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Chicago White Sox: Breakdown of the Wild Card Series

By Mitchell Kaminski

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 11: Jose Abreu #79 of the Chicago White Sox struck out during the ninth inning of a game against the Oakland Athletics at Guaranteed Rate Field on August 11, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 11: Jose Abreu #79 of the Chicago White Sox struck out during the ninth inning of a game against the Oakland Athletics at Guaranteed Rate Field on August 11, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images) /
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Chicago White Sox Lucas Giolito
(Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) /

Starting Pitching

After getting the ball for the opening game of the regular season, Lucas Giolito will get the nod to start the first game of the postseason. Giolito has continued his dominance in 2020. He owns a 4-3 record with a 3.48 ERA and ranks second in the AL in strikeouts with 97. He also threw a no-hitter against the Pirates on August 25th. The tall right-hander is 1-1 vs Oakland in his career but has never pitched in the Coliseum.

Dallas Keuchel will start for the White Sox in Game 2. He is no stranger to the postseason, already having won four games and posting a 3.47 ERA over the course of 12 playoff appearances. He has been excellent for the White Sox this season going 6-2 and ranking second in the AL with a 1.99 ERA.

If it goes to a third game, Dylan Cease will likely get the start for the White Sox but expect a very short leash. The other options would be Dane Dunning or Reynoldo Lopez, neither of whom would provide the Sox with a great deal of confidence.

The A’s ace is Chris Bassitt. He is 5-2 on the year and ranks one spot behind Keuchel with a 2.29 ERA. He is a strong option to cancel out the righties in the White Sox lineup. However, he is unlikely to start Game 1 because it will mean pitching on three days rest. He will likely start Game 2.

The rest of the A’s rotation includes Mike Fiers, Sean Manaea, and Jesus Luzardo. Mike Fiers is 6-3 with a 4.58 ERA in 2020. Like Giolito, he has also thrown a no-hitter in his career. He has also pitched great against the White Sox.  He is 4-0 with a 1.58 ERA vs Chicago. On top of that, he holds a 2.59 ERA in the Coliseum which makes him a viable option.

Sean Manaea is 4-3 with a 4.50 ERA. He is a lefty pitcher too so the White Sox lineup will be licking their chops if he starts. The White Sox are 14-0 vs southpaws in 2020. Jesus Luzardo is a 22-year old rookie who has electric stuff. He has struck out 59 batters over the course of 59 innings. But like most rookies, he is inconsistent and has a 4.12 ERA on the year.

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