Gamethread: Royals at White Sox

Time: 1:10 p.m. CST

TV: NBC Sports Chicago

Radio: WGN-720

Okay, first and foremost, we have to address the magnificence of this sign seen at last night’s game...

After Rick Hahn said that Eloy Jimenez and Michael Kopech have to “check all the boxes” before their promotions, White Sox Twitter has had some fun with it. Sox fans, and, well, Eloy Jimenez, aren’t really sure just what other boxes need to be checked before the top prospects make their way to the show. Anyway, that sign made me laugh, and I will petition for more box-checking signs to be shown at games until we see Jimenez and Kopech in the big leagues.

As for today’s much-anticipated game...

• Brad Keller gets the start for the Kansas City Royals. He is 4-4 with a 3.43 ERA. Keller has been pretty good in his last two starts, highlighted by a 7+-inning performance against the Minnesota Twins on July 22. All four of Keller’s losses have come on the road, so there’s a chance the Sox don’t get swept today...
• Reynaldo Lopez gets the ball for the Sox today. Yikes, he really struggled in July. Lopez has allowed 18 runs over his last 17 innings, and is not missing bats and giving up more fly balls than ground balls — usually cause for concern. Lopey has also allowed 10 home runs over his last four starts at home, too. Here’s to hoping he can miss more bats and keep the ball in the yard today.

Lineups: