The White Sox’ scheduled game against the Guardians Wednesday afternoon at Guaranteed Rate Field has been postponed due to multiple Guardians COVID-19 issues.

The announcement was made at 12:15 p.m., 55 minutes before the scheduled start. There were multiple positive tests results affecting the Guardians, most of them from the coaching staff and traveling party, including manager Terry Francona.

The postponement was made to allow for continued testing and contact tracing.

The Sox and Guardians split the first two games of the series. The game will be made up at a later date to be announced.

The Sox open a four-game series against the Yankees at Guaranteed Rate Field Thursday.

Vince Velasquez was the Sox’ scheduled starter.

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When the Chicago Bulls learned starting point guard Lonzo Ball was ruled out for the rest of the season due to a meniscus tear, there was a gaping hole left on the roster. Ball, 24, was having a great first season in Chicago after signing a massive four-year contract.

The 6-foot-6 guard was leading the way for a first place Bulls team at the time. However, after a 22-13 run with Lonzo, Chicago finished 24-23 without him, landing as the sixth seed in a competitive eastern conference.

January 14th was the last game Ball played in before opting for surgery. There was hope he could return after a six-to-eight week timeline. However, treatment did not go as planned and now this summer is crucial for Ball to get healthy again.

What can Lonzo do for you?

Ball was effective on both ends of the court prior to his injury. Paired with Alex Caruso, Chicago had a deadly defensive duo. Ball averaged 1.8 steals (career-high) with his long frame and active hands. Moreover, the Bulls defensive rating was 107 with Ball and 114 without him. With Chicago putting out a smaller lineup compared to other teams, Ball’s size was beneficial in guarding taller forwards. Additionally, his 5.4 REB was second on the Bulls behind Nikola Vucevic.

It wasn’t only that Ball could hold his own defensively, his offense was catching fire. He has worked relentlessly in improving his 3-point shooting and it showed during the early stages of the season. Attempting about seven threes a game and converting on 42% of them were both career-bests. It forced defenses to pay more attention and created more one vs. one matchups for Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. Ball’s presence better spaced the floor for Chicago’s high-powered offense.

Aside from the numbers, Lonzo made the Bulls fun to watch. There was a swagger that the team lost when Lonzo was sidelined. His ability to see the court and make full-court passes or lobs got everyone excited. He had a high basketball IQ that made others around him play better.

Once Ball comes back healthy, the Bulls will be able to see what they really have. There was a brief glimpse of a Chicago Bulls team that can make serious noise with Lonzo running the point.

Make sure to check out our Bulls forum for the latest on the team.

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The Chicago Cubs entered the 2022 season with plenty of pitchers on the injured list. On Tuesday, Cubs fans got to see Wade Miley make his first start. The Cubs acquired Miley last November after he was waived by the Cincinnati Reds and he was coming off a 2021 season that was one of the strongest seasons of the 35-year-old’s career.

Miley began the season on the 10-day IL with elbow inflammation. In his first appearance back on the mound, Miley recorded 3 IP and 3 ER against the San Diego Padres. Miley’s downfall in his return was the free passes. He gave up five walks while only recording a single strikeout.

Miley definitely left fans wanting more, but many will be encouraged just to see a key pitcher return from the IL. David Robertson and Marcus Stroman were recently added to the extensive list of injured Cubs pitchers. That list already includes Alec Mills, Adbert Alzolay, Codi Heuer, and others.

Despite a tremendous comeback effort in the 9th inning, the Cubs came up short in Miley’s first start. Frank Schwindel, who recently had a very brief demotion to Iowa, came inches from putting the Cubs back on top in the ninth.

The Cubs will try to pin down an elusive series win on Wednesday against the Padres. Miley is likely to make his home debut for the Cubs next week against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Make sure to check out our Cubs forum for the latest on the team.

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A teenager was shot on Michigan Avenue near “The Bean” Tuesday evening, the latest in a series of recent attacks in the Loop.

The man, 19, was riding in the back seat of a vehicle when someone opened fire around 10:20 p.m. in the first block of North Michigan Avenue, Chicago police said.

He was struck in the shoulder and went to Stroger Hospital, where his condition stabilized, police said.

