Game 99 lineups: Charlotte Knights look to clinch series win against Durham Bulls

Here are the lineups:

Bulls (49-47)
Ryan Brett 2B
Taylor Motter RF
Grady Sizemore DH
J.P. Arencibia 1B
Richie Shaffer 3B
Corey Brown CF
Mikie Mahtook LF
Nick Franklin SS
Luke Maile C
Pitching: Bradin Hagens (1-1, 4.26)

Knights (56-42)
Micah Johnson 2B (second in the International League with a .326 batting average)
Leury Garcia SS (batting .368 in July)
Jason Coats LF (hitting .309 in July with four home runs, 14 RBI and 10 runs scored)
Matt Davidson 3B
Matt Tuiasosopo DH
Trayce Thompson CF (second in the IL with 38 extra-base hits)
Chris Marrero 1B (batting .300 in July)
Kevan Smith C
Tyler Colvin RF
Pitching: RHP Scott Carroll (3-2, 2.06)

Game time: 7:05 p.m.

TV/Radio: MiLB.TV/ ESPN 730

Notes: Tyler Saladino, who was promoted from Charlotte to the Chicago White Sox on July 10, extended his hitting streak to seven games on Tuesday with a 3-for-5 effort against the St. Louis Cardinals. In Chicago's 8-5 loss, Saladino, 26, hit his second home run in as many days. Since joining the White Sox, Saladino is hitting .355 with a .968 OPS and has entrenched himself as the team's starting third baseman.

Roster moves: Charlotte right-hander Shawn Haviland was traded on Wednesday to the Colorado Rockies organization in exchange for cash considerations. In 19 games (13 starts) for the Knights this season, he went 4-5 with a 4.19 ERA. His most recent outing came on Sunday against the Norfolk Tides, when he surrendered four runs (three earned) in 4 2/3 innings. Haviland signed with the White Sox organization on Jan 12. after spending the 2014 season in the Oakland Athletics organization.

In a corresponding move, first baseman Chris Jacobs of Class AA Birmingham was promoted to the Knights. In 11 games with the Barons, Jacobs batted .229. Jacobs was signed by the White Sox organization on Dec. 20 and started the season in High A Winston-Salem, where he hit .283 with three home runs and 27 RBI in 59 games.

Game 94 lineups: Norfolk Tides at Charlotte Knights

Here are the lineups:

Tides (51-39)
Henry Urrutia RF
Rey Navarro 2B
Christian Walker 1B
Dariel Alvarez DH
Steve Clevenger C
Sean Halton LF
Michael Almanzar 3B
Julio Borbon CF
Paul Janish SS
Pitching: RHP Kevin Gausman (0-1, 0.00)

Knights (52-41)
Micah Johnson 2B (hitting .383 in July with 16 runs scored)
Leury Garcia SS (batting .314 in July)
Jason Coats LF (hitting .326 in July with nine RBI and seven runs scored)
Matt Davidson 3B (tied for third in the International League with 14 home runs this season)
Matt Tuiasosopo RF
Trayce Thompson CF (one home run away from 100 for his minor-league career)
Chris Marrero 1B (his .375 batting average since July 2 is the seventh highest in the IL)
Kevan Smith C
Tyler Colvin DH
Pitching: RHP Scott Carroll (3-2, 2.10)

Game time: 7:05 p.m.

TV/Radio: MiLB.TV / ESPN 730

Charlotte Knights-Norfolk Tides series probables

Knights vs. Tides
At BB&T BallPark

Series probables

Thursday, 7:05 p.m.
CHA: RHP Brad Penny (4-3, 3.89)
NOR: RHP Mike Wright (5-0, 3.00)

Friday, 7:05 p.m.

CHA: RHP Scott Carroll (3-2, 2.10) 

NOR: RHP Kevin Gausman (0-1, 0.00)

Saturday, 7:05 p.m.

CHA: TBD 

NOR: RHP Tyler Wilson (3-5, 3.06)

Sunday, 5:05 p.m.

CHA: TBD 

NOR: RHP Zach Davies (3-5, 2.70)

Head to head: This is the sixth series between Charlotte (52-40) and Norfolk (50-39) this season. The Knights have won nine of the 16 games. The most recent series between the teams was in Norfolk this past weekend, and Charlotte took three of four games to enter the All-Star break with a half-game lead over the Tides in the International League South Division.

Game 88 lineups: Knights conclude three-game series with Bulls

Here are the lineups:

Bulls (45-41)
Boog Powell CF
Tim Beckham 2B
Taylor Motter RF
J.P. Arencibia 1B
Richie Shaffer 3B
Corey Brown LF
Mikie Mahtook DH
Hak-Ju Lee SS
Luke Maile C
Pitching: RHP Bradin Hagens (0-0, 1.13)

Knights (49-38)
Micah Johnson 2B (has seven hits over his past three games)
Leury Garcia SS (fourth in the International League with 23 steals)
Jason Coats LF
Matt Davidson 3B (tied for the IL lead with 14 home runs)
Matt Tuiasosopo 1B
Trayce Thompson CF
Chris Marrero DH (has a six-game hitting streak)
Kevan Smith C
Tyler Colvin RF
Pitching: RHP Shawn Haviland (4-4, 4.19)

Game time: 7:05 p.m.

