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Deadspin | Rays’ Shane McClanahan puts stellar streak on line vs. Marlins  May 31, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) throws a pitch during the second inning against Los Angeles Angels at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images   The Tampa Bay Rays will turn to their most reliable pitcher of late when left-hander Shane McClanahan takes the mound Saturday afternoon in the second contest of a three-game series against the host Miami Marlins.  McClanahan (6-2, 2.45 ERA) will have a tough act to follow after Drew Rasmussen frustrated the Marlins, tossing seven shutout innings in a 6-0 win on Friday.  Miami trailed 3-0 after the first inning and could produce just one hit against Rasmussen, who retired 17 straight batters at one point.  The Marlins managed just two hits overall, including a ninth-inning bunt single by Esteury Ruiz, and a walk. The club was hitless in its lone at-bat with runners in scoring position.  “It’s one of those nights you tip your cap (to Rasmussen),” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said of the right-hander’s dominant nine-strikeout outing. “His ability to execute and locate his fastball. … I think our first 2-0 count in the whole game was in the eighth inning with two outs.   “We just didn’t have an answer, but a lot of that is just him executing at a really high rate. We just never got into any kind of a threat. … We couldn’t combat his fastball.”  Three of McClanahan’s first four starts lasted fewer than five innings, and the production was mediocre or just downright poor in all three. He still was getting accustomed to being back on the mound after missing more than full two seasons due to injuries.  However, starting with the Rays’ 6-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on April 25, McClanahan has been incredibly sharp.   After winning four of six starts and posting a 1.41 ERA in May, the left-hander is 5-0 with a 1.22 ERA dating back to beating the Twins.   Over those 37 innings, McClanahan has allowed just five runs, 24 hits and one home run. His good work has resulted in 35 strikeouts and eight walks.   He’s not his old self, lasering triple-digit fastballs by hitters. as the 29-year-old is more pitcher than flamethrower these days, post-injuries.   “I’m still pretty hard on myself,” he said. “I think that kind of makes me who I am just as a competitor. … I’m not going to go out there and try and be average or mediocre and just accept anything but my best.”  McClanahan has been exceptional in two career starts against the Marlins, posting a 2-0 record and a 0.82 ERA in 11 innings. He has given up one run on 10 hits while striking out a dozen batters and walking three.  He has not pitched against the Marlins since 2022.  Rays manager Kevin Cash said outfielder Chandler Simpson, who left Friday’s game after the second inning, has a bruised left thumb and is day-to-day.  Miami’s Lake Bachar (0-0, 3.45) will make his 20th appearance and second start Sunday when he serves as the opener in a bullpen game.   The right-hander started Tuesday and tossed 2 2/3 hitless and scoreless innings against the Washington Nationals. He struck out three batters and walked one.   In three career relief appearances against the Rays, Bachar has a 6.00 ERA without a decision over three innings.   McCullough said Ryan Gusto, the opener on Friday, would be the only reliever unavailable out of the bullpen on Saturday.  “We’re in a really good spot (Saturday) coming off the off day,” McCullough said.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Rays #Shane #McClanahan #puts #stellar #streak #line #Marlins

