The Chicago White Sox should be feeling good after sweeping the Detroit Tigers but bigger tests are coming for them this week.
While they may have some momentum heading into their series against the Houston Astros starting tonight, they know that they must play to their peak in order to get past the Astros, win some games, and make it to the playoffs. The tough test for them starts tonight.
Not only do they have the Astros to contend with this week but they also have the division rival Cleveland Guardians coming up on the schedule.
That series could be the make-or-break one that either propels the White Sox into the AL Central lead or sets them back even further and possibly takes them out of the playoff race. This is a big week for the White Sox.
We have seen what the White Sox can do when they get under a lot of pressure. There was a lot of pressure to win the series against the Tigers and they were able to do it. There is a lot of pressure to beat the Astros and they can do that. They have to play their best baseball and work with the pressure.
The Chicago White Sox needs a lot from everyone to have a successful week.
The stars on this team have to come through this week. Guys like Jose Abreu, Andrew Vaughn, and Eloy Jimenez need to show up at the plate each and every time.
This team has struggled on offense and now is the time for them to step up and hit the ball. They were able to do it against Detroit (granted that was the less than stellar Tigers) and they need to continue to do so against the Astros and the Guardians.
The starting pitching rotation for the White Sox has been hot and cold this season but has been picking up steam as of late and is looking good. They are the least of the worries going into the rest of the year.
They appear to have things together and as long as there isn’t an epic breakdown, this group should be able to keep the score low on the other team’s side and help keep the Sox in the game.
The time for the White Sox to step up and shine is now. This is their make-or-break week. The next two series will dictate just what this team is capable of doing for the rest of the season.
They do play two pretty difficult teams. Houston is one of baseball’s best teams and is poised to make the playoffs and have a strong run within them. They are one of the toughest tests the White Sox will face, if not the toughest. Chicago must step up and play the best they have all season in order to beat the juggernaut Astros.
The Guardians may not be as tough as the Astros but they are good and have had their way with the White Sox this season. And now that they are in first place in the division, they have a lot of motivation and something to fight for.
They will be tough to beat but they can be beaten. Motivation and hustle will be the key for the Sox to accomplish a series win.
So, sit back, strap in and get ready for a huge week in the White Sox season. After the week is over and the dust has settled, we will know where the White Sox stand not only in their division but also likely for the playoffs.