Chris Sale and a New Opponent – Lineups 9/14
By Matt Adams
The anticipation for Chris Sale’s starting pitching matchup could not be much further than the other side of the spectrum than it was last night. Instead of Justin Verlander, Sale faces off against Esmerling Vasquez. After a few years of toiling in the Arizona bullpen, Vasquez has been given the role of starter by the Twins and I’m sure they are spending moments each day wondering, “why?” He’s made two starts, one each against the other lower rung AL Central opponents in the Royals and the Indians. 9 runs have come from those starts, putting him over the one run per inning threshold. Walks appear to be an issue, his last outing he lasted only 3 innings and he allowed 5 of them.
Chris Sale will try to work on his road splits, having been bilked of a home start, as he tries to put the White Sox train back on the rails. Sale went 6 innings in his last start and only allowed 5 hits and 1 run.
Tonight’s Lineup:
1.De Aza – CF
2.Youk – 3B
3.Wise – LF
4.Konerko – 1B
5.Rios – RF
6.AJ – C
7.DHayan
8.Alexei – SS
9.Beckham – 2B
Adam Dunn is still not in the lineup, but says that today is the “best he’s felt,” and hopes to return tomorrow. I’m not sure how DeWayne Wise feels about that, but I can surmise how very nearly all of the White Sox fan base will: relieved.
Where to Watch
Game available in Chicago on Comcast SportsNet and FoxSports North in the Twins market. 7:10 Central start time.
Scoreboard watching can be had as soon as the game begins, the Tigers take on Cleveland beginning at 6:05 central.