Deadspin | Rays’ Shane McClanahan puts stellar streak on line vs. Marlins
Deadspin | Rays’ Shane McClanahan puts stellar streak on line vs. Marlins  May 31, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) throws a pitch during the second inning against Los Angeles Angels at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images   The Tampa Bay Rays will turn to their most reliable pitcher of late when left-hander Shane McClanahan takes the mound Saturday afternoon in the second contest of a three-game series against the host Miami Marlins.  McClanahan (6-2, 2.45 ERA) will have a tough act to follow after Drew Rasmussen frustrated the Marlins, tossing seven shutout innings in a 6-0 win on Friday.  Miami trailed 3-0 after the first inning and could produce just one hit against Rasmussen, who retired 17 straight batters at one point.  The Marlins managed just two hits overall, including a ninth-inning bunt single by Esteury Ruiz, and a walk. The club was hitless in its lone at-bat with runners in scoring position.  “It’s one of those nights you tip your cap (to Rasmussen),” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said of the right-hander’s dominant nine-strikeout outing. “His ability to execute and locate his fastball. … I think our first 2-0 count in the whole game was in the eighth inning with two outs.   “We just didn’t have an answer, but a lot of that is just him executing at a really high rate. We just never got into any kind of a threat. … We couldn’t combat his fastball.”  Three of McClanahan’s first four starts lasted fewer than five innings, and the production was mediocre or just downright poor in all three. He still was getting accustomed to being back on the mound after missing more than full two seasons due to injuries.  However, starting with the Rays’ 6-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on April 25, McClanahan has been incredibly sharp.   After winning four of six starts and posting a 1.41 ERA in May, the left-hander is 5-0 with a 1.22 ERA dating back to beating the Twins.   Over those 37 innings, McClanahan has allowed just five runs, 24 hits and one home run. His good work has resulted in 35 strikeouts and eight walks.   He’s not his old self, lasering triple-digit fastballs by hitters. as the 29-year-old is more pitcher than flamethrower these days, post-injuries.   “I’m still pretty hard on myself,” he said. “I think that kind of makes me who I am just as a competitor. … I’m not going to go out there and try and be average or mediocre and just accept anything but my best.”  McClanahan has been exceptional in two career starts against the Marlins, posting a 2-0 record and a 0.82 ERA in 11 innings. He has given up one run on 10 hits while striking out a dozen batters and walking three.  He has not pitched against the Marlins since 2022.  Rays manager Kevin Cash said outfielder Chandler Simpson, who left Friday’s game after the second inning, has a bruised left thumb and is day-to-day.  Miami’s Lake Bachar (0-0, 3.45) will make his 20th appearance and second start Sunday when he serves as the opener in a bullpen game.   The right-hander started Tuesday and tossed 2 2/3 hitless and scoreless innings against the Washington Nationals. He struck out three batters and walked one.   In three career relief appearances against the Rays, Bachar has a 6.00 ERA without a decision over three innings.   McCullough said Ryan Gusto, the opener on Friday, would be the only reliever unavailable out of the bullpen on Saturday.  “We’re in a really good spot (Saturday) coming off the off day,” McCullough said.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Rays #Shane #McClanahan #puts #stellar #streak #line #MarlinsMay 31, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) throws a pitch during the second inning against Los Angeles Angels at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Rays will turn to their most reliable pitcher of late when left-hander Shane McClanahan takes the mound Saturday afternoon in the second contest of a three-game series against the host Miami Marlins.

McClanahan (6-2, 2.45 ERA) will have a tough act to follow after Drew Rasmussen frustrated the Marlins, tossing seven shutout innings in a 6-0 win on Friday.

Miami trailed 3-0 after the first inning and could produce just one hit against Rasmussen, who retired 17 straight batters at one point.

The Marlins managed just two hits overall, including a ninth-inning bunt single by Esteury Ruiz, and a walk. The club was hitless in its lone at-bat with runners in scoring position.

“It’s one of those nights you tip your cap (to Rasmussen),” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said of the right-hander’s dominant nine-strikeout outing. “His ability to execute and locate his fastball. … I think our first 2-0 count in the whole game was in the eighth inning with two outs.

“We just didn’t have an answer, but a lot of that is just him executing at a really high rate. We just never got into any kind of a threat. … We couldn’t combat his fastball.”

Three of McClanahan’s first four starts lasted fewer than five innings, and the production was mediocre or just downright poor in all three. He still was getting accustomed to being back on the mound after missing more than full two seasons due to injuries.

However, starting with the Rays’ 6-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on April 25, McClanahan has been incredibly sharp.

After winning four of six starts and posting a 1.41 ERA in May, the left-hander is 5-0 with a 1.22 ERA dating back to beating the Twins.

Over those 37 innings, McClanahan has allowed just five runs, 24 hits and one home run. His good work has resulted in 35 strikeouts and eight walks.


He’s not his old self, lasering triple-digit fastballs by hitters. as the 29-year-old is more pitcher than flamethrower these days, post-injuries.

“I’m still pretty hard on myself,” he said. “I think that kind of makes me who I am just as a competitor. … I’m not going to go out there and try and be average or mediocre and just accept anything but my best.”

McClanahan has been exceptional in two career starts against the Marlins, posting a 2-0 record and a 0.82 ERA in 11 innings. He has given up one run on 10 hits while striking out a dozen batters and walking three.

He has not pitched against the Marlins since 2022.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said outfielder Chandler Simpson, who left Friday’s game after the second inning, has a bruised left thumb and is day-to-day.

Miami’s Lake Bachar (0-0, 3.45) will make his 20th appearance and second start Sunday when he serves as the opener in a bullpen game.

