AL CENTRAL NEWS AND NOTES

CHICAGO WHITE SOX

Rookie right-hander Tyler Danish is getting an extended opportunity to show he can be a long-term part of the bullpen.

The White Sox called up the 23-year-old from Class AAA Charlotte (North Carolina) on July 27 when closer Joakim Soria was traded to the Brewers. In his first five appearances, Danish was 1-0 and allowed two runs in five innings.

Danish made three relief appearances for the White Sox in 2016 and one start last season, when he pitched five scoreless innings to beat the Tigers.

He went 1-3 with a 3.06 ERA in 29 games, including two starts, for Charlotte this season.

Danish is from Plant City, Florida, and he had plenty of family members and friends in the stands Aug. 3 at Tampa Bay when he got credit for the win in the White Sox’s 10-inning, 3-2 victory over the Rays.

❚ Shortstop Tim Anderson has been slowed by soreness in his left knee but plans to play through it. He was hitting .246 with 14 home runs and 22 stolen bases through 108 games.

CLEVELAND INDIANS

Andrew Miller had two scoreless appearances upon his return from a nearly 10-week stay on the disabled list caused by a sore right knee.

The left-handed reliever was activated Aug. 3 and pitched one inning against the Angels. Miller was used to get one out in his next appearance two days later.

Because of their comfortable lead in the American League Central, the Indians could ease Miller back in as they geared up for the final two months.

❚ Center fielder Leonys Martin went 4-for-11 with two home runs in his first four games after being acquired from the Tigers in a July 31 trade. The Indians needed depth in center field because Tyler Naquin had right hip surgery that could sideline him for the remainder of the season.

DETROIT TIGERS

Miguel Cabrera is trying to stay upbeat as he recovers from the ruptured right biceps tendon that ended his season on June 12 and required surgery.

He says he is feeling good after the surgery. However, he won’t be able to resume baseball activities until after the season, and it’s making him impatient.

The two-time AL MVP hit .299 with three home runs in 38 games before being reduced to a television viewer.

❚ Minor league shortstop Willi Castro was acquired from the Indians on July 31 in a trade for center fielder Leonys Martin and minor league reliever Kyle Dowdy. The slick-fielding Castro, 21, hit .245 with five home runs in 97 games with Class AA Akron (Ohio) and eventually could replace Jose Iglesias at shortstop.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS

Alex Gordon had a rare power outburst Aug. 1. The 34-yearold left fielder hit a two-run homer and a two-run double to lead the Royals to a 10-5 victory over the White Sox at Chicago.

The Royals aren’t winning many games — they have one of the majors’ worst records — and Gordon isn’t hitting for much power. He had seven homers and a .357 slugging percentage through 93 games.

The three-time All-Star also is a drag on the payroll. His salary is $20 million both this year and next year.

❚ Brian Goodwin’s opportunity to show he can be the regular center fielder was put on hold when he was placed on the disabled list because of a strained left groin. Acquired from the Nationals in a trade July 22, the 27-year-old went 8for-17 (.471) with one double and one home run in his first five games for the Royals.

MINNESOTA TWINS

Less than a year after playing in the AL wild-card game, the Twins appeared to give up on reaching the 2018 postseason when they traded five players for 11 minor leaguers in late July.

Most significant was the deal that sent second baseman Brian Dozier to the Dodgers. He won an American League Gold Glove award last season and was an All-Star in 2015.

The Twins also dealt righthander Lance Lynn to the Yankees, left-handed reliever Zach Duke to the Mariners, righthanded reliever Ryan Pressly to the Astros and infielder Eduardo Escobar to the Diamondbacks.

❚ Second baseman Logan Forsythe was the only major league player acquired in the trades. He went 4-for-12 with a double in his first four games.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

DANIEL PALKA, WHITE SOX

The outfielder-designated hitter has been a pleasant surprise for the White Sox in a dreadful season. He hit 17 home runs, including a club-record three as a pinch-hitter, in his first 78 games after making his major league debut April 25. Palka, 26, was claimed off waivers from the Twins on Nov. 3. He was the Diamondbacks’ third-round pick in the 2013 amateur draft.