Rick Speaks: Home stretch for the playoffs

Updating the rotation, which won't get set up for the postseason until the White Sox clinch

Before the start of Friday's homestand opener, White Sox GM Rick Hahn sat down for a media session that encompassed the playoff run for his ballclub, injury updates, what's most delighted him this season, and even a surprising #SoxMath intervention.

First off, asked about playing the postseason in bubble cities vs. home parks, Hahn was nonplussed: "We’re favor of being part of it, regardless of where we’re playing and how."

Hahn offered that pitcher Carlos Rodón's setback meant that "Time is starting to get a little bit short to bring him back as a starter," while the GM pegged lefty relief ace Aaron Bummer for a return to the White Sox during the road trip that begins a week from today.

One thing Hahn was clear on: While it's a given that the White Sox will line their rotation up for the playoffs (pitching Lucas Giolito and Dallas Keuchel 1-2, at least), it won't be happening anytime soon, even given Dallas' stint on the IL: "There does come a point where we have to prioritize, hopefully, a playoff rotation, [but] we are not going to pivot to that before clinching a spot."

While there's been a lot of talk about MVP candidates José Abreu, Tim Anderson and Luis Robert, I instead asked Hahn who has been the most delightful player on the White Sox this season.

"Codi Heuer and Matt Foster, there wasn’t a lot of talk, about them outside of our camp," he said. "They’ve stepped into big roles and filled big voids due to injury. There's been a lot of innings for that bullpen. For these two young kids, it’s awesome to see stories like that play out on the big-league level."

There's a ton of fun stuff in the Q&A above, so make sure to watch the entire video.

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Rick Hahn video courtesy of the Chicago White Sox.