The right-hander started Tuesday and tossed 2 2/3 hitless and scoreless innings against the Washington Nationals. He struck out three batters and walked one.

In three career relief appearances against the Rays, Bachar has a 6.00 ERA without a decision over three innings.

McCullough said Ryan Gusto, the opener on Friday, would be the only reliever unavailable out of the bullpen on Saturday.

“We’re in a really good spot (Saturday) coming off the off day,” McCullough said.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rays #Shane #McClanahan #puts #stellar #streak #line #Marlins

May 31, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) throws a pitch during the second inning against Los Angeles Angels at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Rays will turn to their most reliable pitcher of late when left-hander Shane McClanahan takes the mound Saturday afternoon in the second contest of a three-game series against the host Miami Marlins.

McClanahan (6-2, 2.45 ERA) will have a tough act to follow after Drew Rasmussen frustrated the Marlins, tossing seven shutout innings in a 6-0 win on Friday.

Miami trailed 3-0 after the first inning and could produce just one hit against Rasmussen, who retired 17 straight batters at one point.

The Marlins managed just two hits overall, including a ninth-inning bunt single by Esteury Ruiz, and a walk. The club was hitless in its lone at-bat with runners in scoring position.

“It’s one of those nights you tip your cap (to Rasmussen),” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said of the right-hander’s dominant nine-strikeout outing. “His ability to execute and locate his fastball. … I think our first 2-0 count in the whole game was in the eighth inning with two outs.

“We just didn’t have an answer, but a lot of that is just him executing at a really high rate. We just never got into any kind of a threat. … We couldn’t combat his fastball.”

Three of McClanahan’s first four starts lasted fewer than five innings, and the production was mediocre or just downright poor in all three. He still was getting accustomed to being back on the mound after missing more than full two seasons due to injuries.

However, starting with the Rays’ 6-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on April 25, McClanahan has been incredibly sharp.

After winning four of six starts and posting a 1.41 ERA in May, the left-hander is 5-0 with a 1.22 ERA dating back to beating the Twins.

Over those 37 innings, McClanahan has allowed just five runs, 24 hits and one home run. His good work has resulted in 35 strikeouts and eight walks.

He’s not his old self, lasering triple-digit fastballs by hitters. as the 29-year-old is more pitcher than flamethrower these days, post-injuries.

“I’m still pretty hard on myself,” he said. “I think that kind of makes me who I am just as a competitor. … I’m not going to go out there and try and be average or mediocre and just accept anything but my best.”

McClanahan has been exceptional in two career starts against the Marlins, posting a 2-0 record and a 0.82 ERA in 11 innings. He has given up one run on 10 hits while striking out a dozen batters and walking three.

He has not pitched against the Marlins since 2022.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said outfielder Chandler Simpson, who left Friday’s game after the second inning, has a bruised left thumb and is day-to-day.

Miami’s Lake Bachar (0-0, 3.45) will make his 20th appearance and second start Sunday when he serves as the opener in a bullpen game.

The right-hander started Tuesday and tossed 2 2/3 hitless and scoreless innings against the Washington Nationals. He struck out three batters and walked one.

In three career relief appearances against the Rays, Bachar has a 6.00 ERA without a decision over three innings.

McCullough said Ryan Gusto, the opener on Friday, would be the only reliever unavailable out of the bullpen on Saturday.

“We’re in a really good spot (Saturday) coming off the off day,” McCullough said.

–Field Level Media

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भीषण गर्मी में स्ट्रेचर पर बेटे को लेकर भटकते रहे माता-पिता, धूप से बचाने मां ने गीली चुन्नी से ढका मासूम, Video वायरल

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‘उज्जैन में दोगुना मुआवजा तो इंदौर को क्यों नहीं’, छावनी से मुआवजे की मांग को लेकर कांग्रेस का प्रदर्शन

A high-performance national coach for rifle shooters, who is involved in preparations for the upcoming Asian Games, is facing an inquiry by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for allegedly conducting private coaching at the government-owned Karni Singh Range and discriminating against those who do not attend his sessions.

Manoj Kumar, the head coach for 50m rifle events, is under investigation, and it has been reliably learnt that a hearing was held at the headquarters here on Monday in which grievances from the affected shooters and their guardians were heard.

“We have received not one, but several complaints against this individual and therefore an inquiry is underway right now,” a well-placed SAI source told PTI.

