By denying Chris Sale his 97th career Major League Baseball (MLB) victory last week in Boston, the Chicago White Sox’ Dylan Covey picked up MLB victory No. 2 of his career. And, thanks in part to Covey’s effort, the White Sox’s record was 4-3 on a seven-game road trip last week in Minnesota and Boston.
Both Sale and Covey were drafted in 2010. Covey chose not to sign at the time Sale signed.
Sale was a relatively instant success with the White Sox and soon proved to be one of the best left-handed pitchers in baseball. However, with the White Sox struggling, Sale was dealt to the Boston Red Sox after the 2016 season for a package of players, led by infielder Yoán Moncada.
Professional baseball for Covey didn’t begin until 2013. Progress up the ladder was slow. However, despite a lifetime record of 18-25 in the minors, Covey got his shot at Major League Baseball last season. He hardly shined with a 0-7 record in a White Sox uniform!
May 23, Covey picked up his first victory in MLB when the Sox beat the Baltimore Orioles, 11-1.
Covey was on the mound for the White Sox Friday night and faced the Red Sox and Sale. It was Covey along, with stellar relief pitching that gave the White Sox the nod over Sale and the Carmine Hose, 1-0.
Sale obviously was not bad facing his former mates and gave up one run in eight innings of work. Still, the final result left Sale, 5-4, with career defeat 62 instead of picking up career victory 97.
Why the sudden, albeit limited, success by Covey? There were no gopher balls allowed by Covey for one thing.
Last season in 70 innings of work for the White Sox, Covey gave up 20 home runs. After 28 innings on the mound this season, Covey has yet to yield a round-tripper. Covey will end up yielding a home run some point. If he does not give many, he may have staying power with the White Sox.
The White Sox split four games with the Twins before taking two of three from the Red Sox, highlighted by Covey’s gem.
Ten games with American League Central Division opposition this week and next await the Sox. Cleveland and Detroit will play in Chicago. Early next week, the Sox go to Cleveland for three games.