TV/Radio: MiLB.TV/ ESPN 730

Notes: Haviland enters tonight's game having won three of his past five starts. During that five-game stretch, he is 3-0 with a 1.88 ERA. ... Charlotte manager Joel Skinner was added to the the U.S. Team coaching staff for Sunday's All-Star Futures Game at the Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati. Skinner ranks first in franchise history with 260 wins. The game can be seen on MLB Network and MLB.com at 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Roster move: While an official roster move hasn't been made, the Chicago White Sox have reportedly optioned right-hander Scott Carroll back to Charlotte. After being promoted to Chicago for the second time this season on June 18, Carroll posted a 3.68 ERA in four relief appearances. Carroll, 30, is 3-2 with a 2.37 ERA in six starts with the Knights this season.

Following today’s game vs. Toronto, the Chicago White Sox optioned right-handed pitcher Scott Carroll to @KnightsBaseball.

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) July 9, 2015

Game 66 lineups: Charlotte Knights look for three-game sweep against Pawtucket

Here are the lineups:

Red Sox (32-34)
Jackie Bradley Jr. CF
Deven Marrero SS
Allen Craig RF
Carlos Peguero DH
Luke Montz 1B
Garin Cecchini LF
Humberto Quintero C
Sean Coyle 3B
Mike Miller 2B
Pitching: RHP Keith Couch (3-6, 4.58)

Knights (36-29)
Micah Johnson 2B
Tyler Saladino SS
Jason Coats LF
Matt Davidson 3B
Matt Tuiasosopo RF
Trayce Thompson CF
George Kottaras C
Chris Marrero 1B
Tyler Colvin DH
Pitching: RHP Shawn Haviland (2-4, 5.11)

Game time: 7:05 p.m.

TV/Radio: MiLB.TV/ ESPN 730

Roster moves: Right-handed pitcher Scott Carroll, who was scratched prior to Wednesday's game against Pawtucket, was recalled by the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. Carroll will be added to Chicago's roster in place of right-hander Hector Noesi, who was designated for assignment by the White Sox on Thursday. Carroll's contract was previously purchased by Chicago on April 26. In eight games with the big league club, he posted a 1-1 record with a 3.12 ERA in 17.1 innings out of the bullpen. Carroll was optioned back to Charlotte on May 28, and in three starts with the Knights, he went 2-1 with a 2.37 ERA.

The Knights placed right-handed pitcher Chris Beck on the DL prior to Thursday's game. In 10 starts with Charlotte this season, Beck is 3-2 with a 3.15 ERA. Beck made his major league debut for the Chicago on May 28 at Baltimore. Against the Orioles, Beck pitched six innings and surrendered 10 hits and five runs (four earned) en route to a 6-3 loss. Baseball America ranked Beck as the No. 11 prospect in the White Sox organization prior to the 2015 season.

Game 65 lineups: Pawtucket Red Sox at Charlotte Knights

Here are the lineups:

Red Sox (32-33)
Jackie Bradley Jr. CF
Quintin Berry LF
Bryce Brentz RF
Travis Shaw 3B
Allen Craig 1B
Deven Marrero SS
Luke Montz DH
Humberto Quintero C
Mike Miller 2B
Pitching: RHP Jess Todd (2-2, 5.28)

Knights (35-29)
Micah Johnson DH
Tyler Saladino 2B
Matt Tuiasosopo LF
Matt Davidson 3B (in a three-way tie for the International League home run lead with 10)
Trayce Thompson CF (second in the IL with 25 extra-base hits and third in total bases with 108)
Chris Marrero 1B
Kevan Smith C
Tyler Colvin RF
Leury Garcia SS (second in the IL with 23 steals)
Pitching: RHP Miguel Chalas (0-1, 8.22)

Notes: The Knights expect to welcome their 1-millionth fan to BB&T BallPark on Wednesday. Since it opened in 2014, BB&T BallPark has seen 999,393 fans enter its gates, meaning the Knights are 607 fans short of the mark. Read about the prizes the 1-millionth fan will receive here. ... Charlotte enter's Wednesday night's game in third place in the IL South Division, sitting 2 1/2 games behind the first-place Durham Bulls. ... RHP Scott Carroll (3-2, 2.37) was originally scheduled to pitch for the Knights before being scratched this afternoon.

