SAN DIEGO — One down, one to go.
The White Sox tied the 2003 Tigers’ American League record for losses in a season Saturday and will wake up Sunday knowing another loss to the Padres would tie the 1962 Mets’ major-league record.
Right-hander Chris Flexen fell to 0-11 in his last 22 starts, allowing homers to Xander Bogaerts and David Peralta in a 6-2 loss to the Padres at Petco Park. Flexen’s 23-game winless streak is the longest in franchise history.
“It’s gotta be frustrating,” interim manager Grady Sizemore said of Flexen’s streak. “Something that’s in the back of your mind. It’s not all on him.”
The Sox’ latest loss, their fourth in a row, dropped them to 36-119. The 1962 Mets were 40-120.
“Poor,” Flexen said. “Terrible execution after the first inning.”
Sizemore has tried deflecting questions about the records for days now, emphasizing player development for next year instead. He can’t be faulted for changing the subject, but it’s hard turning the attention elsewhere when national media are paying close attention.
“It’s not always about the wins,” Sizemore said. “It’s fighting, having a good mindset, trying to stay positive. Obviously, we do want to win. It is a big priority for everybody.”
Wanting and doing are different matters for the Sox, who were within 4-2 when Bryan Ramos walked with the bases loaded in the eighth inning. But Sizemore allowed Dominic Fletcher to face lefty Tanner Scott, and Fletcher hit into an inning-ending double play.
“It’s a tough matchup for Fletch, but that’s what I want,” Sizemore said. “I want him having those tough at-bats and facing those tough lefties when the game is on the line.”
Soroka returns, Kuhl DFA’d
Right-hander Michael Soroka returned from his injury rehab assignment for a strained right shoulder — he replaced Flexen in the sixth and pitched two scoreless innings — and right-hander Chad Kuhl (5.06 ERA, one save in 31 appearances) was designated for assignment. Rookie righty Jordan Leasure returned from his rehab stint (right shoulder impingement) and was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte.
In six rehab games at Charlotte, Soroka (0-10) was 3-0 with a 3.08 ERA.
Split decision for Berroa
Right-hander Prelander Berroa, acquired from the Mariners in the offseason with outfielder Zach DeLoach for righty Gregory Santos, is working on a splitter during side sessions that he expects to introduce next season. Berroa’s 98 mph (average) fastball and slider have been good enough for a 2.35 ERA and 24 strikeouts (and seven walks) in 15⅓ innings.
“Another way to make the batter feel a little more uncomfortable,” Berroa said. “Make them think a little more.”
Berroa, 24, hasn’t been scored on in his last eight games.
Figure it out
Jacob Amaya, 25, who had 10 plate appearances to his name when the Sox claimed him off waivers from the Astros on Aug. 26, arrived as a defense-first shortstop and has pretty much shown that to be the case with a .213/.275/.234 hitting line with one extra-base hit in 50 at-bats. He struck out four times Saturday. Amaya’s offseason focus will be on his hitting.
“There’s gonna be a day when I figure out the hitting,” Amaya said, “and it’s going to be a good year when I do. I know I can play defense for my guys on the mound; it’s the other side of the ball that I want to get going.”