The Chicago White Sox will head into Tampa Bay this weekend for a weekend set with the Rays on the heels of
a sweep of the Twins in Minnesota, and their best start in over 20 years. Heading into the series the White Sox 7-2 record is good for a first place tie with the Kansas City Royals in the American League Central Division.
The White Sox are riding a red hot pitching staff, and an even better bullpen over the first two weeks of the season. With the bats timely for certain, but anything but hot thus far, we have to wonder how long it’s going to take for the bats to come around and give the bullpen a bit of a break.
The Rays come into the series with a record of 3-6, having dropped two of three to the Cleveland Indians at Tropicana Field this week. The Rays starting pitchers have struggled mightily in the early going in 2016, as the entire staff is win-less entering the series this weekend.
Pitching Probables
- Game 1: Chris Sale (2-0) VS. Jake Odorizzi (0-1)
- Game 2: John Danks (0-1) VS. TBD (0-0)
- Game 3: Jose Quintana (1-0) VS. Matt Moore (0-0)
Injury Report
White Sox:
- None
Indians:
- Bradley Boxberger – P – 15 Day DL
- Alex Cobb – P – 15 Day DL
- Chase Whitley – P – 60 Day DL
Broadcast Info
- Game 1: 6:10 PM (CT) / TV – CSN+ Chicago / Radio – WLS 890AM
- Game 2: 5:10 PM (CT) / TV – WGN / Radio – WLS 890AM
- Game 3: 12:10 PM (CT) / TV – CSN Chicago / Radio – WLS 890AM
Keys to Victory:
- Bring the lumber! The White Sox bats need to heat up this weekend, they’re playing in a climate controlled dome, against a team with a starting rotation that hasn’t won a game in nine attempts this season. The bullpen could use a rest this weekend, before the Sox head back to Chicago for a home stand in which the Angels, and Rangers will come to town.
- Starting pitchers need to work deep, again the bullpen can’t keep coming in early and often and shutting opponents down like they have been forever, especially with 17 more games to play before they get a day off.