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Chicago Cubs left-hander Justin Steele instinctively reached his hand out in attempt to snare a ball up the middle.The ball bounced off it, giving San Diego Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth an infield single two batters into Monday’s game. After retiring the next batter, Steele’s barehanded attempt prompted a mound visit from a Cubs trainer and manager David RossAdvertisementThe last thing the Cubs needed was another injury to a starting pitcher. Already pitching with a blister on his left middle finger, the ball’s impact bruised Steele’s index finger. When Steele got checked out mid-first inning, the skin was cut off his blister so it wouldn’t tear. But his index finger, which was swollen by the end of his start, was the bigger issue.[ [Don’t miss] How a new slider helped Eric Stout earn a call up to his childhood-favorite Chicago Cubs: ‘It’s a tribute to why he’s up here’ ]“When I tried to catch that thing barehanded, I don’t know what I was thinking,” Steele said. “But I was able to manage the pain a little bit going through the start. After that inning, I went down to the cage and threw some balls into the net. I could feel it a little bit, ripping on the seam, but I thought the pain was manageable so I just kept going.”AdvertisementSteele didn’t let a bruised index finger derail him. Instead, he delivered one of his best, most efficient starts. Steele held the Padres to one run in seven innings, but the offense couldn’t get going against ex-Cubs right-hander Yu Darvish in a 4-1 loss, their seventh straight.Had he not gotten hit by the comebacker, Ross would’ve sent Steele back out for the eighth inning since the pitcher needed only 77 pitches to get through a career-high tying seven innings. Steele pounded the strike zone, throwing 60 strikes.Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele delivers to the Padres in the first inning on June 13, 2022, at Wrigley Field. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)“I don’t know if we knew he was going to get through the second inning, he went out to try it and ended up pitching great,” Ross said. “So, credit to him, kind of a gutsy outing from what felt like where we might be in real trouble with the shortness of our staff.“We might need to smash him in the finger a couple of times before he starts because that was impressive.”Steele became the first Cubs starter since August 2020 to pitch consecutive games of at least seven innings with one earned run or less. That previous pitcher? Darvish, who earned the win for San Diego.Chicago Tribune SportsWeekdaysA daily sports newsletter delivered to your inbox for your morning commute.How Steele put together a stellar quality start is as important as the outing itself. He threw mostly four-seam fastballs, getting six whiffs and eight called strikes. The pitch accounted for 70% of his pitches thrown Monday, the second-highest fastball Pitch% in his 21 career starts. His previous start on June 5 (71.3%) is the lone outing to exceed it. Steele also mixed in six sinkers.“When you’re speeding hitters up like that, the secondary stuff always plays up,” Ross said. “You don’t have to be so fine with that. That’s what I saw tonight.”[ [Don’t miss] 3 thoughts on the Chicago Cubs, including being ‘patient’ with Seiya Suzuki’s slow recovery and the Jason Heyward roster conundrum ]The uptick in fastball usage is not a coincidence. Steele believes his fastball directly correlated to his high strike total.Advertisement“Going into my last two starts, I’ve been really honing in on fastball command with my four-seam and my sinker,” Steele said. “I’m just trying to command the four-seam in and sinker to both sides of the plate and I’ve been doing a good job of it in my last two starts.”Steele sounded confident his bruised index finger wouldn’t prevent him from making his next start. The Cubs can’t afford to lose another pitcher with three starters currently on the injured list. The team is expected to get clarity this week on left-hander Wade Miley, who reinjured his shoulder in his start after coming off the IL Friday in New York.Beyond needing healthy starting pitchers, the Cubs must get more consistency . This is an opportunity for Steele to step up. After his awful outing in the Cubs’ 20-5 loss in Cincinnati on May 26, Steele owns a 2.37 ERA in his last three starts.“Regardless of all that stuff that was going on with the rotation and whatnot, I definitely wanted to keep competing,” Steele said. “I felt like I had my stuff coming in from the bullpen so I definitely wanted to go out there and give them my best stuff. I definitely didn’t want to come out of the game.”

