Gamethread: Astros at White Sox

Facing off against the Astros in the first series since the All-Star break is going to be telling as to how prepared the White Sox are for the postseason. Sure it’s all fun and games to run over the dying Twins and the Some Guys™ of Pittsburgh, but any gaps in the lineup are going to show up this weekend.

It’s not all bad news, though. The White Sox made some moves early this morning. Welcome back, Reynaldo López and Aaron Bummer. Have fun in Charlotte, Matt Foster and Jace Fry:

When compared to the other 15 teams in the American League, the Astros are ranked:

• First in runs (496)
• First in hits (838)
• Fourth in home runs (116)
• First in strikeouts (672)
• First in batting average (.269)
• 13th in triples (6)

Michael Brantley is leading the team in batting average (.326) and Kyle Tucker is leading in slugging at .505. Jose Altuve is tops in home runs with 20, and Yordan Alvarez is leading in RBIs with 56. The Astros are batting .209 in their last 10 games, posting a 2.97 ERA.

Here’s how everybody is lining up tonight:

For you locals, the game is on NBCSports Chicago, with MLB.TV for non-locals. ESPN 1000 has the radio call for the old school folks out there. Come back after the game for my recap, which will probably be fully of barely contained rage. Ashley Sanders is almost certain to be sweeter in her Six Pack of Stats.