Perhaps the solution to the White Sox pitching woes is a little penguin named Pepe.
Before Sunday’s game against the Royals, Chicago trotted out Pepe to accompany Dr. Mike Adkesson, president and CEO of the Brookfield Zoo, for the ceremonial first pitch at Rate Field.
Pepe waddled out to the mound from the dugout while Adkesson tossed in a strike.
A Humboldt penguin, the creature made his appearance in celebration of World Ocean Day, as an ambassador for ocean cleanliness and safety.
The White Sox (22-44) could’ve used the penguin’s services during the game, though, as they went on to lose 7-5.
Naturally, fans on social media had a field day with the adorable moment.
“Major upgrade for the White Sox pitching staff!” remarked one fan on X.
“Can he start tomorrow?” asked another.
“Billy, this is Pepe. He’s a penguin. He is one of the most undervalued birds in baseball. His defect is he can’t fly,” cracked another, referencing the classic scene from Moneyball.
The White Sox have the ninth-worst team ERA in the majors with a 4.12, and the loss to Kansas City was a prime example of their woes on the mound — Chicago’s bullpen gave up five runs in a brutal display.
Others couldn’t help but poke fun at former NFL player Taylor Lewan, who went viral for his brutal first pitch at a Cardinals game last week.
“Nobody show this to @TaylorLewan77,” posted one fan on X, with dozens of others echoing a similar message.
The White Sox will look to take inspiration from Pepe as they attempt to climb out of a 20 ½-game hole in the AL Central starting with a three-game series in Houston against the Astros beginning on Tuesday night.