blow in a big three-run 8th inning — a bases-loaded single that knocked home two.
Blake Rutherford continues to rake. With a double and two singles in the contest, his batting average now stands at .314. Gavin Sheets was hitless in three at bats, but did draw a bases loaded walk before Beckham delivered his big hit. Sheets also committed his 3rd error of the season at first base on a routine grounder that slipped through the wickets.
It was a quiet night for Luis Gonzalez (0-4, K, R, RBI). Zach Remillard made his Knights’ debut tonight, with a single and two strikeouts in four plate appearances.
Outfield Playing Time
The Knights have five outfielders to man three spots — Rutherford, Goodwin, Gonzalez, Nick Williams and Mikie Mahtook. Sheets is also playing right field about three games a week.
So who sits?
It is an important decision, given the White Sox injuries to Luis Robert, Eloy Jimenez, Adam Eaton and Adam Engel. Any more setbacks and the phone will be ringing in Charlotte.
The next outfield call-up is likely Goodwin’s job to lose, given his five years of MLB experience (.250 lifetime batting average) and, as a result, Goodwin is playing centerfield almost every game for the Knights.
Gavin Sheets is an intriguing option, on account of his strong start to the 2021 season: .328 batting average, .371 OBP, .552 slugging, 3 HRs and 14 RBIs prior to tonight’s game. But he’s only played the outfield for a handful of games, so it may be a little early to see how the Sheets’ right field experiment plays in Chicago. But testing his ability to patrol right is clearly a priority in Charlotte.
If Goodwin doesn’t find his groove, the call-up, if it materializes, could fall to Gonzalez or Rutherford. Both are on the 40-man roster.
Gonzalez appeared to have the edge early, but Rutherford may be opening some eyes with a smooth, line-drive approach that saw him collect three more hits tonight. Gonzalez, meanwhile, is just back off the IL and still looking for his stroke. But both are likely to get a lot of playing time with the Knights.
That leaves Williams and Mahtook looking for at bats at DH or a spot start.
Photo credit: Sean Williams/FutureSox
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