The hearing on Monday was conducted by SAI Deputy Director General Manjushree Dayanand, who heads the SAI’s operations division. Manoj, however, was not in attendance during the hearing but was spoken to individually by SAI officials at an earlier date. He is currently in Hangzhou with the Indian team for the upcoming World Cup starting July 22.

When contacted by PTI, he said, “I have given my reply to SAI, and I have nothing more to say on this.” One of the complainants is the mother of a shooter, who has competed in multiple World Championships, World Cups and Asian Championships.

“We had sent an email to SAI (listing our grievances), and based on that, they called us and our ward. We had written against the High-Performance Coach for rifle shooting,” she told PTI on condition of anonymity.

“We have provided evidence to SAI that the coach in question conducts private coaching at the Karni Singh Range. Even during the national squad camp, he provides personal coaching to select shooters and pressures them into naming him as their coach, insisting that they state he is their official coach,” she asserted.

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) secretary general, Pawan Singh, refuted the charge against the coach and claimed that he was not aware of any ongoing inquiry.

“I am unaware of the matter. Talking about conflict of interest, I don’t think it is true. He is a High-Performance coach appointed by SAI. Definitely, there should be an inquiry to know the truth,” he said.

The mother of the affected shooter also alleged that her daughter had been mentally affected by the coach’s handling of the camp.

“When my ward was part of the TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) before 2025, shooters were required to submit a requisition for a specified quantity of ammunition for practice, competition and the finals.

“When my ward requested 500 rounds, she was allotted only 300. However, when she went to sign the register, she noticed that some TOPS shooters, who were personally coached by the said coach and attended his private coaching sessions, had been allotted 800 rounds of ammunition,” she said.

According to a source, this is not the only case of private coaching at the government facility, as even foreign coaches are indulging in the practice.

Published on Jul 20, 2026

#Rifle #coach #faces #SAI #inquiry #private #coaching #discrimination #Karni #Singh #Range">Rifle coach faces SAI inquiry for private coaching, discrimination at Karni Singh Range  A high-performance national coach for rifle shooters, who is involved in preparations for the upcoming Asian Games, is facing an inquiry by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for allegedly conducting private coaching at the government-owned Karni Singh Range and discriminating against those who do not attend his sessions.Manoj Kumar, the head coach for 50m rifle events, is under investigation, and it has been reliably learnt that a hearing was held at the headquarters here on Monday in which grievances from the affected shooters and their guardians were heard.“We have received not one, but several complaints against this individual and therefore an inquiry is underway right now,” a well-placed SAI source told PTI.The hearing on Monday was conducted by SAI Deputy Director General Manjushree Dayanand, who heads the SAI’s operations division. Manoj, however, was not in attendance during the hearing but was spoken to individually by SAI officials at an earlier date. He is currently in Hangzhou with the Indian team for the upcoming World Cup starting July 22.When contacted by        PTI, he said, “I have given my reply to SAI, and I have nothing more to say on this.” One of the complainants is the mother of a shooter, who has competed in multiple World Championships, World Cups and Asian Championships.“We had sent an email to SAI (listing our grievances), and based on that, they called us and our ward. We had written against the High-Performance Coach for rifle shooting,” she told PTI on condition of anonymity.“We have provided evidence to SAI that the coach in question conducts private coaching at the Karni Singh Range. Even during the national squad camp, he provides personal coaching to select shooters and pressures them into naming him as their coach, insisting that they state he is their official coach,” she asserted.The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) secretary general, Pawan Singh, refuted the charge against the coach and claimed that he was not aware of any ongoing inquiry.“I am unaware of the matter. Talking about conflict of interest, I don’t think it is true. He is a High-Performance coach appointed by SAI. Definitely, there should be an inquiry to know the truth,” he said.The mother of the affected shooter also alleged that her daughter had been mentally affected by the coach’s handling of the camp.“When my ward was part of the TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) before 2025, shooters were required to submit a requisition for a specified quantity of ammunition for practice, competition and the finals.“When my ward requested 500 rounds, she was allotted only 300. However, when she went to sign the register, she noticed that some TOPS shooters, who were personally coached by the said coach and attended his private coaching sessions, had been allotted 800 rounds of ammunition,” she said.According to a source, this is not the only case of private coaching at the government facility, as even foreign coaches are indulging in the practice.Published on Jul 20, 2026  #Rifle #coach #faces #SAI #inquiry #private #coaching #discrimination #Karni #Singh #Range