Charlotte Knights-Pawtucket Red Sox series probables

Knights vs. Red Sox 
At BB&T BallPark

Series probables 

Tuesday, 7:05 p.m.
CHA: RHP Erik Johnson (4-5, 3.66)
PAW: RHP Justin Masterson (0-1, 3.52)

Wednesday, 7:05 p.m.
CHA: RHP Scott Carroll (3-2, 2.37)

PAW: RHP Jess Todd (2-2, 5.28)

Thursday, 7:05 p.m.

CHA: RHP Shawn Haviland (2-4, 5.11)
PAW: RHP Keith Couch (3-6, 4.58)

Head to head: This will be the second and final series between Charlotte (34-29) and Pawtucket (32-32) this season. The Knights visited the Red Sox for a three-game series in Pawtucket from June 8-10. Charlotte won the series two games to one.

Game 55 lineups: Norfolk Tides at Charlotte Knights

Here are the lineups:

Tides (31-23)
Henry Urrutia DH
Dariel Alvarez CF
Chris Parmelee RF
Nolan Reimold LF
Christian Walker 1B
David Freitas C
Michael Almanzar 3B
Derrik Gibson 2B
Paul Janish SS
Pitching: LHP Chris Jones (1-3, 2.61)

Knights (30-24)
Micah Johnson 2B
Tyler Saladino SS
Jason Coats LF (tied for fifth in the International League with 31 RBI)
Matt Davidson 3B (leads the IL with nine home runs)
Matt Tuiasosopo 1B
Trayce Thompson CF (batting .385 in eight games against Norfolk this season)
Neftali Soto DH
Kevan Smith C
Leury Garcia RF (second in the IL with 20 stolen bases)
Pitching: Scott Carroll (2-1, 1.83)

Game time: 7:05 p.m.

TV/Radio: MiLB.TV / ESPN 730

Charlotte Knights-Norfolk Tides series probables

Knights vs. Tides 

At BB&T BallPark

Series Probables

Friday, 7:05 p.m.

CHA: RHP Erik Johnson (4-4, 4.14)

NOR: LHP Eddie Gamboa (3-3, 3.98)

Saturday, 7:05 p.m.

CHA: RHP Scott Carroll (2-1, 1.83)

NOR: LHP Chris Jones (1-3, 2.61)

Sunday, 2:05 p.m.

CHA: RHP Kyle Drabek (1-3, 2.36)

NOR: RHP Zach Davies (3-3, 2.96)

Head to head: This will be the third series between Charlotte (30-23) and Norfolk (30-23) this season. The Knights and Tides opened the year with a four-game series at BB&T BallPark. Each team walked away with two wins. Charlotte visited Norfolk for a three-game series near the end of April, and the Knights won two games, while the third was postponed to July 10 due to rain.

Game 50 lineups: Lehigh Valley IronPigs at Charlotte Knights

Here are the lineups:

IronPigs (20-31)
Brian Bogusevic CF
Tyler Henson 2B
Domonic Brown DH
Russ Canzler LF
Jordan Danks RF
Cord Phelps 3B
Chris McGuiness 1B
Blake Forsythe C
Jayson Nix SS
Pitching: RHP Chris Leroux (0-0. 7.36)

Knights (28-21)
Micah Johnson 2B (has reached base in nine of 10 games this season with Charlotte)
Tyler Saladino SS
Jason Coats LF (hitting .295 in the month of May)
Matt Davidson DH (has hit three home runs during Charlotte's current homestand)
Matt Tuiasosopo 1B (batting .326 at BB&T BallPark this season)
Trayce Thompson CF
George Kottaras C
Tyler Colvin RF
Leury Garcia 3B (eight hits over his last three games)
Pitching: RHP Scott Carroll (1-1, 2.45)

Game time: 2:05 p.m.

TV/Radio: MiLB.TV / ESPN 730

Game 9: Knights look to take three in a row from G-Braves

Here are the lineups:

G-Braves (3-5)

Todd Cunningham CF

Jose Peraza 2B

Cedric Hunter DH

Pedro Ciriaco 3B

Adonis Garcia LF

Elmer Reyes SS

Joe Benson RF

Braeden Schlehuber C

Barrett Kleinknecht 1B

Pitching: RHP Matt Wisler (0-0, 0.00)

Knights (5-3)

Tyler Saladino DH

Carlos Sanchez 2B

Neftali Soto 1B

Matt Davidson 3B

Engel Beltre RF

Trayce Thompson CF

Kevan Smith C

Jared Mitchell LF

Leury Garcia SS

Pitching: RHP Scott Carroll (0-1, 4.50)

Game time: 7:05 p.m.