Witnesses reported hearing gunshots near Michigan Avenue and Madison Street and seeing a black Toyota Prius speeding away west, according to police radio traffic.

No arrests were reported.

Chicago police said they have increased officers in the downtown area after a series of shootings in the area this month.

On May 1, two men were shot and wounded near the Chicago Theater when the victims of a robbery opened fire at the thieves and hit them instead. An evening performance of “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” was canceled at the Nederlander nearby.

The same day, a teen was shot to death inside the Sonesta ES Suites at 201 E. Walton Pl. when people who were allowed in through a side door began arguing and shooting at each other, according to police.

A day earlier, a woman was killed and another woman was wounded outside the 10pin bowling alley in the 300 block of North State Street when a man got out of a car during an argument and opened fire early morning April 30.

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LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Velus Jones Jr. walked into Halas Hall for his first day of work and left a strong impression on his new coaches.

The wide receiver, whom the Chicago Bears drafted 71st overall, wore a suit and brought his own whiteboard to meetings. He came across prepared, aiming to prove his all-in approach and age as a soon-to-be 25-year-old rookie will be an asset for a thin position group.

“I’m all about my business,” Jones said. “I was young, but now that I’m older I realize what’s at stake, and this is the best job in the world.

“They’re getting a guy that’s mature. I don’t care much about partying. … My mind is screwed on right, and so they’re definitely getting a mature guy that’s all about his business and is going to help this team in any way possible.”

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Jones was the only receiver Chicago drafted with its 11 picks last month, which was somewhat of a surprise considering the emphasis on surrounding second-year quarterback Justin Fields with as many weapons as possible. Jones was taken ahead of several wideouts with considerably more offensive production, like Khalil Shakir, Jalen Tolbert and Calvin Austin III.

Over the course of a six-year college career — the NCAA allowed an extra year during the pandemic — that began at USC in 2016 before Jones transferred to Tennessee to have a bigger role as a wide receiver during his final two seasons, the 6-foot, 200-pound receiver/return man developed into a versatile weapon on offense and special teams. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Jones was the only FBS player with more than 800 receiving yards, 600 kickoff return yards and 200 punt return yards in 2021. He also had seven receiving touchdowns and returned a kickoff for a score. It was by far his best year in terms of offensive production after totaling 627 receiving yards and four touchdowns combined during his five previous seasons.

Bears general manager Ryan Poles stopped short of comparing the rookie to San Francisco’s do-it-all Deebo Samuel, but he envisions the ability to line Jones up “anywhere” to pay dividends. That was reflected during rookie minicamp as Jones was switched from the backfield to the slot to the outside.

Velus Jones’ speed and versatility are two assets that have the Bears excited to use him in a variety of ways. Matthew Maxey/Icon Sportswire

“I was talking to [Bears offensive coordinator] Luke [Getsy] the other day about the special attributes that [Jones] has, and he’s got a big plan for him,” coach Matt Eberflus said. “Let’s start out at receiver and then let’s see what he can do, moving him around to different spots and getting him the ball, because he is an explosive athlete.”

Chicago will continue to sort out its wide receiver depth chart when the full squad begins OTAs next week. While trying to figure out where to align the likes of Darnell Mooney and recent free-agent signings Byron Pringle and Equanimeous St. Brown, Jones’ speed could be a factor in determining whether his best fit is as an X-receiver. His 4.31-second 40-yard dash was the fourth-fastest at the NFL combine.

“I mean he can handle this league, you can see that already,” Getsy said. “Then the speed just jumped at you on the tape. When that guy gets the ball in his hands, he looks like 4.3 on the field. Not many guys can do that, and I think that is what stood out about this guy. He has a chance to score every time he touches the ball.”

As a plan for Jones begins to take shape on offense, his special teams impact feels imminent. Jones earned SEC co-special teams player of the year after averaging 132.5 all-purpose yards per game in 2021, which included 27.3 yards per kick return and 15.1 yards per punt return. Chicago special teams coordinator Richard Hightower said he anticipates Jones competing for both jobs this offseason. And for Jones, honing his craft as a return specialist is what he believes will help him in his development as a receiver.

