(670 The Score) In the first month-plus of the MLB season, the White Sox's run production has been terrific despite their low home run total.
Entering play Tuesday, the White Sox were averaging 5.1 runs per game, which ranked third in MLB and second in the American League. They've produced at that high level despite hitting just 27 homers, the third-fewest in MLB and the fewest in the AL, as a pair of sluggers in left fielder Eloy Jimenez (pectoral) and center fielder Luis Robert (hip) have been sidelined by injury.
"This just shows that we have that dimension in our game," manager Tony La Russa said. "It has been a bit unfair power-wise because some balls have been hit hard the past month or so (in cold weather). Of course, the other teams have done that at times as well. Some of those balls will go out in the summer."
The White Sox ranked third in MLB in home runs in the shortened 2020 season, when they averaged 1.6 per game. They're averaging 0.84 per game this season.
The White Sox's offense has made up for their lack of the home run ball by ranking fourth in MLB in batting average (.255) and second in on-base percentage (.339).
"We have been scoring runs with good at-bats and running the bases well too," La Russa said. "When you have (Andrew) Vaughn, (Leury) Garcia and (Danny) Mendick in there, they feature the whole game in their approach. Power is the last thing on their list. So the tougher the pitching, the harder it is to hit for power. You just need to put it in play, get them on, over and get them in. That is why I like our offense. They know how to have a tough at-bat."
La Russa likes the approach that his team has taken to the plate.
"Presence means a lot for hitters," La Russa said. "You send messages that way to your teammates and you send messages to your opponents. You must be yourself in this game."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
