Gamethread: White Sox at Royals

After an offday on Thursday, the Chicago White Sox are back in action against the Kansas City Royals for a three-game weekend set.

This is not going to be just any Friday night ballgame at Kauffman Stadium, either. In case you missed Year of the Hamster’s article, Nick Madrigal has been called up to The Show! To make room for his addition to the roster, Kelvin Herrera was designated for assigment.

Madrigal will don the jersey No. 1, last worn by outfielder Adam Eaton in 2016. Of course, Madrigal will be slotted into today’s lineup; as the second baseman, he will be batting ninth.

With all of the hype going into this game, Dallas Keuchel looks to build off of his last performance. First time through the starting rotation, Keuchel was the Sox’s best starting pitcher. Looking to keep the momentum going, expect another dominant performance against the Royals.

Kansas City is sending out a new big leaguer as well. He will not be playing second base, but he will share the mound with Dallas, both lefties. Kris Bubic will make the first start of his major league career tonight. His prior experience? He lasted pitched in high-A ball. Highly thought of with his promotion to The Show, the White Sox’s offense will see what they have to say about that.

In fact, the lineup looks a lot more likeable today for the Good Guys:

James McCann is the starting catcher, but Yasmani Grandal will serve as the DH. Plus, Luis Robert is bumped up to the sixth spot, providing protection for Eloy Jiménez. This lineup can rake. I’m expecting a few bat flips tonight!

The Royals have seen their fair share of home runs in the early beginnings of the season. This squad has gotten it done for them:

Nicky Lopez, Naperville kid, will bat ninth and play second base. Oh yeah, he wears the No. 1 as well; Nick Madrigal is looking to be better in each of those categories. Alex Gordon has dropped to the seventh spot from recent years, but White Sox killer Whit Merrifield bats leadoff.

Another night of White Sox baseball will be broadcasted at 7:10 p.m. CT at NBC Sports Chicago, and WGN AM has the radio coverage. The 2-4 Good Guys will take on the 3-4 Bad Guys. Both sides can bring the thunder, but who will persist throughout the storm?