White Sox's Anthony Ranaudo: Notches quality start in loss to Cubs

Ranaudo (1-1), making his White Sox debut and first start of the season, allowed three runs on two hits (both homers) and four walks over 6.2 innings in Wednesday's loss to the Cubs. He struck out three.

Analysis:

Considering Ranaudo produced a 17.18 ERA and 2:8 K:BB over two relief appearances with Texas earlier this year, this start has to count as an enormous step forward even though he still had more walks than strikeouts. After all, he managed to no-hit the Cubs for 5.1 innings before giving up a Kris Bryant solo homer. He also helped his own cause by providing the South Siders' only run with a solo homer, the first of his career. White Sox manager Robin Ventura can take some blame for getting a little too cute here, leaving his inexperienced starter in to pitch the seventh, which resulted in a two-run homer that hurt his final line considerably. Nonetheless, Ranaudo certainly showed a little something here -- enough at least to make him the top call-up if the White Sox need to fill a rotation slot moving forward.