White Sox attendance climb is second to one in baseball

OAKLAND, Calif. — The White Sox’ improving record is translating into improved ticket sales at Guaranteed Rate Field, as well.

The Sox’ 4,040 increase in average paid attendance at the All-Star break from 2018 to 2019 is the highest in the American League and second best in the majors behind the Phillies (8,611), who got a boost from signing superstar outfielder Bryce Harper in the offseason.

The Sox’ 177,761 increase in total attendance, an improvement of 22.4 percent compared to the first half last season when the team was on its way to losing 100 games, is also the second best in the majors.

The Sox got a boost in June after hosting the Yankees in a four-game series, including crowds of 36,074 and 37,277 on a Friday and Saturday, and two sellouts for the Cubs last weekend, 38,634 and 38,554.

TV audiences are on the rise for the Sox, too. Their broadcasts on NBC Sports Chicago averaged a 1.18 Chicago market household rating, the highest team average since 2014 (1.38) and up 36 percent compared to the 2018 All-Star break.

Anderson progressing

Shortstop Tim Anderson appeared to be in good spirits but declined to offer a progress report as he recovers from a high right ankle sprain. But Anderson was doing some batting cage work and taking ground balls to test his ankle, manager Rick Renteria said.

“He still feels a weakness but we’ll continue to strengthen and do the things necessary to get him back to full baseball activity,” Renteria said. “One of those things where as much I want to and his teammates want to get him back in there as quickly as we can, we’re not going to put a timetable and rush him back out there. He’s an important piece for us and we’ll make sure he’s comfortable both physically and mentally to get back out there.”

Covey likely to start Saturday

Right-hander Dylan Covey is expected to come off the injured list and start Saturday after being out for a month with shoulder inflammation.

“There is a high likelihood that Dylan will be the guy that throws [Saturday],” Renteria said. “His side the other day went well.”

Covey threw 74 pitches in his most recent minor-league rehab start for Class AAA Charlotte on Sunday.

Careful with Cease

Top pitching prospect Dylan Cease will get 12 days of rest between his first start last Wednesday and his next one Tuesday in Kansas City.

“There is a plan to make sure we don’t overexpose him, so to speak,” Renteria said. “We want him to get through this introduction to major league level baseball, to have it go as well is it possibly can for him.”

Robert’s fast start at Charlotte

Prized outfield prospect Luis Robert had an RBI double and was hit by a pitch near his midsection in four plate appearances for Charlotte on Friday, a night after he belted two homers including a grand slam in his first game since being promoted from Class AA Birmingham. He was 3-for-5 with seven RBI Thursday.

Robert is leading off for the Knights, as he did at Birmingham.

“I like batting leadoff. I feel comfortable there,” he said.

Contributing: Steve Greenberg