Embracing the Spoiler Role – Game Preview And Lineups 8/25

Who knew that exciting games could become the norm for a team more than 20 games under .500. That’s been the case for the White Sox with last night being no exception. Today’s matinee gives John Danks another crack at the team that traded him away all those years ago. Danks didn’t pitch against Texas when the Sox visited earlier in the season, but historically he’s pitched decently against the Rangers since arriving in Chicago. The 3.88 ERA he sports against them doesn’t mean much these days, his ERA has been run through the wringer over the past 3 years. Though if you strike those his mark vs Texas looks very close to his career average.

Another player making a return visit to Chicago, albeit on a less familiar side, is Matt Garza. Garza hasn’t been in a great mood since being traded from the Cubs. His Twitter temper tantrum after showing a displeasure for bunts against him was well documented, which is curious because a bigger problem for him has been the jerks that take legit hacks at the plate and knock the ball out of the ballpark. His HR allowed total for the Rangers almost equals what he gave up with the Cubs in 2013 in just over half of the workload. The rest of his numbers aren’t suffering terribly from the relocation, he’s got consistent strikeout numbers, has pulled his walk rate down a bit. A slightly raised BABIP and lower strand rate suggests a change in luck, a lesser defense behind him, or the reality of regularly facing lineups with pitchers in them. Welcome to the American League, bub.

If the Sox score any runs at all in today’s attempt at a series victory they will have equaled the longest stretch of the season without being shut out, at 21 games. After crapping on Kansas City’s playoff movement, the White Sox are doing their best to hold the Rangers stagnant for the Athletics to catch them. They’re spoilers now. That’s their life, it’s how they’re living.

Today’s Lineup:

1.De Aza – LF
2.Beckham – 2B
3.Ramirez – SS
4.Dunn – DH
5.Konerko – 1B
6.Garcia – RF
7.Keppinger – 3B
8.Viciedo – LF
9.Phegley – C

Texas Rangers Lineup:

1.Craig Gentry – CF
2.Elvis Andrus – SS
3.Ian Kinsler – DH
4.Adrian Beltre – 3B
5.Alex Rios – LF
6.Jeff Baker – LB
7.Geovany Soto – C
8.Jurickson Profar – 2B
9.Adam Rosales – 1B

Leonys Martin gets the day off after a collision in short center field last night. It looked worse than it was, x-rays came back negative and he is expected to play on Monday. Day after night game gives A.J. a day off as well.

Where to Watch
Today’s game will be broadcast on Comcast Sports Net and Fox Sports. 1:10 Central start time.