Deadspin | White Sox playing hard to beat, face challenge from Rangers  Jul 19, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery (12) reacts after his single against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fourth inning  at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images   Chicago White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery summed up his team’s mentality in one word after their 3-0 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday: “Relentlessness.”  That attitude is serving the White Sox well, as they are currently one game up on the Cleveland Guardians for first place in the American League Central after winning five of their last six.  They will look to rely on that same mindset as they begin a three-game set against the AL West-leading Texas Rangers on Monday in Arlington, Texas.  Facing someone Montgomery called “a true competitor” in Blue Jays starter Trey Yesavage on Sunday, the White Sox hitters were ready for a battle at the plate.  “We knew we had to be disciplined with our plan,” Montgomery said.   “We just tried to stay positive,” he added. “And I think we just pulled through.”  Montgomery was a vital part of the 3-0 victory, hitting his team-leading 24th home run off Yesavage in the sixth inning.  There’s no secret ingredient to the surprise turnaround by the White Sox, but Montgomery credits the youth of the team for their day-to-day camaraderie.  “We’re all young, we’re all pretty inexperienced,” he said, “so we’re all just staying together.”  Erick Fedde (5-6, 4.15 ERA) will start for Chicago in Monday’s opener. Fedde’s last appearance came in relief on July 11, but he picked up the win after throwing four shutout innings in a 1-0 win against the visiting Athletics.   Fedde is 0-1 with a 2.70 ERA in three career appearances (two starts) versus the Rangers.  Texas power-hitting outfielder Wyatt Langford, who homered in the team’s 8-5 road loss to Atlanta on Sunday, has been slowed down only by the injury bug in 2026.  Langford has played in only 47 of the Rangers’ 99 games this season due to quad and forearm injuries in April and a hamstring strain in late June, but he’s not allowed the stop-start nature of his availability to throw off his rhythm. Seven of Langford’s 10 homers this season have come in his last 16 games, over which time he’s hitting .368 (25-for-68) with 17 RBIs.  Texas comes home after dropping two of three to the Braves in their first series after the break.  The Rangers will turn to veteran Jacob deGrom (7-5, 3.49) on the mound. The right-hander is coming off a health scare, as he was scratched from his last scheduled start on July 12 with a glute injury. Fortunately for Texas, their ace will avoid a stint on the injured list as he gets ready to face Chicago.  Texas manager Skip Schumaker said he waited to make the decision to start deGrom until he threw a pain-free bullpen session over the weekend, saying, “You want to check every box.”  “His health is good after the break, which is great news,” the manager said.  The last time deGrom took the mound, he had a no-decision in the Rangers’ 8-3 win over the visiting Los Angeles Angels on July 7, giving up two runs and striking out seven in five innings.  The White Sox are one of just five teams that deGrom has not beaten in his 13-year career. A five-time All-Star and two-time winner of the National League Cy Young Award, he has a 0-0 record and 1.80 ERA in three previous starts against Chicago.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #White #Sox #playing #hard #beat #face #challenge #RangersJul 19, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery (12) reacts after his single against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fourth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Chicago White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery summed up his team’s mentality in one word after their 3-0 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday: “Relentlessness.”

That attitude is serving the White Sox well, as they are currently one game up on the Cleveland Guardians for first place in the American League Central after winning five of their last six.

They will look to rely on that same mindset as they begin a three-game set against the AL West-leading Texas Rangers on Monday in Arlington, Texas.

Facing someone Montgomery called “a true competitor” in Blue Jays starter Trey Yesavage on Sunday, the White Sox hitters were ready for a battle at the plate.

“We knew we had to be disciplined with our plan,” Montgomery said.

“We just tried to stay positive,” he added. “And I think we just pulled through.”

Montgomery was a vital part of the 3-0 victory, hitting his team-leading 24th home run off Yesavage in the sixth inning.

There’s no secret ingredient to the surprise turnaround by the White Sox, but Montgomery credits the youth of the team for their day-to-day camaraderie.

“We’re all young, we’re all pretty inexperienced,” he said, “so we’re all just staying together.”


Erick Fedde (5-6, 4.15 ERA) will start for Chicago in Monday’s opener. Fedde’s last appearance came in relief on July 11, but he picked up the win after throwing four shutout innings in a 1-0 win against the visiting Athletics.

Fedde is 0-1 with a 2.70 ERA in three career appearances (two starts) versus the Rangers.

Texas power-hitting outfielder Wyatt Langford, who homered in the team’s 8-5 road loss to Atlanta on Sunday, has been slowed down only by the injury bug in 2026.