TV/Radio: MiLB.TV / ESPN 730 

Notes: Last night, Charlotte rallied from a 3-0 fifth-inning deficit to defeat the G-Baves, 7-6 in 10 innings. Carlos Rodon got the start and allowed three runs on six hits over five innings of work, while striking out four. Jake Petricka made his first rehab appearance and tossed a perfect inning with one strikeout. Trayce Thompson went 3-for-6 with two doubles and three RBIs. ... Gwinnett starter Matt Wisler was acquired as part of the Craig Kimbrel trade with the San Diego Padres. He's currently listed as the No. 2 prospect in the Braves' system according to MLB.com. ... The Knights placed catcher George Kottaras on the DL on Friday morning and recalled Raleigh native Jeremy Dowdy from Winston-Salem. ... Trayce Thompson extended his IL-leading hitting-streak to eight games on Thursday. The 24-year-old is hitting .419 (13-for-31) this season. ... Gwinnett won the season series with Charlotte, 13-9 in 2014.

Game 4: Knights RHP Scott Carroll takes on Norfolk Tides

Here are the lineups:

Tides (1-2)

Julio Borbon CF

Chris Parmelee 1B

Dariel Alvarez CF

Christian Walker DH

Steve Clevenger C

Jayson Nix SS

Henry Urrutia LF

Michael Almanzar 3B

Garabez Rosa 2B

Pitching: RHP Zach Davies (0-0, 0.00)

Knights (2-1)

Leury Garcia SS
Carlos Sanchez 2B
Engel Beltre DH

Matt Davidson 3B

George Kottaras C

Trayce Thompson CF

Matt Tuiasosopo RF

Dan Black 1B

Jared Mitchell LF

Pitching: RHP Scott Carroll (0-0, 0.00)

Game time: 2:05 p.m.

TV/Radio: MiLB.TV / ESPN 730 

Notes: The Knights improved to 2-1 after a 4-2 win over the Tides on Saturday night in which White Sox top prospect Carlos Rodon struck out nine over five innings of work. ... Scott Carroll makes his 2015 debut today. He last pitched for the Knights on April 19, 2014 before earning a promotion to Chicago. He made that start as the reining International League Pitcher of the Week. ... Through three games the Knights have welcomed a league-best 30,379 fans through their gates. ... 2B/SS Carlos Sanchez and LHP Eric Surkamp (not yet active) were assigned to the Knights by the White Sox on Saturday. To make room on the roster, infielder Juan Diaz was released this morning. Diaz had not appeared in a game for Charlotte this season. ... The Knights will begin a two-game series with the Durham Bulls on Monday at 7:05 p.m. at BB&T Ballpark. RHP Shawn Haviland (0-0) will take the mound across from LHP Scott Diamond (0-0).

White Sox announce September callups; Seven Knights promoted

Here's the official release: 

With the 2014 Charlotte Knights record-breaking regular season complete, the Chicago White Sox have announced the promotions of seven players off of Charlotte’s final regular season roster. Officially joining Chicago’s roster today as September call-ups are Chris Bassitt,Scott Carroll, Jordan Danks, Josh Phegley, Marcus Semien, Eric Surkamp, and Michael Taylor. Six of the seven players have spent time with the White Sox in their careers, while today’s promotion is the first for Taylor with Chicago. The Stanford University product, who had his contract purchased by the White Sox today, spent parts of three seasons in the majors with the Oakland A’s from 2011-13 (26 games). Taylor becomes the 40^th player on Chicago’s 40-man roster.

Bassitt, 25, made his Major League debut with the White Sox on Saturday, August 30 after being promoted from the Birmingham Barons (Double-A). He allowed five runs on seven hits over 5.1 innings and was saddled with the loss in his debut. With Birmingham, Bassitt posted a 3-1 record with a 1.56 ERA in six starts. He was optioned to Charlotte on August 31 but did not appear in a game for the Knights.

Carroll, 29, began the 2014 season with the Knights and made four starts with the club before his promotion to Chicago on April 27. The Liberty, MO native went 3-1 with a 1.57 ERA in 23 innings pitched with the Knights. In 22 games for the White Sox (16 starts), Carroll is 5-9 with a 5.07 ERA 108.1 innings pitched. Carroll was optioned to the Knights on August 30 and did not appear in a game in his second 2014 stint with the club.  

Danks, 28, finished his fifth season with the Knights on Monday and hit .270 with 16 home runs, and 57 RBIs in 93 games. It was a record-breaking season for Danks, who broke the all-time Knights hits record, games played record, at-bats record, and runs scored record. Overall, Danks has appeared in 463 games played with the Knights and has 1,682 at-bats, 449 hits, 215 walks, 95 doubles, 12 triples, 52 home runs, 222 RBIs, and 250 runs scored. He broke the all-time Knights franchise hits mark on July 31 at BB&T Ballpark – passing Joe Borchard’s mark of 439.

Phegley, 26, hit .274 (115-for-419) with 69 runs scored, 30 doubles, four triples, 23 home runs, and 75 RBIs in 107 games for the Knights this season. The Terre Haute, IN native was named as an International League Midseason and Postseason All-Star this season. He finished third overall in the IL in home runs and slugging percentage (.530) and ranked first among IL catchers in runs scored, triples, home runs, RBIs, and total bases (222). Defensively, Phegley, a 2012 MiLB Rawlings Gold Glove Award winner, led all IL catchers in games (105), total chances (893), putouts (799), and assists (86). He also threw out a league best 44% of attempted basestealers.

