Vaughn batting .324 in last 11 games but still looking for first home run.
A home run would be nice.
Andrew Vaughn knows it.
But he’s not going to force the issue.
“It’ll happen eventually,” the White Sox left fielder said before the Sox opened a three-game series against the defending AL Central champion Twins Tuesday at Guaranteed Rate Field. “It’s not something I’m going out trying to do. I pride myself on being a hitter first, and I’ve always said that. That’s the biggest part of my game, getting into that groove and just going at it every day.”
Perhaps getting his most consistent playing time of the season will lead to his first home run. Vaughn entered the game on a 12-for-37 (.324) streak including four doubles and two RBI in his last 11 games, raising his hitting line to .261/.350/.362. Before that, the No. 3 overall pick in 2019 was batting .188/.333/.281 while playing in 11 of the Sox’ first 18 games.
“It’s definitely seeing more reps,” Vaughn said.
Vaughn, who hasn’t played above advanced Class A, batted .278/.384/.449 with six homers in 55 minor league games. Last year’s minor league season was canceled, so it’s been an uneven entry into the majors. And when he got there, he was thrown into an unexpected position change because of Eloy Jimenez’ torn pectoral muscle.
A first baseman who figured to make the Opening Day roster the Sox DH this season, Vaughn’s transition to left field has been uneventful. He is making the routine plays and even laid out to make a catch in Kansas City Sunday.
“It’s still new because I haven’t been out there for a super long time,” Vaughn said. “But it’s getting better, getting all the reads out there and seeing the ball. I’m getting more comfortable out there, 100 percent.”
Struggling Twins
The defending AL Central champion Twins entered Tuesday with a 12-20 record but manager Tony La Russa isn’t writing them off no matter what happens in the series, the first of 19 games between the teams.
“No, it’s way too early,” La Russa said. “Whatever the results, there’s so much time to make up for it.
“Whichever way this series goes, it doesn’t say anything about what’s going to happen in the second half of the season. Just right now we have something going and the Twins are in our way.”
Good looking ballclub
Crowds have been limited by COVID restrictions but lively all over baseball.
“Not only have I noticed it but the guys have mentioned it,” La Russa said. “Just the atmosphere is totally different with so many thousands.
“If you look at our club, it’s a very attractive club. The pitchers are attractive, position players, everybody’s got something the fans like about them. We’ve got a real shot to be entertaining and competitive and contend all summer.”
This and that
Nursing a sore knee, Adam Eaton returned to the lineup after playing twice in the previous five games over eight days because of three off days. “He’s pretty close to 100 percent,” La Russa said.
*Wednesday starter Dallas Keuchel is 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA over 24 innings in his last four starts.
*Michael Kopech is the only pitcher in the major leagues with 35-plus strikeouts over 22 1⁄3 innings pitched or less.
