For Lucas Giolito, throwing inside part of his job

White Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito said he wasn’t trying to buzz Yankees first baseman/designated hitter Luke Voit on Friday night.

Giolito wasn’t too upset that he did.

Voit homered off Giolito in the first inning, and his at-bat in the third started with a 94.8 mph fastball that went up and in. He was displeased moments after the pitch was thrown and wasn’t much happier about it after the game, saying a pitch in that area was “not good.”

“I go deep on him,” Voit told reporters Friday, “then the next pitch [is 95]. I don’t even know how it didn’t hit me. It’s a bunch of b.s. It’s really frustrating.”

Giolito said he had seen Voit’s comments and didn’t seem bothered. As for the pitch in question, he said it was an accident and was trying to work away from Voit.

But the incident will have no impact on Giolito’s game plan. He’s going to throw inside, whether the opponents like it or not.

“Every once in a while, I’m going to throw inside,” Giolito said, “back a guy off. That’s how I pitch. If you don’t like it, then that’s your problem. So whether it be accidental or I’m going in for effect, that’s how I pitch. It’s going to happen. And I mean, that’s that.”

Sox manager Rick Renteria didn’t give Voit’s quotes much oxygen.

“I did not [see them], and I really don’t care to hear about them, to be honest,” Renteria said.

Speaking of Giolito . . .

Giolito’s next start will be Wednesday at Wrigley Field against the Cubs. Last year on May 13, Giolito beat the Cubs at Wrigley despite walking seven in 5‰ innings.

Since then, Giolito has gone from a prospect trying to find his way to one of the best pitchers in baseball with a legitimate shot to start the All-Star Game.

“So, yeah, that was definitely a little different than how I pitch now,” Giolito said. “I’d say I was effectively wild that day. I’m looking forward to going in there and filling up the zone.”

Reunion weekend

Not too long ago, Eloy Jimenez and Gleyber Torres were working their way through the Cubs’ system. Thanks to trades, the two have been opponents this weekend.

Jimenez said they’re frequently in touch and have a close relationship.

“It’s been fun [playing against Torres],” Jimenez said. “We didn’t expect that when we signed, but now it’s business, and we just enjoy it.”

Moncada and Fry

Third baseman Yoan Moncada (back) didn’t start Saturday and hadn’t played since Monday. Renteria said there was a chance he’d be available Saturday and hoped to get him back in the lineup Sunday.

“Moncada’s doing very, very well, and the reports today were obviously optimistic,” Renteria said.

Left-hander Jace Fry (sore shoulder)threw before the game. Renteria said the reports on Fry were positive and hopefully he would be back soon.

So long, Stephens

The Indians claimed Sox minor-league pitcher Jordan Stephens off waivers. Stephens, 26, had spent most of the season at Class AAA Charlotte and made one appearance at Class A Winston-Salem, going 3-4 with an 8.39 ERA overall.

Stephens’ departure opens a spot on the 40-man roster, which is now at 39.