Finding dynamic return specialists became a priority for Chicago after parting ways with wide receiver Jakeem Grant and running back Tarik Cohen this offseason. The Bears prioritized players who aren’t just limited to the positions they play on offense or defense. And for Jones, honing his craft as a returner is what he believes will help him in his development as a receiver.

“I would say it’s really a blessing,” Jones said. “I want to win games, and I want to help this coaching staff win games … any way I can affect the game, definitely in the return game and as a receiver. I’m blessed that I can do both because I can impact the game in different ways. So I’m really excited about that.”

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The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) on Wednesday announced the lineups for three of the city’s free summer music festivals: the Chicago Gospel Festival, the Chicago Blues Festival, and the Millennium Park Summer Series.

Of note: the jazz and blues festivals return as full-on events after pivoting to one-night-only concerts in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chicago Gospel Festival (June 4, Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park): This year’s lineup features Duane Powell with a DJ Sunday Service; the Greater Harvest Sanctuary Choir, Pastor Daniel X. Smith and NSMIC; a tribute to Deacon Reuben Burton, featuring Tim White and Refocused and The Hoskins Family; a tribute to Dr. LouDella Evans Reed featuring GMAC (Gospel Music According to Chicago), The Traditional Choir, Darlene Roberts, Felicia Coleman-Evans, Loretta Oliver and Vernon Oliver-Price; Kierra Sheard Kelly; The Walls Group; The Williams Singers; Brian Courtney Wilson; and John P. Kee. Visit ChicagoGospelMusicFestival.us for set times and more information.

Chicago Blues Festival (June 9-12): In addition to a full lineup in Millennium Park, this year’s festival for the first time will present concerts in Austin (5720 W. Chicago Ave.), in Bronzeville (Lillian Hardin Armstrong Park, 4433 S. St. Lawrence Ave.) and at the Confluence on the Chicago Riverwalk (305 West Riverwalk South).

Also new this year is a “Women in Blues” showcase on June 12 at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park featuring a tribute to blues great Mary Lane. Other special tributes at the festival will honor blues legends Erwin Helfer, Bob Stroger, Gene Barge, Cicero Blake and Willie Henderson.

Featured in this year’s lineup are Shemekia Copeland, Toronzo Cannon, Billy Branch & The Sons of Blues, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Melody Angel, Keith Johnson & The Big Muddy Band, Demetria Taylor, Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials, and more. The full schedule can be found at ChicagoBluesFestival.us.

Millennium Park Summer Music Series (June 20-Aug. 18; Monday and Thursday evenings at the Pritzker Pavilion): A host of musical entertainment will be presented over 10 weeks of programming including Femi Kuti & The Positive Force, Jeff Tweedy, Abigail Washburn, Ana Tijoux, the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble (seven sons of jazz great Phil Cohran), and CIMAFUNK, among others. The full schedule can be found at MillenniumPark.org

Lineups for the Chicago Jazz Festival (Sept. 1-4), Chicago House Music Festival and Conference (starting Sept. 16), and World Music Festival Chicago (Sept. 30-Oct. 9) will be announced in the coming weeks.

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Here’s a look at some of the upcoming music tours heading to the Chicago area in the months ahead:

The Black Keys bring their Dropout Boogie Tour, their first road trek in three years, to the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Tinley Park on July 17. The tour is in support of their new album “Dropout Boogie” (Nonesuch Records) due May 13. Band Of Horses and Ceramic Animal are also on the bill.

Tickets are currently on sale at ticketmaster.com.

Chicago’s Smashing Pumpkins arrive at the United Center on Nov. 5 as part of their 2022 Spirits on Fire North American tour. Special guest is Jane’s Addiction. The 32-date tour kicks off Oct. 2 in Dallas, Texas.

Ticket pre-sale starts at 10 a.m. May 12. General onsale begins at 10 a.m. May 13 at ticketmaster.com.

Arcade Fire brings their 2022 WE world tour to Chicago with a show Nov. 12 at the United Center. The tour is in support of the band’s just-released “WE” studio album (Columbia Records). Special guest is Beck. The tour kicks off Oct. 28 in Washington, D.C.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. May 13 at ticketmaster.com. A pre-sale event is currently underway. In addition, $1 for every ticket sold goes to KANPE in support of educational, health and entrepreneurship programs in Haiti.

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