Langford has played in only 47 of the Rangers’ 99 games this season due to quad and forearm injuries in April and a hamstring strain in late June, but he’s not allowed the stop-start nature of his availability to throw off his rhythm. Seven of Langford’s 10 homers this season have come in his last 16 games, over which time he’s hitting .368 (25-for-68) with 17 RBIs.

Texas comes home after dropping two of three to the Braves in their first series after the break.

The Rangers will turn to veteran Jacob deGrom (7-5, 3.49) on the mound. The right-hander is coming off a health scare, as he was scratched from his last scheduled start on July 12 with a glute injury. Fortunately for Texas, their ace will avoid a stint on the injured list as he gets ready to face Chicago.

Texas manager Skip Schumaker said he waited to make the decision to start deGrom until he threw a pain-free bullpen session over the weekend, saying, “You want to check every box.”

“His health is good after the break, which is great news,” the manager said.

The last time deGrom took the mound, he had a no-decision in the Rangers’ 8-3 win over the visiting Los Angeles Angels on July 7, giving up two runs and striking out seven in five innings.

The White Sox are one of just five teams that deGrom has not beaten in his 13-year career. A five-time All-Star and two-time winner of the National League Cy Young Award, he has a 0-0 record and 1.80 ERA in three previous starts against Chicago.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #White #Sox #playing #hard #beat #face #challenge #Rangers">Deadspin | White Sox playing hard to beat, face challenge from Rangers  Jul 19, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery (12) reacts after his single against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fourth inning  at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images   Chicago White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery summed up his team’s mentality in one word after their 3-0 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday: “Relentlessness.”  That attitude is serving the White Sox well, as they are currently one game up on the Cleveland Guardians for first place in the American League Central after winning five of their last six.  They will look to rely on that same mindset as they begin a three-game set against the AL West-leading Texas Rangers on Monday in Arlington, Texas.  Facing someone Montgomery called “a true competitor” in Blue Jays starter Trey Yesavage on Sunday, the White Sox hitters were ready for a battle at the plate.  “We knew we had to be disciplined with our plan,” Montgomery said.   “We just tried to stay positive,” he added. “And I think we just pulled through.”  Montgomery was a vital part of the 3-0 victory, hitting his team-leading 24th home run off Yesavage in the sixth inning.  There’s no secret ingredient to the surprise turnaround by the White Sox, but Montgomery credits the youth of the team for their day-to-day camaraderie.  “We’re all young, we’re all pretty inexperienced,” he said, “so we’re all just staying together.”  Erick Fedde (5-6, 4.15 ERA) will start for Chicago in Monday’s opener. Fedde’s last appearance came in relief on July 11, but he picked up the win after throwing four shutout innings in a 1-0 win against the visiting Athletics.   Fedde is 0-1 with a 2.70 ERA in three career appearances (two starts) versus the Rangers.  Texas power-hitting outfielder Wyatt Langford, who homered in the team’s 8-5 road loss to Atlanta on Sunday, has been slowed down only by the injury bug in 2026.  Langford has played in only 47 of the Rangers’ 99 games this season due to quad and forearm injuries in April and a hamstring strain in late June, but he’s not allowed the stop-start nature of his availability to throw off his rhythm. Seven of Langford’s 10 homers this season have come in his last 16 games, over which time he’s hitting .368 (25-for-68) with 17 RBIs.  Texas comes home after dropping two of three to the Braves in their first series after the break.  The Rangers will turn to veteran Jacob deGrom (7-5, 3.49) on the mound. The right-hander is coming off a health scare, as he was scratched from his last scheduled start on July 12 with a glute injury. Fortunately for Texas, their ace will avoid a stint on the injured list as he gets ready to face Chicago.  Texas manager Skip Schumaker said he waited to make the decision to start deGrom until he threw a pain-free bullpen session over the weekend, saying, “You want to check every box.”  “His health is good after the break, which is great news,” the manager said.  The last time deGrom took the mound, he had a no-decision in the Rangers’ 8-3 win over the visiting Los Angeles Angels on July 7, giving up two runs and striking out seven in five innings.  The White Sox are one of just five teams that deGrom has not beaten in his 13-year career. A five-time All-Star and two-time winner of the National League Cy Young Award, he has a 0-0 record and 1.80 ERA in three previous starts against Chicago.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #White #Sox #playing #hard #beat #face #challenge #Rangers

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