Gamethread: Royals at White Sox

After last night’s Home Run Derby, it’s only natural that today will be part two of the All-Star Game.

Tonight, Reynaldo López will take the bump for the Chicago White Sox. ReyLo owns a 9-12 record and a 5.17 ERA. He has accumulated a 1.0 WAR this season, but he has made a noticeably vast improvement as a pitcher for the second-half of the season, including a complete-game performance against the Cleveland Indians last time out. Considering that this is the second All-Star game of the year, expect more sunrays from ReyLo himself.

Glenn Sparkman (3-11, 5.97 ERA), who has struggled greatly during July and August, will be López’s mound opponent for the Kansas City Royals. Sparkman — a reliever turned starter in late-May — has not won a start since July 16, ten starts ago. Yet again, this is the ASG, so anything can happen.

Because the South Siders participated in the Home Run Derby last night, expect their bats to be warmed up and ready to catalyze another big offensive performance.

KC’s ASG lineup:

NBC Sports Chicago will broadcast this 7:10 CT start, but if you’re not home in time to watch the game, WGN will have the radio coverage. You’ll find me commenting over at South Side Hit Pen.

Let’s keep this up!