Things Aren’t Going Well For The Angels Either – Lineups 5/10

Entering the season, the White Sox weren’t picked by the notable writers or talking heads on TV to win the division. Many have them sitting in the cellar all season, though some think they can put together enough to finish second to the Tigers. And indeed, the Pale Hose currently rest at the bottom of the AL Central division with a 14-18 record. There aren’t many outside of Chicago scratching their heads about this. The Angels, on the other hand, are implying psoriasis on the heads of oh so many that know oh so much. Widely touted as the favorites to take the AL West, the Angels have a record of 12-22, and are spared a last place residence by their new division mates the Astros, whose 10 wins to date surprise nobody. Those same Astros just got done winning two out of three from the Angels. To sum up, the Angels are scuffling. Hard. With the long to longer term contracts on the books to players all failing to perform, the future ain’t so bright outside of Mike Trout and Mark Trumbo. If you’re sad, White Sox fans, sadder is riding into town tonight, and somebody’s got to win.

Dylan Axelrod continues to have good starts. The label of “quality start” which requires 6+ innings with 3 or less earned runs allowed can be applied to his last 4 starts and the Sox are just 1-3 in those games. The most recent one represents his longest of 2013 by both workload, 113 pitches, and innings, 7.2. He allowed just 2 runs and the White Sox failed to deliver any run support at all and lost the game 2-0. He also didn’t strike anybody out in that contest, nobody at all, and he allowed 8 hits in the process. Before the league gets too many looks at Axelrod, and his inability to miss bats starts catching up, it would be nice to amass a win or two.

Tommy Hanson was scratched from his intended start tonight due to a death in the family. In his place, 27 year-old Barry Enright. Enright has thrown all of 3 innings this season, and has given up 3 runs. If he gets through the first inning without allowing 3 more he will have improved upon his 2012 season, in which the final third of his 3.2 innings sent 6 runs the Mariners’ way. Once a starter with Arizona, Enright brings some fairly wild stuff into Chicago to make a short notice start against a team that sorely needs somebody to keep them on track offensively. They can’t do it all on their own, you know!

Today’s Lineup:

1.De Aza – LF
2.Keppinger – 2B
3.Rios – RF
4.Dunn – 1B
5.Konerko – DH
6.Gillaspie – 3B
7.Viciedo – LF
8.Alexei – SS
9.Flowers – C

Dayan Viciedo in the lineup immediately after being activated. Jordan Danks has been optioned to Charlotte in order to make room for him.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Lineup:

1.J.B. Shuck – LF
2.Mike Trout – CF
3.Albert Pujols – DH
4.Mark Trumbo – 1B
5.Josh Hamilton – RF
6.Howie Kendrick – 2B
7.Alberto Callaspo – 3B
8.Hank Conger – C
9.Brendan Harris – SS

Where to Watch
Today’s White Sox game can be seen on CSN for the Chicago area and Fox Sports West in Los Angeles. The game will be televised on MLB Network for select markets. 7:10 Central start time.