Chicago White Sox vs. Texas Rangers Series Preview

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May 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (55) talks with catcher Tyler Flowers (21) during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

After a successful series in Houston that was capped off by a complete game shutout, thrown by John Danks, the Chicago White Sox are in Arlington to visit the Texas Rangers for a three-game series that starts Tuesday night.

The White Sox continue to hover around that .500 mark and are 23-26 on the season. They are currently dead last in the AL Central and are seven games behind the upstart Minnesota Twins.

The Rangers are one-game above .500 for the first time this year and are 26-25 in the AL West.  They trail another surprising first place team in the Houston Astros by 5.5 games.

This will be the first time that these teams have met this season.

Here is a look at the three-game series:

Probable Pitchers

May 22, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija (29) throws against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Tuesday, June 2nd @ 8:05 PM EST

Colby Lewis (4-3) vs. Jeff Samardzija (4-2)

Lewis got rocked in his last start to a tune of nine earned runs in just under three innings.

Samardzija turned in another stellar performance by going seven innings with five strikeouts and no earned runs allowed.

Wednesday, June 3rd @ 8:05PM EST

Nick Martinez (4-1) vs. Chris Sale (4-2)

Martinez has been quite the lucky charm for the Rangers this season as the team is 8-2 in his 10 starts. Only twice has he failed to pitch six innings.

Sale is returning to form and was absolutely brilliant in his last start with 12 punch outs in 7.2 innings.

Thursday, June 4th @ 8:05PM EST

Yovani Gallardo(5-6) vs. Carlos Rodon(1-0)

Gallardo in his first year as a member of the Rangers has received a decision in each of his 11 starts.

Rodon was solid if not impressive in his last start as he didn’t walk a batter in 6.1 innings.

Next: Team Leaders

May 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Prince Fielder (84) follows through for a single against the Boston Red Sox at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

Texas Rangers Team Leaders

Offense

Home Runs

Prince Fielder (10)

Batting Average

Fielder (.359)

Runs Batted In

Fielder (38)

Pitching

Earned Run Average

Martinez (2.03)

Wins

Gallardo (5)

Strikeouts

Lewis(46)

May 26, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu (79) hits a three run home run in the fifth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago White Sox Team Leaders

Offense

Home Runs

Jose Abreu (8)

Batting Average

Avisail Garcia (.323)

Runs Batted In

Abreu (29)

Pitching

Earned Run Average

Sale (3.66)

Wins

Sale (4)

Strikeouts

Sale (6)

Next: News and Notes

May 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers left fielder Josh Hamilton (32) follows through on his two run walk off double against the Boston Red Sox during a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Rangers won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

Rangers News and Notes

  • Josh Hamilton is batting .273 with two home runs in seven games with the Rangers this year.
  • Fielder is crushing the ball this year, slugging .563 which would be his highest since 2011.
  • Lewis is 5-3 in nine career starts against the White Sox, but with an ERA of 4.40.
  • Joey Gallo will be making his Major League debut to replace the injured Adrian Beltre.
  • Texas is fifth in MLB in runs per game with 4.57.
  • As a pitching staff the teams ERA is 4.19 which ranks 24th in baseball.

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

White Sox News and Notes

  • Abreu is expected to return to the White Sox after missing the previous two games with a jammed finger.
  • The White Sox pitching staff has an ERA of 4.15 which is just above the Rangers.
  • With 390 strikeouts the White Sox rank just above the league average of 386.
  • Having 113 walks as team ranks third from last in all of baseball.
  • Sale’s career numbers against the Rangers are among his worst, with a 4.62 career ERA and seven home runs allowed.

Next: Jeff Samardzija Needs To Bring A Shark Attack

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