Tiger Woods’ late father Earl encouraged his son to putt to the picture, a visual cue the boy would use to win quarters from his “pops” long before becoming a golfing legend.Woods recalls those days fondly and aims to provide a similar experience for the masses as a partner with Greg Bartoli, founder of PopStroke. A fourth location opened Monday in Orlando to offer a sophisticated, present-day spin on traditional putt-putt and an entertainment option accessible to people of all ages and degrees of golf interest.AdvertisementPopStroke, a technology-infused golf entertainment venue, that today opened its Waterford Lakes location, on Monday, June 13, 2022. (Orlando Sentinel)A sign sharing Woods’ vision greets guests arriving at the two 18-hole, par-45 putting layouts ― the Tiger Red and Black courses.“Some of my happiest memories are spending time with my ‘pops’ on the golf course having putting contests,” reads a sign quoting the 15-time major champion. “I’m looking forward to others enjoying time with their kids at PopStroke.”AdvertisementBartoli, who made his fortune on Wall Street before relocating in 2013 to Jupiter, has witnessed PopStroke’s universal appeal — from fathers and sons to mothers and daughters to 6-year-olds and seniors. Out-of-towners on buddy trips or weekly foursomes can stop by to grab a post-round meal and continue the competition.Putting is the primary drawing card. Two eye-catching courses designed by TGR Design — Woods’ company — capture the imagination and test all skill levels.PopStroke has recast the traditional miniature golf setup.View of the Tiger Red Course, looking at the Restaurant and large scoreboard. (Orlando Sentinel)Hilly terrain dotted with palm trees and native foliage surrounds putting surfaces featuring challenging breaks and ample undulation. Greens built on sand rather than concrete and covered in high-quality synthetic turf instead of carpet provide a true roll not found at most putt-putt courses.“Something different than windmills, waterfalls and alligator mouths,” said Wes Abbott, the general manager of the east Orlando site.Even so, those with limited if any golf experience are able to participate, compete and enjoy themselves.Meanwhile, TopGolf — a highly popular golf entertainment option — requires patrons to pick up a club and swing it.“Putting is the one universal element of golf that everybody can do,” Bartoli said. “It’s not intimidating.”AdvertisementBartoli’s idea for PopStroke dates to family trips as a child to Myrtle Beach, S.C., where putt-putt courses still abound on Kings Highway featuring names such as Captain’s Hook, Shipwreck Island and Jungle Safari.Left to Right, Quran, 11, and DeMarcus Clark, and Aminah, 4, enjoy a game at PopStroke, a technology-infused golf entertainment venue, that today opened its Waterford Lakes location, on Monday, June 13, 2022. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)A commercial property investment in Jupiter he made while living in New York City allowed Bartoli to put a personal spin on miniature golf and family entertainment.The result was Lighthouse Cove Adventure Golf. Located on Highway A1A, the facility features two 18-hole courses with waterfalls and caves common to traditional putt-putt along with a restaurant, sports bar, playground and tropical aquarium.“I was blown away by the impact it had in bringing people together, whether you were 5 years old, 25 on a date night, a 40-year-old couple with their kids or a group out on senior night having a glass of wine enjoying some putt-putt,” Bartoli said.Bartoli, a savvy investor for Credit Suisse First Boston and later JP Morgan after graduating from Boston College, saw an opportunity to improve on a good thing. This ultimately lead PopStroke Port St. Lucie to open in April 2019.A friendship with Jupiter resident and longtime TGR CFO Chris Hubman soon led to a conversation about involving Woods — golf’s greatest showman and clutch performer of the modern era.Advertisement“Having the greatest putter in the history of the game involved certainly adds to our credibility and the power of what we’re trying to deliver,” Bartoli said. “At the same time, you also have to provide a great experience. If you don’t, people are not going to come back no matter who’s involved in it.”PopStroke strives to keep everyone engaged.Patrons enjoy PopStroke, a technology-infused golf entertainment venue, that today opened its Waterford Lakes location. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)Fees ranging from $25 for adults to $15 for young children provide all-day access to the two courses, along with Cornhole, Ping-Pong, Foosball and a playground. The facility features a full-service restaurant, three bars, an ice parlor featuring 24 flavors and event space.Bartoli said his three children, ages 10, 12 and 14, give PopStroke an enthusiastic thumbs-up.PopStroke clearly is catching on. A new facility recently opened in Sarasota, joining locales in Fort Myers and Port St. Lucie. Tampa, Delray Beach, Houston and two Phoenix area locations are in the works for 2022.Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach and Winter Garden in west Orlando are slated for 2023 while a Gainesville site has been discussed.Advertisement“How can you not like craft milkshakes and 24 flavors of premium ice cream and a playground and mini-golf and cheeseburgers?” he said. “We like to say we have something for everyone. A lot of this concept and the vision for this was created with families in mind and what can you do to bring people together and reconnect people and get them off their iPads for a little while.”Bar and outdoor play area at PopStroke, two 18-hole putting golf courses that includes a restaurant, bar, outdoor play area, ice-cream parlor, event space, and a playground. (Orlando Sentinel)Long before iPads and when ice cream came in vanilla or chocolate, people have bonded standing over a little white ball, holding a putter and hoping to sink a hole-in-one.Woods and his father’s competitions helped light the fire in a future legend. For others, it’s a fun, competitive way to spend a few hours.“People have been putting for years,” Abbott said. “My grandparents went to putt-putt for dates. We’re for anyone, 3 to 93.”PopStroke OrlandoWhere: 321 N. Alafaya Trail in Waterford Lakes Town Center (near Regal Cinemas)AdvertisementWhat: Two 18-hole courses, full service restaurant, bar with on-course service, 25 TVs, Jumbotron (with digital scoreboard), ice cream parlor (24 flavors), outdoor gaming and a playground.Hours: 9 a.m. midnight, 7 days a weekCost: $25 all day, seniors (60+) $20, children (6 to 12) $18, children 5 & under $15, military/UCF/Valencia College $20Specials: Monday, Seniors Day, $15 all day; Tuesday, Kids Day, $16 all day; Wednesday, College Day ($15, college ID required)Reservations: None. First come, first served.Website: https://popstroke.com/orlando-waterford-lakes/AdvertisementThis article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Edgar Thompson at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @osgators.

There were times over the last four years Eric Stout thought about walking away from baseball.His big-league experience — three games in 2018 with the Kansas City Royals — left him wanting more. But his path back to the majors tested how badly he wanted it.AdvertisementStout spent the last three offseasons pitching in the Puerto Rico winter leagues. He made nine appearances with three different teams in the independent leagues over the previous three years.Signing a minor-league deal with the Chicago Cubs in March at least united Stout with the team he grew up rooting for. On Monday, his big-league dream was again fulfilled. The Cubs called up the left-hander from Triple A and designated left-hander Sean Newcomb for assignment.AdvertisementStout took a moment to soak it in Monday afternoon when he stood on the Wrigley Field mound.“I would probably say it’s better than my first call up with the Royals in 2018 — it’s something I’ve always dreamed of,” Stout said. “It looks the same distance between home plate and the mound in Iowa and everywhere else I’ve been, but just a couple more seats in the stands. So it’s very, very cool to be on the field rather than the stands.“I don’t think it’s sunk in yet, honestly.”Chicago Cubs reliever Eric Stout, left, warms up before the game against the San Diego Padres on June 13, 2022, at Wrigley Field. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)Stout, 29, grew up in Glen Ellyn where his parents and grandmother still live. He was expecting a lot of family and friends from high school and college in attendance and was most excited about his 91-year-old grandmother attending Monday’s game against the San Diego Padres. Stout said she hasn’t seen him pitch since he was in college at Butler.Stout had only been at Wrigley twice before Monday: a ballpark tour when he was about 10 years old and a predraft workout.Cubs manager David Ross said Stout’s journey around baseball is a strength.Said Ross: “The guys that have some adversity and have the up-and-down track record a little bit and then they go to winter ball or they go to the minor leagues and they continue to have that much love for the game and continue to work to get better, there’s something really powerful in that. “When you take your downtime, your winters, your off time and you’re still working at your craft and competing in maybe the most not ideal circumstances, that just shows how committed they are to their craft.”AdvertisementStout’s challenging journey back to the big leagues can be traced back to a spring training dinner three months ago in Mesa, Ariz. He met with Cubs assistant pitching coach Daniel Moskos, a relationship that dates to working together at Driveline.That established trust led to a dinner conversation during which Moskos simply asked Stout, “How’s your slider?”Stout explained he never really trusted the pitch because it often was hit or miss for him.Moskos then inquired about his curveball, which Stout loved and had a grip-it-and-rip-it approach. With that groundwork, Moskos suggested a new slider grip.