It wasn't all smooth this season, though, as Altavilla exercised the opt-out clause in his contract in March and then re-signed on a minor league deal a few days later. He was then released by the White Sox again in May without making a major league appearance, but then re-signed, this time on a major league contract.

The White Sox exceeded (very low) expectations and two of our Chicago writers examine where they fit in the Chicago-disappointment pantheon.

The last time the White Sox played at Progressive Field, their roster looked a little different. Mike Clevinger was working out of the bullpen. Matt Thaiss was seeing time at catcher. Austin Slater hadn’t been traded away.

The Chicago White Sox entered Friday ranked in the top five in several offensive categories since the All-Star break.

With left-hander Brandon Lowe up next, Venable called upon lefty Tyler Gilbert to close things out. In a six-pitch at-bat, Gilbert fanned Lowe on a sweeper to lock down the first save of his five-year Major League career.

Colson Montgomery and Kyle Teel drove in two runs each to back 5 2/3 scoreless innings from fellow rookie Shane Smith, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Tampa Bay Rays 5-1 in the rubber game of the series.

On a 0-1 count, Teel connected on a splitter far outside of the zone for a two-run scoring line-drive single to push the lead to five and extend his on-base streak to 20 games. Teel remained in the game — a 5-1 victory against the Rays — at catcher, taking over for Korey Lee.

The Rays went 1-2-3 in the top of the fourth. Heading into the home half, Miguel Vargas drew a leadoff walk. With one out, Vargas stole second. Despite his efforts, two outs followed to leave him stranded.