Overview
- Vargas was named American League Player of the Week on Monday after going 8-for-23 with a double, three home runs, nine RBIs and two stolen bases over the seven-game stretch.
- The White Sox beat the Royals 14-11 on Tuesday to improve to 81-76 with five regular-season games left and remain one game behind the Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central.
- Vargas has posted career highs this season with 33 home runs, 88 RBIs, 31 doubles, 20 steals and 101 runs, and he is the first player in White Sox history with at least 30 doubles, 30 homers, 20 steals and 100 runs in one year.
- Chicago’s offense has carried the club late but the bullpen has surrendered multiple blown saves since the Seranthony Domínguez trade and the team’s 34-44 road mark highlights a clear pitching vulnerability.
- On the National League side, Jake Cronenworth earned NL Player of the Week honors after going 13-for-28 and helping the Padres win six of seven to bolster their push for a wild-card spot.