“We didn’t even have a baseball,” Moskos told the Tribune. “The genesis of this came from literally, like, mimicking seams with my other fingers and showing him where his hand needed to go. But the concept for him is really easy.”Chicago Tribune SportsWeekdaysA daily sports newsletter delivered to your inbox for your morning commute.Having looked at Stout’s repertoire, Moskos believed Stout needed a better off-speed pitch against left-handed hitters to generate more whiffs. Because of Stout’s mechanics, Moskos explained the new grip required him to throw the slider like his curveball.Advertisement“I reemphasized it, like, ‘Look, this is a curveball, do not try and make this sweep,’” Moskos recalled. “‘It will not work if you try to make it sweep. You have to try and create top spin.’ And so, obviously, it was very easy for him. He really took it and ran with it.”Added Stout: “I felt like that put me on the map.”The next step of Stout’s progression with his new slider is learning how to consistently throw it in and out of the zone as needed as well as figuring out the best way to utilize it against right-handed hitters.“He’s only been throwing it for two months, and he’s got great results on it,” Moskos said. “Obviously we’d maybe like to be in the zone a little bit more with it. But for it being just square one with this pitch I think it’s incredible. It’s a tribute to why he’s up here. He’s got this slider and it’s hopefully going to be a weapon we’re able to leverage.”Stout’s effective slider helped him post a 3.94 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 29⅔ innings. He has noticed, dating to last season, that the Cubs give guys shots at the big-league level when they perform at Triple A. Right-hander Matt Swarmer and catcher P.J. Higgins are among those call ups making the most of their opportunities with the Cubs.“My mentality was go out and have fun and what happens happens,” Stout said. “It just gives you more hope. You see that they’re getting called up and they’re doing well. So it’s like, alright, well if I go out and put up some numbers my shot might come.”

On the eve of the team’s mandatory minicamp, the Chicago Bears added depth to their defensive front Monday, signing veteran nose tackle Mike Pennel.Pennel, 31, is entering his ninth NFL season and has spent time with five other teams, including a stint with Kansas City in 2019-20 when current Bears general manager Ryan Poles was in the Chiefs’ front office. Including the postseason, Pennel played in 22 games for the Chiefs and was with the team during its run to the Lombardi Trophy in early 2020.AdvertisementPennel also spent time with the Bears during training camp last year but was released before the regular season. He later joined the Atlanta Falcons practice squad and ultimately played 10 games last season for that organization.Pennel will again have to compete for a roster spot and a role with the Bears. He joins an interior defensive line that also includes Khyiris Tonga, Angelo Blackson and Justin Jones.AdvertisementTo clear roster space to sign Pennel, the Bears released veteran outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu.The Bears are scheduled to have three minicamp practices this week at Halas Hall, beginning Tuesday.Atlanta Falcons’ Mike Pennel (98) and Brandon Copeland (51) celebrate a stop against the Detroit Lions during the first half, Dec. 26, 2021, in Atlanta. (Brynn Anderson/AP)

WASHINGTON — State Department officials met Monday with representatives of Brittney Griner’s WNBA team about the Phoenix Mercury star’s monthslong detention in Russia and the Biden administration’s efforts to secure her release.The State Department confirmed the meeting, which involved officials from its specialized office that advocates for hostages and wrongfully detained Americans, but offered no additional details about what was said or who specifically attended.AdvertisementThe administration has previously said that its working to bring Griner and another American, Michigan corporate security executive Paul Whelan, home from Russia.Griner was detained on Feb. 17 at an airport in Russia after authorities there said a search of her bag revealed vape cartridges containing a cannabis derivative. In May, the State Department reclassified Griner as wrongfully detained and transferred oversight of her case to the State Department Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, or SPEHA.

