Lineup 6/5: Can White Sox Avoid 9th Loss In A Row?
These articles are probably starting to sound like a broken record, although there are changes happening at a glacial pace if you look closely enough. Last night the White Sox actually managed to score 4 runs for the first time since May 26th against the Marlins – and against Felix Hernandez no less. Normally that would be enough to win with Jake Peavy on the mound. Unfortunately, Peavy was topping out at 88-89mph, and it was clear that something was wrong. It took three innings and an insurmountable deficit before the White Sox noticed – and Robin Ventura didn’t even have anyone warming when he went out to check on it. Turns out Peavy had been dealing with pain for a few days, will get an MRI on the left side of his ribcage, and will almost certainly miss his next start.
It looks like the White Sox may even mess up the pieces they have left to sell off.
Ventura also has decided to play Jeff Keppinger over Conor Gillaspie today, despite there being a right-handed on the mound, and has benched Tyler Flowers to reward him for his RBI double last night. Oh well. Dylan Axelrod looks to continue his string of success and he’ll face off against Hisashi Iwakuma. Iwakuma was much-hyped in his initial bid to switch over from the NPB, but couldn’t come to a deal with the A’s who had won the bidding to negotiate with him. He was successful last year with the Mariners, and after signing a 2-year extension he is dominating this season, using a combination of a splitter and never walking anyone to be an excellent Robin to Felix’s Batman.
Like all White Sox pitchers, Dylan Axelrod has a razor-thin margin for error. (Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports)
1. Alejandro De Aza CF
2. Alexei Ramirez SS
3. Alex Rios RF
4. Adam Dunn 1B
5. Paul Konerko DH
6. Dayan Viciedo LF
7. Jeff Keppinger 3B
8. Gordon Beckham 2B
9. Hector Gimenez C
The Mariners will counter with essentially the same lineup as they have used all series, replacing Jesus Sucre with the superior Kelly Shoppach, although Shoppach is much better against lefties than righties.
1. Endy Chavez RF
2. Jason Bay LF
3. Kyle Seager 3B
4. Kendrys Morales 1B
5. Raul Ibanez DH
6. Nick Franklin 2B
7. Michael Saunders CF
8. Kelly Shoppach C
9. Brendan Ryan SS