White Sox' Miguel Vargas takes exception to being plunked by Cubs' Brad Keller

In the eighth inning of the White Sox’ 6-2 loss Sunday to the Cubs, third baseman Miguel Vargas was plunked by a 95.5 mph four-seamer from right-hander Brad Keller.

Vargas, who hit a solo home run in the fourth, didn’t take kindly to the pitch and let Keller know without saying a word. He glared at Keller as umpire Jeremie Rehak walked between them.

Keller has a history against the Sox. As a member of the Royals, he was suspended for five games in 2019 for his role in a benches-clearing incident after he hit Tim Anderson in his next at-bat after Anderson celebrated a homer.

Vargas and Keller continued to exchange words after the inning as Keller walked off the field.

‘‘I just wanted to know what was his favorite restaurant,’’ Vargas said.

Vargas then was asked about Keller’s response.

‘‘He didn’t say anything,’’ Vargas said.

Before the ninth, Sox third-base coach Justin Jirschele appeared to get into a disagreement with third-base umpire Brennan Miller before second-base umpire Chris Conroy separated the two.

‘‘There was some miscommunication the inning before when Vargas was by [the Cubs’] dugout, and Jirschele and the umpire were talking about it and did not agree on what happened,’’ manager Will Venable said.

The Sox were outscored 26-8 in the three-game series.

‘‘Obviously, we didn’t get the result that we wanted,’’ Vargas said. ‘‘It was special being in Chicago and to see the atmosphere in the stadium and the rivalry we have. It’s something we can work on in the future and turn the page.’’

Meidroth leading off

Shortstop Chase Meidroth’s laid-back and poised demeanor is perfect for the top of the lineup.

He led off all three games of the series with a hit (single, homer, double) and now is batting .284/.370/.358. His steadiness has been a boost for a lineup that has been punchless for much of the season.

‘‘You don’t see too many guys that come up and hit the ground running,’’ Sox outfielder Michael A. Taylor told the Sun-Times. ‘‘But he has, and it’s a product of a very mature approach.’’

Meidroth draws walks at an above-average rate and rarely strikes out. He fouls off pitches and has lengthy at-bats.

‘‘He’s definitely sparked the top of the lineup,’’ right-hander Sean Burke said Saturday. ‘‘He’s making at-bats difficult to start the game.’’

Crowded roster

It’s likely that catcher Korey Lee (sprained left ankle), outfielder Mike Tauchman (strained right hamstring) and outfielder Austin Slater (surgery on right knee) will return this week.

Playing Lee will be tricky because the Sox already have two catchers. Edgar Quero has established himself as a plus hitter, and pitchers like throwing to Matt Thaiss.

‘‘The biggest challenge there is just managing the 26-man roster and versatility,’’ general manager Chris Getz said. ‘‘But you’ve got to be mindful of how Will and the staff want to attack games.’’