DETROIT — The Chicago White Sox reinstated Lance Lynn from the injured list Monday and the right-hander will start tonight against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.Lynn has been out since he hobbled off the mound in an April 2 Cactus League game after throwing a pitch to the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Corbin Carroll. He underwent right knee surgery to repair a torn tendon three days later.AdvertisementLynn was originally in line to start Tuesday, but was bumped up a day after Michael Kopech left Sunday’s game against the Texas Rangers in the first inning with right knee discomfort. Monday’s scheduled starter Johnny Cueto stepped in for five relief innings beginning in the third.[ [Don’t miss] Column: It’s up to Lance Lynn to save the Chicago White Sox’s season — and it begins tonight in Detroit ]Lynn went 11-6 with a 2.69 ERA and 176 strikeouts in 28 starts last season — his first with the Sox — and placed third in Cy Young voting. He signed a two-year, $38 million extension last July.AdvertisementLynn made three starts during a rehab assignment for Triple-A Charlotte, going 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA and eight strikeouts. He allowed 10 runs on 15 hits in 10 innings.

NEW YORK — Major League Baseball has upheld Josh Donaldson’s one-game suspension, a penalty that was assessed after the New York Yankees third baseman made a remark to White Sox star Tim Anderson about Jackie Robinson that Chicago manager Tony La Russa called racist.MLB special adviser John McHale upheld the penalty after hearing Donaldson’s appeal on Thursday, a person familiar with the discipline told The Associated Press. The person spoke Monday on condition of anonymity because McHale’s decision was not announced.AdvertisementDonaldson’s fine was cut in half by McHale to $5,000, the person said. Donaldson will serve the penalty during the Yankees’ series opener against Tampa Bay on Tuesday night.Michael Hill, MLB’s senior vice president for on-field operations, announced the original penalty on May 23, two days after Donaldson made multiple references to Robinson while talking to Anderson during a game.AdvertisementRobinson broke the MLB color barrier in 1947 and every team in the big leagues has retired his No. 42 in his honor.A three-time All-Star and the 2015 AL MVP with Toronto, Donaldson said he was referring to a 2019 Sports Illustrated article in which Anderson, who is Black, was quoted as saying: “I kind of feel like today’s Jackie Robinson … because he changed the game, and I feel like I’m getting to a point to where I need to change the game.”Anderson said he agreed with La Russa, and several Yankees said Donaldson was wrong. Yankees manager Aaron Boone said: “This is just my opinion — (that’s) somewhere he should not be going.” New York star Aaron Judge said: “I just don’t think it’s the right thing to do there.”Donaldson, who is white, said he had “joked around” with Anderson in the past using the reference. Donaldson made a public apology to the Robinson family.“I think everybody wanted to have a say. But they don’t know my heart,” Donaldson said on June 1. “I do feel bad that the Robinson family — I never wanted them to feel their name should ever be regarded in a bad light. That was why I issued the apology.”In his first season with the Yankees, the 37-year-old Donaldson is batting .235 with five homers and 18 RBIs.

BROOKLINE, Mass. — Phil Mickelson isn’t giving up on playing on the PGA Tour again, even if he is currently not welcome there.During his 25-minute session with reporters on Monday in advance of the U.S. Open, Mickelson said his preference would be “to be able to choose which path I’d like. One or the other or both.”Advertisement“I’m very appreciative of the many memories, opportunities, experiences, friendships and relationships the PGA Tour has provided and those are going to last a lifetime,” Mickelson said. “But I’m hopeful that I’ll have a chance to create more.”Mickelson led a defection by 17 PGA Tour members to the LIV Golf series, a move the tour countered by suspending those who decided to keep their memberships.AdvertisementAsked why he ultimately made the move, he said, “I think that there is an obvious incredible financial commitment.”Mickelson reportedly made $200 million to move to the new series. The Saudi backing of the new tour has led to criticism that those playing in the events are helping the kingdom whitewash its widely criticized human rights record and its connection to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.Phil Mickelson responds to a question at a press conference on June 13, 2022, at The Country Club in Brookline, Mass., ahead of the U.S. Open. (Robert F. Bukaty/AP)Sporting the stubbly beard he debuted to the public last weekend at the LIV event outside London, Mickelson spoke of the lifetime membership he’s earned over 30 years on the PGA Tour. He said he had no intention of resigning, the way Dustin Johnson, Kevin Na, Sergio Garcia and some others have, and that there was no use predicting his future on the tour.“I’ve earned that lifetime membership, so I think it should be my choice,” he said.Mickelson, who turns 52 on Thursday, earned a five-year exemption to the U.S. Open when he won the PGA Championship last year. It means five more chances to capture the only major that has eluded him.He was asked a few times about what his decision to play for the Saudi-backed golf league might do to his standing with a fan base that has adored him over the decades.“I respect and I understand their opinions,” Mickelson said. “And I understand that they have strong feelings and strong emotions regarding this choice. And I certainly respect that.”He was also deferential to the players he has competed against over the years, many of whom have been sharply critical of the new league.Advertisement“I respect if they disagree,” he said. “But at this time this is the right decision.”

