ARLINGTON, Texas — Nick Senzel lined up the first flight out of Knoxville, Tenn., on Friday as he planned to meet his new Chicago White Sox teammates in Kansas City for the first game after the All-Star break.
But he became one of many travelers affected by the global tech outage that disrupted trips almost everywhere.
“It was a long day,” Senzel said Sunday at Kauffman Stadium. “I had the first flight out, but everything kept getting pushed back. Didn’t get here at the time I wanted.
“I knew I would get here, but I didn’t know if it would be before game time or during game time. I got in just in the nick of time. I was just happy that I got here safely. I was able to play in the game.”
Senzel arrived at the park around 5 p.m. for the game that started at 7:10. He was in the starting lineup at third base and went 0-for-4 in his first game with the Sox after signing on July 17.
“It was kind of just like a show-and-go,” Senzel said of the day. “You just show up and play, and sometimes it’s almost better like that. They just told me to strap it on and let’s go play.
“First game action in a couple of weeks, so it was good to be back out there.”
Reliever Sammy Peralta had a similar travel experience after being recalled from Triple-A Charlotte on Saturday.
“Originally I was supposed to go to Atlanta International Airport,” Peralta told the Tribune on Monday at Globe Life Field. “We were in Gwinnett, it’s about an hour drive. And on my way there, I got a notice that my flight had been canceled.”
So he took an Uber to Birmingham, Ala., then flew to Dallas and caught a flight to Kansas City.
“I ended up getting to my hotel at 2 a.m.,” Peralta said. “I was going to do anything to get here.”
After the hectic travel, Senzel also was ready to help the Sox in any way.
“I just think there’s some opportunity,” he said. “The team is going to be in some sort of transitional period come the (July 30 trade) deadline, but you never know what’s going to happen. Just know that there’s some opportunity to kind of revive my season and hopefully get some wins here and finish this season strong.
“I just try to help the young guys who are here and try to fit in. So far, everyone has welcomed me with open arms and been great. Just try to take advantage of the opportunity with some of the at-bats I get and playing time. Just be respectful and try to fit in as best as I can.”
Senzel, 29, has played all over the field — including all three outfield spots, third base and second — during his six seasons with the Cincinnati Reds (2019-23) and Washington Nationals (2024).
“Wherever they need me, a corner outfield, third base, second base,” he said. “Just any opportunity to get me in the lineup. I’m ready to contribute and help any way I can.”
Manager Pedro Grifol said Senzel was someone the Sox pro scouts targeted. The Nationals designated him for assignment July 6 and released him July 11.
“(He’s) a strong right-handed bat who adds a little more power, versatility,” Grifol said. “He did some things for Washington. He’s got some pop and he’s going to add a right-handed bat for us in the infield that we can use in matchup situations and we can also use against lefties.”
He hit .209 with 10 doubles, seven home runs, 18 RBIs and 25 runs in 64 games this season with Washington.
“It’s had good moments, it’s had some poor moments,” Senzel said of his 2024 season. “What I know now, I have another opportunity to play some baseball. Just want to finish the season strong.”
He has drawn 27 walks, three shy of his career high of 30 in 2019 and 2022 with the Reds.
“My walk rate has been the highest it’s been in my career,” he said. “I’ve done a good job there and I just have to put the barrel on the ball a little bit more. Mistakes or pitches I get in the zone, just take advantage of them a little bit more.
“Got a good opportunity to do that and I’m excited for it.”