Semien, 23, returns to Chicago after beginning the 2014 season there. The San Francisco native hit .267 (81-for-303) with 57 runs scored, 20 doubles, three triples, 15 home runs, and 52 RBIs for the Knights in 83 games. From August 5 to August 30, Semien reached base in 24 consecutive games and hit .370 (30-for-81) with five home runs and 13 RBIs over that 24-game stretch.

Surkamp, 27, started the 2014 campaign as a member of Charlotte’s rotation and posted a 4-5 record with a 4.69 ERA in 18 starts (11 games) for the Knights. The Cincinnati, OH native earned IL Pitcher of the Week honors (June 16-22) and later earned his first promotion of the season to Chicago on June 26. In 23 games out of the Chicago bullpen, Surkamp is 1-0 with a 6.91 ERA (14.1 innings pitched).

Taylor, 28, was acquired by the White Sox from the Oakland organization in a trade on June 14. The Cheverly, MD native quickly made an impact with the Knights and hit .306 (67-for-219) with 41 runs scored, 18 doubles, two triples, six home runs, and 38 RBIs in 64 games. Overall, the former Philadelphia Phillies farmhand hit .275 (120-for-437) with 32 doubles, three triples, 11 home runs, and 69 RBIs in 123 games combined between Triple-A Sacramento and Charlotte this year.

With today’s announcement, 19 different players have earned a promotion from Charlotte to Chicago this year. RHP Jake Petricka (April 4), outfielder Jordan Danks (April 10), RHP Zach Putnam (April 17), RHP Andre Rienzo (April 19), LHP Charlie Leesman (April 22), RHP Scott Carroll (April 27), LHPFrank De Los Santos (May 3), RHP Frank Francisco (May 10), RHP Javy Guerra (May 20), LHPEric Surkamp (June 26), infielder Carlos Sanchez (July 13), RHP Taylor Thompson (July 20), RHPMaikel Cleto (August 4), 1B Andy Wilkins (August 31), and Scott Snodgress (August 31), are the other 15 players promoted in 2014.

---

Notably absent from today's promotions was White Sox top prospect Carlos Rodon, who allowed four runs on nine hits over the course of three appearances (12 IP) with the Knights. He struck out 19, walked eight, and hit a batter. Rodon was the White Sox first pick in this year's draft. 

Jared Mitchell is another name that many expected to be called today. After a slow start to the season and 42 games in Class AA Birmingham, Mitchell returned to the Knights and hit .274 (31-for-113) with a .376 OBP and four home runs over Charlotte's final 28 games. 

Game 82: Charlotte Knights vs. Louisville Bats

Here are the lineups:

Knights (30-50)

Micah Johnson 2B

Carlos Sanchez SS

Marcus Semien CF

Josh Phegley C

Matt Davidson 3B

Matt Tuiasosopo LF

Andy Wilkins DH

Michael Taylor RF

Tyler Saladino 1B

Pitching: RHP Erik Johnson (1-5, 6.38 ERA)

Bats (40-40)

Jason Bourgeois CF

Hernan Iribarren RF

Ruben Gotay DH

Thomas Neal 1B

Donald Lutz LF

Rey Navaro 2B

Tucker Barnhart C

Juan Silverio 3B

Kristopher Negron SS

Pitching: RHP David Holmberg (0-4, 6.88 ERA)

Game time: 7:05 p.m.

TV/Radio: MiLB.tv / ESPN 730

Notes: With Jordan Danks getting the night off, Marcus Semien is making his first professional start in centerfield. … Earlier today, the Knights activated Dan Black from the disable list (rib strain) and optioned him, along with last night’s starter, Chris Beck to the Class AA Birmingham Barons. … Eric Surkamp tossed 1.1 innings in last night’s 7-0 White Sox loss to Toronto. He allowed one run, walked a batter and fanned one. It was an all-former Knights effort in Chicago, with Scott Carroll getting the start and Andre Rienzo appearing in relief. … A win tonight would give the Knights back-to-back series wins for the first time this season.

Lots happening with Knights, who return to Charlotte Monday

The Knights opened up their scheduled eight-game road trip with a 9-4 win over Rochester on April 26. However, six consecutive losses sandwiched around a rain out have them returning to BB&T BallPark on Monday still looking for their first win in the month of May.

Five of the Knights six losses have come by two runs or less (four by one run and two walk-offs). Given that the roster has been fairly fluid over the past two weeks, the rapidly growing number in the loss column doesn’t fully represent the quality of baseball the Knights (10-19) have played.

Recapping the road trip:

April 27 – The Chicago White Sox promoted Knights RHP Scott Carroll to the Majors and optioned former Charlotte Ace Erik Johnson back to Triple-A.

