CHICAGO (670 The Score) -- The White Sox's 3-11 start out of the All-Star break has been accompanied by some key players being sidelined and also struggles from right-hander Lucas Giolito.
After posting a 3.15 ERA in the 17 starts in the first half, Giolito has stumbled in going 0-2 with a 5.60 ERA in three starts since the break. That included an ugly outing Thursday, when he went just five innings and allowed seven runs, all earned, and four homers.
"It has been kind of tough," Giolito said. "We are just battling right now while we are missing some key players. We're just grinding through it. For me, I need to do a better job of keeping us in the game."
"I just got hit really hard. I feel really good. My body feels really good. The stuff was there. My velocity was up. I just have to move on from it and go attack the next one."
Giolito is the key pitcher on the White Sox's staff, given the injuries to left-hander Carlos Rodon and right-hander Michael Kopech.
"I just wasn't commanding my fastball," Giolito said. "They were hitting mistakes I was making over the plate with my fastball."
The White Sox hope a return to form from Giolito and the addition of shortstop Tim Anderson and outfielder Eloy Jimenez will give them a boost. Anderson is currently on a rehab stint at Triple-A Charlotte as he finishes his recovery from a serious ankle sprain. Jimenez (elbow) was taking fly balls early Friday afternoon and is expected to ramp up with more baseball activities soon.
"I still think our guys remain focused," manager Rick Renteria said. "We are doing things every day to get better. You see the guys working hard each day. We are not changing anything. The wins and losses take care of themselves. You go out and try to compete and do the best you can to come out on top."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
