Chicago White Sox: Breakdown of the Wild Card Series

Bullpen

The White Sox bullpen has been solid this season but this is one aspect of the series the A’s have a clear advantage. Their back end of the bullpen includes Liam Hendriks, Jake Diekman, Joakim Soria, and Yusmeiro Petit.

Liam Hendriks was an All-Star closer for the A’s in 2019 and has logged 14 saves in 2020. He has been virtually un-hittable with a 1.78 ERA. All you need to know about Jake Diekman his ERA in 2020. He has a 0.42 ERA in 21 innings of work this season. Joakim Soria has racked up 232 saves over the course of his 13-year career and knows how to get guys out late in innings. He had a brief stint as the White Sox closer in 2018 before being traded.

Yusmeiro Petit is Bob Melvin’s go-to guy when there is a traffic jam on the bases. He has been primarily used in high leverage situations and to escape jams. The A’s opening day starter, Frankie Montas, will also be available out of the pen. He throws 98 mph and the velocity can only increase now that he will only have to throw a limited amount of innings.

The White Sox do not want to be trailing late in games but their bullpen is just as capable of slamming the door. Alex Colome has 12 saves to go along with his 0.81 ERA. Codi Huer has a sub-two ERA and Evan Marshall has been imposing as well late in games. Aaron Bummer returning from injury should provide a boost at the back end as well as some flexibility for Rick Renteria. The White Sox have also added the flame-throwing rookie Garrett Crochet to the mix. The 21-year old left-hander has yet to give up a run and already is second in the league in pitches thrown 100 mph or more.