Carroll, 29, dazzled in his long-awaited Major League debut at U.S Cellular Field, tossing 7 1/3 innings in place of the injured Chris Sale. He allowed two runs (one earned) and left the field to a standing ovation.

After spending parts of the last eight seasons in the minors (138 appearances in all) and battling back from Tommy John surgery two years ago, Carroll is truly one of the better stories in the Big Leagues right now.

Check out what White Sox DH Adam Dunn did for Carroll and his more than 30 family members following the White Sox 9-2 win on April 28.

May 1 – After tossing five hitless innings in his BB&T debut, Tommy Hanson regressed a bit. The former Atlanta Braves ace (and one-time No. 2 prospect in all of baseball according to Baseball America) allowed three runs on five hits over 4 1/3 innings of work. The 27-year-old struggled with his command, walking five and tossing 87 pitches.

May 2 – Erik Johnson, who had struggled in the Majors this season to the tune of a 1-1 record and a 6.46 ERA in five starts, looked liked his old self, shutting out the Bisons over six innings of work. The right-hander allowed just three hits and struck out six. He wound up with a no-decision, as the Knights fell, 1-0, in 11 innings.

May 3 – White Sox RHP Felipe Paulino began his Major League rehab assignment with the Knights. The 30-year old, allowed two runs (one earned) over two innings of work. He hadn’t pitched in a game since being diagnosed with right rotator cuff inflammation on April 28. 

During the game, the White Sox announced the promotion of Knights lefty Frank De Los Santos to Chicago. The Southpaw had not allowed a run in 5.2 innings pitched for Charlotte over three appearances this season.

May 4 – Conor Gillaspie, who is currently on the Chicago White Sox 15-day disabled list with a left hand contusion, begin a rehab assignment with Charlotte, going 1-for-4 with a home run.

On Sunday, De Los Santos was also optioned back to Charlotte by the White Sox, who added former Toronto Blue Jays OF Moises Sieraa to their Major League roster.

• Knights 2B Carlos Sanchez will return to Charlotte riding a seven-game hitting streak. The switch-hitter is batting .333 (9-for-27) since beginning the hitting streak on April 26.
• One of the bigger storylines of this season has been the continued struggles of Knights top prospect Matt Davidson. The third baseman is now hitting .165 (16 for 97) on the season with 3 HR and an International League-leading 42 Ks. He’s actually hit worse ahead in the count (.080) than he has behind (.250). The 23-year-old finished last season with a .274 batting average and 20 HR between Triple-A Reno and the Arizona Diamondbacks.   
• Former Mets closer Frank Francisco has impressed in his quest to find a way back into a Major League bullpen. In four appearances (6 IP) for the Knights, the 34-year-old has yet to allow an earned run, while striking out 10.   

RHP Dylan Axelrod (1-3, 4.00) will start on Monday as the Knights host Barry Enright (0-2, 5.16) and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs at BB&T BallPark at 7:05 p.m..

Scott Carroll recalled to Chicago White Sox; Erik Johnson optioned to Charlotte Knights

By Seth Lakso, Charlotte Observer Correspondent

On Sunday the Chicago White Sox promoted Charlotte Knights RHP Scott Carroll. He’s scheduled to make his Major League debut for Chicago today against the Tampa Bay Rays and David Price. 

In another roster move, the White Sox have optioned RHP Erik Johnson to the Charlotte Knights.

Johnson entered the 2014 season as the White Sox No. 2 prospect, according to Baseball America. Following a strong Spring Training, the second-round pick in 2011, earned a spot in Chicago’s starting rotation.

However, he has struggled with his control as of late, walking 15 batters in 23 2.3 innings of work. In his most recent start, Johnson lasted just 1 2/3 innings, allowing four earned runs, while walking four.

"I think it's just something where I have to go down and refine my stuff and get it back to where it was, and hopefully come back up and help the team as best as I can," Johnson told MLB.com.

"They just said, 'You're going down to Charlotte,'" Johnson continued. "'You need to just get your stuff back and be who you are and just get back to what you know how to do.'

"No one expects to go down. I think it's definitely a privilege to be in the big leagues and it's a privilege to play here and you've got to bring it every day. Right now what I'm doing is not what gets results out there."

Carroll, 29, has been excellent this season with the Knights, posting a 3-1 record and a 1.57 ERA. He was named the International League’s Pitcher of the Week after not allowing an earned run in his first 19 innings of work this season.

"He's doing pretty good down in Triple-A," Sox manager Robin Ventura told MLB.com. "For us, it's 'give the guy a shot.'"

Carroll missed most of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery. Knights pitching coach Richard Dotson, credits the rehab work Carroll put in for the sinker-baller’s refined mechanics and success this season.

It's been a long road to the Majors for Carroll, who is by all accounts a high-character guy. His first pitch against the Rays is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. today. You can follow his start, HERE. 

