Gamethread: Orioles at White Sox

After taking three out of four from the Rangers over the weekend, the White Sox (13-30) no longer possess the worst record in the American League. Sitting alongside the Royals at 14-32 are the beleaguered Baltimore Orioles, who have played 46 games and are 17½ games behind the first- and second-place teams in their division. Their rotation is truly horrible (like the Sox’s, minus the upside), so the offense should have plenty to work with over the four-game series.

Jose Abreu should be one of the main threats, since he’s been tearing it up the past few weeks. In the Rangers series, he had six hits (four for extra bases) and three walks over 17 plate appearances. He’s hit .354/.403/.569 in May, which has moved his season line to .299/.366/.518 (140 wRC+, 0.9 fWAR).

Of course, the biggest story for the Sox this weekend was the rotation. James Shields continued to look eminently useful, Lucas Giolito had a much-needed quality start, and Reynaldo Lopez finally put it all together. On the other end, Rick Renteria went to the mound Friday night to hand Carson Fulmer a plane ticket to Charlotte. His spot in the rotation will likely go to Dylan Covey, but tonight it’s Hector Santiago trying to keep things rolling.

Santiago has been a true swingman for the Sox; he’s already made three starts and seven multi-inning relief appearances. His challenge tonight will be protecting the bullpen—Chris Volstad threw four innings on Friday, so he’s probably not going to be able to piggyback. If Santiago makes an early exit, Chris Beck will probably have to eat some innings.

Lineups

Side Note

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Meetup on Saturday, and to HSA for organizing for the tenth year in a row. It’s always nice to put some faces to usernames, consume excessive sausage and beer, and get sworn at by Colin.