Series Preview: White Sox vs Rangers

The Chicago White Sox and the Texas Rangers will begin a weekend three game set this evening at U.S. Cellular Field. The three game series will conclude the current White Sox home stand, in which they are 2-2 thus far after splitting a four game series with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim this week.

The White Sox come into the series at 10-6 on the season, just one half game behind the Kansas City Royals for the American League Central lead. With the exception of the Carlos Rodon getting bombed in the first inning on Monday night against the Angels, the pitching was stellar throughout the series as it has been all season long. White Sox pitching only allowed the Angels to scrape together six runs over 35 2/3 innings after Rodon was removed on Monday night.

Even with the stellar pitching performances, the White Sox offense struggled so mightily that they were only able to secure a series split with the Angels this week. On the bright side, of the dim offensive outlook so far this season, Todd Frazier went 5-11 with two home runs, a walk, and a stolen base over the last three games, giving hope that he is coming out of his early season slump.

The Rangers come into the south side having swept the intrastate rival Astros in a three game series this week, putting them at the 10-6 mark on the year as well. The Rangers enter play with a one game lead in the American League West over the Oakland Athletics, who sit a 9-7. The Rangers have shown the ability to put up runs in bunches so far this season, so the White Sox pitching staff will again have it’s hands full this weekend.

Pitching Probables

• Game 1: Jose Quintana [1-1 2.55 ERA] VS. Martin Perez [0-1 3.44 ERA]
• Game 2: Carlos Rodon [1-2 4.73 ERA] VS. Colby Lewis [1-0 4.00 ERA]
• Game 3: Mat Latos [3-0 0.49 ERA] VS. Derrick Holland [2-0 2.70 ERA]

Injury Report

White Sox:

• None

Rangers:

04/12

60-day DL

Possibly late June

Recovering from April 2016 right forearm surgery

Placed on 60-day DL on April 10; underwent surgery, had plate inserted into forearm April 11.

04/20

15-day DL

Possibly mid-May

Right calf strain

Placed on 15-day DL on April 10; playing catch as of April 20 update.

04/21

15-day DL

Possibly mid-May

Recovering from March 2015

Threw 47 pitches in batting practice April 21; will decide on next step on April 22.

04/21

15-day DL

Possibly May

Left ankle infection

Expected to begin a Minor League rehab assignment on April 25.

04/17

15-day DL

Possibly mid-May

Recovering from October 2015 left knee surgery

Expected to begin playing in extended Spring Training games on April 22.

04/21

15-day DL

TBD

Right elbow impingement

Placed on 15-day DL on April 21, retroactive to April 20.

04/04

60-day DL

After All-Star break

Recovering from February 2016 left knee surgery

Underwent surgery Feb. 26; placed on 60-day DL on Feb. 29; still on crutches as of April 2 update.

Broadcast Info

• Game 1: 7:10 PM (CT) / TV – CSN       / Radio – WLS 890AM
• Game 2: 1:10 PM (CT) / TV – CSN      / Radio – WLS 890AM
• Game 3: 1:10 PM (CT) / TV – CSN      / Radio – WLS 890AM

Keys to Victory:

• The offense needs to heat up in this series if they want to be able to stay atop the American League Central for much longer. The offense looks to be caught in the claws of 2015 like production this past week. That will be the downfall for the 2016 White Sox as well if they don’t start hitting the ball soon.