Charlotte Knights hold on for 4-3 win over the Durham Bulls

By Seth Lakso, Charlotte Observer Correspondent

Off the bat, the fly ball looked like it could be trouble.

Knowing there was a runner on first and one out in the inning of a one-run game in the ninth, Knights second baseman Carlos Sanchez took off.

As the ball drifted towards the Knights’ bullpen, so too did Sanchez, who made the catch right on top of one of Charlotte’s exposed pitching mounds. Without a second of hesitation, Sanchez popped to his feet and fired to second to catch the runner trying to tag-up and end the game.

The double play was the highlight of the night for Charlotte, who handed the Durham Bulls their second straight loss in front of a record crowd of 10, 449 at BB&T Ballpark on Thursday.

“I saw him make a catch on the mound, a nice kind of over-the-shoulder type of play, and then throw a strike to second,” said Knights manager Joel Skinner.

“You know, he was throwing from the mound, so he must have gotten out front and made a nice pitch,” joked Skinner. “No, it was a nice play; it really was.”

For the second night in a row the Knights had to piece together a game from a pitching standpoint, with the night’s scheduled starter, Scott Carroll, put on hold in case he’s needed with the Chicago White Sox later this week.

And for the second night in a row, the pen was up to the task, holding Durham – who entered the night first in the International League in runs scored (105) and hits (198) – to just three runs on four hits.

Ryan Kussmaul started for the first time in his professional career and tossed 40 pitches over three innings. His only blemish was a solo home run he allowed to Wilson Betemit in the second inning.

Frank De Los Santos (W, 1-0, 0.00) followed up Kussmaul with three scoreless innings of his own, striking out four. Donnie Veal then tossed a scoreless inning before losing his command in the eighth and being charged with two runs following three straight walks to start the inning.

David Purcey then came on to toss the game’s final two innings and record his second save of the season.

“They’ve done a great job,” said Skinner of his relievers, who have held Durham to just four runs on 12 hits in 18 innings over the last 48 hours. “Tonight, obviously, we ran into a strike-throwing problem there, but Purcey was able to persevere and he got through that and the play Sanchez made was a nice way to finish the game.”

The Knights took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on an RBI double by Andy Wilkins and added three more runs in the sixth on an error, a wild pitch, and a sacrifice fly by Wilkins (1 for 3).

Through 10 home games the Knights have drawn 95,751 fans to Uptown’s BB&T Ballpark – the most by any Minor League team this season. The next highest attendance belongs to the Louisville Bats (74,119 in 11 games).

It took the Knights 27 games last season – or until May 28^th –  to hit the 90,000 mark in Fort Mill, S.C.

Charlotte improved to 3-6 against the Bulls this season. The two teams will conclude their four-game series on Friday when former Atlanta Braves ace Tommy Hanson (0-1, 9.00) takes on Durham southpaw Enny Romero (2-2, 4.43). 

Notes: Knights manager Joel Skinner said that Scott Carroll didn't pitch because: "He’s on hold. He got bumped. At this level, sometimes you need to have guys available for the Major Leagues, so that’s how that worked tonight. Nothing has been done or anything, but again, they held him back and that’s all I can say about it." ... LHP Charlie Leesman is expected to rejoin the Knights sometime tomorrow and could be available to pitch should the game go into extras. ... Friday will be Tommy Hanson's (0-1, 9.00 ERA) BB&T Ballpark debut. He lasted just four innings in his first start with the Knights. Skinner said that he will be on a pitch count. ... Catcher Josh Phegley sat for the third straight game, but was available to pinch-hit. "He’s been available the whole time," said Skinner. "It’s not a DL situation. He’ll play (Friday). He could have played today, but holding him back one more day was my decision."     

Knights drop fifth straight despite Matt Davidson's first home run

Courtesy of Knights Director of PR and Media Relations, Tommy Viola 

(Lawrenceville, GA) – Mike Minor was supposed to start for the Gwinnett Braves on Friday at BB&T Ballpark. Due to rain, the game was postponed and the two teams opened up a three-game series from Coolray Field in Lawrenceville, GA on Saturday.

Minor -- making his fourth Major League rehab appearance of the season -- allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits over six innings, Ernesto Mejia added four RBIs, and the Gwinnett Braves beat the Charlotte Knights 9-6 on Saturday.

Charlotte sent reigning International League Pitcher of the Week Scott Carroll (3-1, 1.57) to the hill on Saturday for the opening game. Carroll, the scheduled Charlotte starter on Friday, allowed six runs (four earned) on six hits over four innings and was saddled with his first loss of the season. Carroll started the season by not allowing a run in his first 19 innings of the season.

The Knights jumped on the scoreboard quickly in the top of the first inning and did so with help from catcher Josh Phegley and third baseman Matt Davidson. With one out in the first, Carlos Sanchez tripled off Minor (2-0, 3.24). Phegley followed with a sacrifice-fly RBI to give the Knights a 1-0 lead. Davidson then stepped in and sent his first home run of the season over the left field fence to make it a 2-0 ballgame.