Apologies are in order to Lance Lynn, whose assignment Monday night in Detroit was to save the Chicago White Sox’s season.Against all odds, the season remained salvageable, in spite of a rash of hamstring and knee injuries, a lackluster offense, boneheaded mistakes on the bases and in the field, and head-scratching decisions by manager Tony La Russa.AdvertisementThe Sox have been their own worst enemy, but a few key fixes to personnel — and protocols — could turn things around on a dime.[ [Don’t miss] Column: Tony La Russa isn’t worried about Chicago White Sox fan discontent — he’ll ignore it like he did in his 1st South Side stint ]Thanks in part to the schedule makers, the Sox have 16 remaining games against the first-place Minnesota Twins, starting on July 4 at Guaranteed Rate Field. They’ll face the Twins in six of their last nine games in the regular season, including the final three on the South Side.AdvertisementThe Sox trailed the Twins in the American League Central by six games entering Monday, but Minnesota is 8-11 since May 25, so it’s not like they need to catch the New York Yankees. And there’s always the three wild-card spots. Beggars can’t be choosers. But really, it’s all up to Lynn now. It’s probably unfair to pin so much hope on one player, but that’s how life rolls in 2022.Big man, big shoulders, big responsibilities.White Sox starting pitcher Lance Lynn talks through a pitching session during a morning workout at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz., on March 17, 2022. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)The Sox have pointed to Lynn’s return since he suffered a torn tendon in his right knee in his final Cactus League start in Arizona. Two and a half months later, he’ll make his scheduled debut a day ahead of schedule, replacing Johnny Cueto, who was forced to go in relief Sunday after Michael Kopech left with right knee discomfort after two batters in Sunday’s loss to the Texas Rangers. Will one day make a difference? It shouldn’t with a veteran like Lynn. Lynn’s dominance in the first half last season not only helped the Sox jump out to a comfy lead in the AL Central, but helped create swagger that gave the team its personality. Who could forget Lynn whipping off his belt and throwing it over the dugout for umpire Vic Lentz last August after a sticky stuff check? According to Lynn, Lentz ejected him because he “hurt his feelings” by telling the ump he got there too late to request a check. Sox fans loved Lynn’s attitude and he became a fan favorite quickly.But that Sox swagger seemingly has been put in a blind trust. The dugout looks dead at times, which happens when there’s not much to shout about. Even Eloy Jiménez’s mugging to the camera and waving “Hi Mom” have been missed. Repeated camera shots of La Russa, standing alone in the corner with a stone-faced stare, doesn’t help.Lynn can change all that. It will take more than one good start, but it has to start Monday. He’s a leader in the clubhouse and his voice carries. Advertisement[ [Don’t miss] Chicago White Sox injury updates: What’s the latest on catcher Yasmani Grandal and relievers Joe Kelly and Aaron Bummer? ]When times get tough, the manager and leaders of a team are expected to calm the waters and reassure fans things will be OK. But after the “Fire Tony” chants Saturday from agitated Sox fans, Lynn’s preplanned media session Sunday was postponed. The always accommodating Tim Anderson was unavailable to talk too, the team told reporters, until he returns from his rehab stint. Yasmani Grandal barked he was “doing something” Sunday when asked if he had a second to talk.The Zoom era gave major-league players the option of avoiding media on a regular basis. It’s not surprising some no longer feel obligated to talk, even with the return of clubhouse access. But you’d think La Russa’s players would want to support their manager publicly after all the stories of them bonding last season.Lucas Giolito and Jake Burger addressed fan reaction after Saturday’s game, but neither defended La Russa. Giolito said the fans often voice “colorful opinions,” then blamed himself for the loss to the Rangers. Burger said fans “have a right to voice their opinion” during games.White Sox manager Tony La Russa looks out from the dugout before the start of a game against the Rangers at Guaranteed Rate Field on June 10, 2022. