The Chicago White Sox starting rotation has been in shambles this past week due to injuries but they are about to receive a major boost. According to Chuck Garfein of NBC Sports Chicago, Tony La Russa says the plan is for Carlos Rodon to start Friday, Lance Lynn on Sunday, and Lucas Giolito on Tuesday.
Carlos Rodon missed his last start due to left shoulder soreness. Lucas Giolito and Lance Lynn were placed on the IL. Giolito’s stint on the IL was due to hamstring tightness which was triggered when he slipped while making a throw to first base in his previous outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Lynn missed time because of right knee inflammation that has been bothering him since the Field of Dreams game.
According to Tony La Russa, their IL stints were more of a precautionary measure. If this was the playoffs, Lynn, Rodon and Giolito would have likely gutted it out and not missed anytime. The White Sox rotation has been the strength of the team and the White Sox did not want to take any chances with their prized arms especially with the postseason looming.
The Chicago White Sox have a big weekend series against the Boston Red Sox on the horizon. With less than 30 games remaining for each team, this final stretch is crucial. The Boston Red Sox are a half-game up in the Wild Card standings.
The Chicago White Sox needs their rotation to be at full strength as soon as possible.
They are clinging onto a home-field advantage in this one-game playoff against the New York Yankees who are the other Wild Card team. They still need to hold off the Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, and Oakland Athletics who are on their heels.
Meanwhile, the White Sox are trying to secure home-field advantage for the American League Divisional Series. As it currently stands, the White Sox are set to face the Houston Astros. They are a game behind the Astros in the standings with the Astros holding the tiebreaker. The White Sox have been much better at home this season than on the road.
The White Sox have a 46-26 record at Guaranteed Rate Field while they are just 34-35 on the road. On top of that, the White Sox got swept by the Astros in Houston but won two of three against them at home.
The White Sox need to start stringing together victories if they hope to secure home-field advantage. Getting Rodon and Lynn back in time for this series against a very good Red Sox lineup is huge. The timing of their return also allows Rodon and Lynn to get in some final tuneup starts before the playoffs.
Carlos Rodon will face Tanner Houck on Friday. Dylan Cease will start Saturday’s game. Sunday’s pitching matchup is particularly intriguing with Chris Sale scheduled to face his former team against the White Sox ace Lance Lynn. Lucas Giolito will face the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday.