The Texas Rangers swept a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox in late August during Will Venable’s most recent trip to Guaranteed Rate Field as a visiting coach.
One of the victories included a remarkable leaping catch by left fielder Travis Jankowski, who was inserted in the game in the ninth inning as a defensive replacement and then took a potential game-winning three-run home run away from Andrew Vaughn.
“(Rangers manager Bruce Bochy) and I talked about defensive replacements, and that was one that we discussed and we both agreed it was a good decision,” Venable said Friday with a smile when jokingly asked about the sequence. “Now I’m sorry that happened.
“But seriously, I was happy for Travis, who is one of my favorite players. It was a great play and at the same time, I know it was a tough one for the White Sox.”
Venable had the role of associate manager with the Rangers at that time. He was back at the Guaranteed Rate Field on Friday, taking part in a formal news conference in his new capacity as Sox manager.
The Sox officially hired Venable on Oct. 31. He and general manager Chris Getz met with reporters via a videoconference call later that afternoon.
The team held a traditional news conference Friday at the ballpark, filled with photo opportunities on the field and another round of questions from reporters.
He described the first week on the job as “a lot of conversations, a lot of reading reports and getting up to speed on our guys and our people.”
“Every one of those conversations just reinforced my excitement and how confident I am that I’ve made the right choice,” Venable said.
Getz said the more time spent with Venable, “it becomes even more obvious it’s such a natural fit.”
“There’s so many decisions that go on every day as a general manager, and what I’ve noticed in this short period of time is I’m comfortable calling Will about any one of those subjects and talking it through,” Getz said. “And that’s what I was looking for, I was looking for a partner in this. And it’s a pretty good sign that it’s already as natural as it is.
“Obviously, there’s going to be some good times and some adversity along the way. But as we build this trust and this open line of communication, I feel like we’re going to be able to work through anything.”
Getz said the Sox are “getting there” when asked how close they are to finishing the coaching staff.
“We’re beginning some interviews in the coming days to fill out the staff,” Getz said. “I know Will has spoken to some staff that we plan on bringing back in certain positions.
“To put a timetable on it, I think, is unnecessary. We’re going to take our time. We want to make sure that we find the right fit for now and the future. If that means we need to be a little bit more methodical in doing so, we’ll do that. We’re not going to rush into anything.”
Venable later mentioned there will be a role for Grady Sizemore, who took over as interim manager after the Sox fired Pedro Grifol.
“I think it’s going to be about how to best utilize him and how to best complement his skill set, what does the rest of our staff look like and how do we all complement each other and work together to accomplish what we want to accomplish,” Venable said.
“Grady is going to be a part of that. We just have yet to define what everyone’s roles and responsibilities are going to be.”
It’s all part of the process as the Sox get to work after setting a modern MLB record with 121 losses in 2024.
“I’m excited for the challenge and excited to continue to talk to players and just get a sense of how I can help this group,” Venable said. “This is an opportunity to continue to help build and be part of the foundation that’s already being laid here. And I know that every one of these (major-league managerial) jobs is challenging.
“Every group going into every year has their work cut out for them. And I’m excited for the challenge that this group presents.”
Sox sign pitcher Justin Dunn to minor-league deal
The Sox on Friday announced the signing of the 29-year-old right-hander. Dunn will be with the team in spring training as a nonroster invitee.
The New York Mets selected Dunn in the first round (No. 19) of the 2016 MLB draft. He is 6-7 with a 4.44 ERA and 113 strikeouts in 32 career starts for the Seattle Mariners (2019-21) and Cincinnati Reds (2022).
Limited because of a right shoulder injury, Dunn made three minor-league rehab appearances in 2023. He did not see action in 2024.