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)“They are coming to the game and they can say whatever they want,” Burger said. “I know this clubhouse is a family and we are going to stick together no matter what. You can have outside opinions, but this clubhouse, we are tight and it’s a family.”La Russa, the head of the family, wore a T-shirt that said “FAMILY” to a recent postgame briefing, in case there was any question about the tight-knit group. He also understands the need for players to talk to the media, and once went into the St. Louis Cardinals players’ lounge in Busch Stadium to force several players to go out and answer questions after a difficult loss.But that was a different era.Advertisement[ [Don’t miss] ‘I’ve been working’: How Yoán Moncada is searching for consistency at the plate for the Chicago White Sox ]The funny part about the team protecting La Russa is the manager has been through all this before. Back at the start of Cardinals spring training in 2004, someone hired a plane to fly around the complex with a banner that read: “Save the Cardinals. Fire La Russa and (GM Walt) Jocketty.” Now fans save money by just venting on Twitter.La Russa overcame the disenchantment and wound up winning championships in St. Louis in 2006 and 2011. And he hasn’t lost faith in this team, while acknowledging it has been a struggle.But the Sox desperately need a spark, the kind of signature performance that can help erase the agony of the first 2 1/2 months of the season and engineer a course correction.It’s all starts with the Big Man.

In the midst of a lawsuit among members of the Angelos family, Orioles chairman and CEO John Angelos issued a statement Monday morning asserting that the club “will never leave” Baltimore.Louis Angelos, the brother of John, brought a lawsuit against his brother Thursday alleging he was trying to seize control of the team and the rest of his father’s holdings. The suit also named their mother, Georgia Angelos, as a defendant.AdvertisementThe lawsuit included the insinuation from Louis Angelos that John Angelos would consider moving the team to Tennessee if he gained full control. John Angelos lives there with his wife, a country music singer-songwriter who owns a Nashville-based entertainment company.But in Monday’s statement, John Angelos reiterated his stance that the Orioles will remain in Baltimore “as long as Fort McHenry is standing watch over the Inner Harbor.”Advertisement”Since I was appointed Chairman and CEO according to my parents’ expressed wishes, and voted as the control person for the team by the 30 Major League Clubs, I have taken significant steps to ensure that our beloved franchise’s future remains in Charm City,” Angelos wrote in the statement that dropped the morning after thousands of Paul McCartney fans attended only the second full-fledged concert in Camden Yards’ history.”Just two months ago we celebrated the Maryland General Assembly passing a bill promising to put $1.2 billion into reinvesting and reimagining the Camden Yards Sports Complex, which includes Oriole Park, ensuring the team will continue to play right here in downtown Baltimore for generations to come. Maryland is committed to keeping our team in this great state, and I am equally committed to keeping the Orioles at the heart of our state,” the statement reads.The timing is key. The Orioles’ lease of Camden Yards includes a clause that prevents the organization from departing, and the stadium was built to replace Memorial Stadium with the goal of preventing another professional franchise from departing, such as the Baltimore Colts in 1984.But the lease with the Maryland Stadium Authority for the state-owned ballpark expires at the end of next year, and despite lengthy negotiations, there has yet to be an extension. There has only been one MLB relocation in the last 50 years — when the Montreal Expos became the Washington Nationals. A potential change in ownership and relocation requires approval from three-quarters of MLB team owners.”As stewards of ‘The Ballpark That Forever Changed Baseball,’ we will continue to strengthen our community, generate another $10 billion in economic impact for the City of Baltimore and State of Maryland, and welcome another 70 million people to downtown Baltimore over the next 30 years and beyond,” John Angelos wrote. “There is nothing uncertain about the future of the Baltimore Orioles.“I want to assure our Orioles players and coaches, our dedicated front office Senior Leadership Team and staff, and our devoted fans, trusted partners, elected, civic, and non-profit leaders, and our entire community, that the Orioles will never leave. From 33rd Street to Camden Yards, the Birds of Baltimore, the iconic team of Brooks, Earl, Jim, Frank, Cal, and Eddie, will forever remain in the only city that our family and our partnership group has called, or will ever call, home – the finest city and birthplace of our national anthem of which we are enduringly proud and to which we are forever committed.”