Back-to-back complete games by Richard Dotson and Bill Long have taken the strain off the Sox bullpen. In fact, complete games has been a positive statistic for the Sox this year. They have 21, ranking fourth in the league. Last year, they only had 18. ”There`s nothing better than a pitcher going nine,” said Sox manager Jim Fregosi. ”It gives you the ability to rest the guys in the pen.”
The Sox also have eight shutouts, which ties them for second in the league. On the negative side, they`re last in the league in strikeouts with 576 entering Saturday`s game.
Fregosi enjoys talking about Long. The pitcher was impressive again in Friday`s 5-1 victory over Texas. Fregosi believes the big difference in Long has been his ability to use his fastball. ”He spots it very well, using the entire plate,” Fregosi said. ”He`s sneaky fast. He doesn`t throw it more than 85. But when he gets it where he wants it, the pitch seems like 88, 89 miles per hour to the batter.”
Gary Redus says he`s probably going to have live with a jammed thumb for the rest of the season. He played Friday, collecting two hits. But afterward, the thumb swelled up again. ”I`ll play with it until it gets too painful to play,” Redus said.
The Rangers have yet to announce a starting pitcher for Sunday`s game. Greg Harris is out with a bad elbow. Jeff Russell, who was bombed in relief Friday, might get the nod.
Former Northwestern star Grady Hall had an encouraging outing Friday. Hall, who had elbow surgery in the spring, allowed only one earned run in eight innings to lead Double-A Birmingham to a 9-3 victory over Chattanooga.
