Tim Elko made a memorable debut for the White Sox, hitting a three-run homer off 2022 Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara to secure a 4-2 victory over the Marlins. The 26-year-old first baseman’s powerful hit broke a tie and earned him his first major-league hit.
After the game, Elko presented his mother, Cheryl, with the home-run ball and the special pink bat he used to hit it, marking a touching Mother’s Day gesture.
“It’ll probably be up there,” Elko said of the gift. “It’s not worth any money, which helps the wallet, but it’s a cool moment.”
Elko’s home run also brought joy to Sox fans, who had been eager for his promotion from Triple-A Charlotte after his strong start to the season. The 2022 10th-round draft pick wasn’t expected to play a major role in the team’s future but has impressed in his brief time in the big leagues.
“I don’t expect anything less from him,” said starting pitcher Sean Burke. “He’s done that every step of the way. It’s really cool to see. I’m happy to be a part of his journey.”
Manager Will Venable’s plan for a shared first-base role between Elko and Andrew Vaughn came into play over the weekend. Elko played first base Saturday and served as the designated hitter Sunday. Meanwhile, Vaughn has continued to contribute, hitting RBIs and homers in every game since Elko’s call-up.
As Vaughn nears free agency, Elko is seizing his opportunity to make a case for a long-term role with the team. “I want to come here and help us win games and do whatever I can,” Elko said. “I was able to contribute today and check a few other boxes, too.”
The game also saw some heated moments. Both Venable and hitting coach Marcus Thames were ejected for arguing with the umpire over balls and strikes. The frustration boiled over in the fifth inning during Chase Meidroth’s at-bat, with Thames being tossed for shouting from the dugout. Venable, in his first season as a big-league manager, was ejected shortly after.
“It was just one of those things where the frustration was building for some of the guys,” Venable explained. “Marcus is just fighting for the guys there, too.”
Meanwhile, center fielder Luis Robert Jr. sat out for a second consecutive game due to a sore right knee, and infielder Miguel Vargas missed his second straight game with a right calf issue. Bench coach Walker McKinven described both injuries as minor, with the team planning to give the pair extra rest with Monday’s day off.
