The subject of the White Sox’s fifth starter is “a floating thing,” manager Terry Bevington said Saturday. Friday’s postponement wiped out Kirk McCaskill’s planned start, and Alex Fernandez opened Saturday night.
“McCaskill has started two games and will start more,” Bevington said. “McCaskill, Joe Magrane and Brian Keyser–with the right amount of rest, I’d be in favor of any of those three going as a fifth starter (next Wednesday at Cleveland), and going 60 pitches or more.”
Buckner injured: Sox batting coach Bill Buckner was struck with a ball in the cheek in a pregame drill. X-rays revealed no fracture. Ten stitches were taken to close the cut.
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No suspense: Bevington did not watch the Miami Heat-Bulls game, though the postponement gave him a night off. “I knew the Bulls were going to win,” he said. “I watched the Dodgers game.”
Bevington sidestepped questions about management’s decision to postpone the Sox-Angels game. “It doesn’t affect us,” he said. “Professional athletes are paid money to represent the team in various situations.”
Glove story: In Bevington’s judgment, Tony Phillips is “pure and simple the Gold Glove left-fielder in the American League. I can’t imagine anyone playing better left field. Runners have not scored from second on singles or gone from first to third on singles to left as they have in the past. Tony Phillips is the reason a minimum of 75 percent of the time.”
Gimme fastball: Cookie Monster and Grover, two members of the “Sesame Street” children’s TV show, will form the pitcher-catcher battery for Sunday’s ceremonial first pitch at Comiskey.
Life of Riley: The Florida Marlins claimed former Angels outfielder Marquis Riley on waivers from the Angels’ Triple-A affiliate in Vancouver. Riley was assigned to Vancouver on April 20 when the Angels acquired pitcher Jason Grimsley, who will start Sunday against the White Sox.