In the bottom of the first inning, Gwinnett leaped out to a 5-2 lead with help from back-to-back walks to start the inning. Tommy La Stella singled to load the bases and Mejia followed with a game-tying two-run double. Carroll got the next batter Mark Hamilton to strike out for the first out of the inning. The runs for the Braves, however, kept coming.

Todd Cunningham followed with a two-run double to make it a 4-2 game. Edward Salcedo then reached base on a throwing error by Tyler Saladino to give Gwinnett a 5-2 lead at that point. The Braves tacked on four more runs along the way, including two in the bottom of the eighth inning off Charlotte reliever David Purcey.

The Knights battled back in the top of the ninth inning against Gwinnett reliever Pedro Beato. Charlotte drew three walks in the frame and a two-run double by Dan Black gave the Knights hope in the final frame. In all, the Knights scored three runs in the ninth, but fell short in the inning when Tyler Saladino struck-out to end the game.

Gwinnett had a game-high 12 hits and beat the Knights for the third straight game. Charlotte has dropped five straight games overall.

The two teams will play the middle game of their series on Sunday at 2:05 p.m. from Coolray Field. RHP Tommy Hanson -- a former Gwinnett Braves pitcher -- will make his season debut on Sunday for the Knights, while Gwinnett will send former Knights RHP Zach Stewart to the mound. Stewart won the final game in Knights Stadium history on September 2, 2013.

Andre Rienzo recalled to Chicago White Sox

By Seth Lakso, Charlotte Observer Correspondent 

After starting the season 0-2 with a 4.85 ERA in three starts with the Charlotte Knights, Andre Rienzo has been recalled to the Chicago White Sox. 

The 25-year-old made 10 starts with the White Sox last season, posting a 2-3 record with a 4.82 ERA in 56.0 innings of work. Prior to that, he went 8-6 with a 4.06 ERA in 20 starts in Charlotte for the Knights. 

Rienzo will slot in Felipe Paulino's spot in the Chicago rotation. Paulino was placed on the disabled list on Saturday following his start on friday where the righthander lasted just 3.2 innings, allowing 13 hits and 10 earned runs. 

Donnie Veal was outrighted to Charlotte to fill Rienzo's place on the team's roster. The 29-year-old lefthander was 0-0 with a 7.50 ERA in seven appearances (6.0 IP) with the White Sox this season. 

It seems likely that Tommy Hanson, who was recalled from extended spring training earlier on Saturday, will take Rienzo's place in the Knights rotation on Monday in Gwinnett at 2:05 p.m..  

  

Rienzo is the fourth Charlotte Knights player this season to be promoted to Chicago. He joins Jake Petricka (4/4), Jordan Danks (4/10), and Zach Putnam (4/17). 

Scott Carroll (3-0 0.00 ERA), last week's International League Pitcher of the Week, has had a stronger start to the season then Rienzo, but is not on the White Sox 40-man roster, making the decision to call him up more complicated. 

Postponed: Charlotte Knights vs. Gwinnett Braves

By Seth Lakso, Charlotte Observer Correspondent 

Knights (6-9)

Gorkys Hernandez CF

Carlos Sanchez 2B

Josh Phegley C

Matt Davidson 3B

Denis Phipps RF

Andy Wilkins DH

Dan Black 1B

Tyler Saladino SS
Blake Tekotte LF

Pitching: RHP Scott Carroll (3-0 0.00)

Braves (8-6)

Jose Constanza LF

Phil Gosselin SS

Tommy La Stella 2B

Ernesto Majia 1B

Mark Hamilton DH

Todd Cunningham CF

Edward Salcedo 3B

Christian Bethancourt C

Derrick Mitchell RF

Pitching: LHP Mike Minor (0-0 0.00)

Game time: Makeup date TBD. 

TV/Radio: MiLB.TV / ESPN 730

Stat of the Day: One of today's Charlotte O's honorees, Jeff Schaefer, is the only player to have earn a championship ring with both the Charlotte O's and Charlotte Knights. 

Notes: Over 40 former Charlotte O’s players, coaches, and staff members will be on hand for tonight’s Charlotte O’s Tribute. The O's played in Charlotte from 1976 to 1987 and were the Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. ... Tonights starter for Charlotte, Scott Carroll is yet to allow an earned run in 19 innings pitched this season. ... Prior to yesterday's 0 for 4, Josh Phegley had reached base safely in 16 straight games for the Knights, a streak which began June 28, 2013. Over that time, he's hit .333 (20 for 60) with two home runs. Tonight's starter for Gwinnett, Mike Minor, went 13-9 with a 3.21 ERA in 32 starts for the Atlanta Braves in 2013. He's here recovering from left shoulder tendonitis. 

Knights Walkup Song of the Day: Matt Davidson: Only when I walk away, Justin Timberlake

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