Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland Indians Series Preview

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May 6, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (49) throws a pitch against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

It’s a battle of AL Central foes this week as the Chicago White Sox play host to the Cleveland Indians for a four-game series between the two cellar dwelling members of the AL Central.

Division Standings

The White Sox enter the series on a five-game winning streak which brings their overall season record to 17-17 and a fourth place standing in the division.

The Indians come into this series losing Sunday, and are a paltry 14-22 which good for last in the division.

Season Series

The two teams have met 5 times already with the Indians having a 3-2 advantage.

May 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber (28) leaves the field after the eighth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Probable Pitchers

Monday May 18th, @ 8:10PM EST

Corey Kluber (1-5) vs. Chris Sale (3-1)

Both pitchers have had their fair share of struggles, but both looked like they returned to form in their last start as Sale struck out 11 in eight innings and Kluber struck out 18 over eight in their last starts.

Tuesday May 19th, @ 8:10PM EST

Trevor Bauer(2-1) vs. Jose Quintana(2-3)

Bauer already has faced the White Sox twice this year with one decision. Quintana is showing signs of regaining his form.

Wednesday May 20th @ 8:10PM EST

Shaun Marcum(0-0) vs. Carlos Rodon(1-0)

Marcum will be making his season debut after spending some time in the minors. Rodon is making his third start and will look to rein in the wildness that he displayed against the Oakland A’s.

Thursday May 21st @ 8:10PM EST

Danny Salazar(4-1) vs. John Danks(2-3)

Salazar hasnt faced the Sox yet this season and is coming off a shaky start against the Texas Rangers.  Danks meanwhile has been a stud in his past two starts but has given up 7 runs in just over 10 innings against the Indians this year.

Next: Team Leaders

May 16, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Cleveland Indians left fielder Michael Brantley (23) hits a sacrifice fly and drives in a run during the fourth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Indian Team Leaders

Offense

Home Runs

Brandon Moss (5)

Batting Average

Michael Brantley (.348)

Runs Batted In

Moss (23)

Pitching

Earned Run Average

Trevor Bauer (3.67)

Wins

Danny Salazar (4)

Strikeouts

Corey Kluber (64)

May 11, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu (79) drives in 2 runs with a base hit in the seventh inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago White Sox Team Leaders

Offense

Home Runs

Jose Abreu (8)

Batting Average

Avisail Garcia (.346)

Runs Batted In

Abreu (22)

Pitching

Earned Run Average

Jose Quintana (4.39)

Wins

Jeff Samardzija (3)

Strikeouts

Samardzija (40)

Next: News and Notes

May 16, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Cody Allen (37) pitches against the Texas Rangers during the ninth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Allen gets the save. The Indians defeated the Rangers 10-8. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Indians News and Notes

  • 3-7 in their last 10 games
  • -20 run differential on the season
  • Jose Ramirez is hitting .168 on the season leading many to speculate when top prospect Francisco Lindor will be called up.
  • Just released Sox killer Bruce Chen
  • 26th in E.R.A.
  • Cody Allen has brought his e.r.a. down from 14.40 to 7.07 over the past month and has gone three straight outing without allowing a run.

May 13, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago White Sox center fielder Adam Eaton (1) during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Chicago won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago White Sox News and Notes

  • The White Sox are at .500 for the first time this season.
  • The Sox wont play the Indians again until July.
  • Adam Eaton is on a tear and has raised his average .34 points over the past 10 games.
  • David Robertson has an impressive state line of 8 saves, 14.88K/9, and an E.R.A. of 1.10
  • Carlos Rodon’s walks/hit per inning pitched is 1.96

Next: MLB Power Rankings

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