Happy Sunday, White Sox fans! Today, the American League Central Division champion Chicago White Sox (87-68) will play their fifth and final game in Cleveland (76-78), as they look to bounce back from their shut out last night. As the end of the regular season approaches, each starter will get to see the mound for some of the last times before the playoffs. Today, we will see Lucas Giolito against Triston McKenzie.
Prior to today’s series finale at Cleveland, the #WhiteSox placed outfielder Brian Goodwin on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to September 24) with lower back spasms and recalled right-handed pitcher Matt Foster from Class AAA Charlotte.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) September 26, 2021
Prior to the game today, Brian Goodwin was placed on the IL, as Matt Foster comes up as an extra bullpen arm.
Giolito is looking for his 11th win of the season, as he currently has a 3.70 ERA and 1.12 WHIP. His last outing against the Texas Rangers was short, as he pitched 5 1⁄3 innings, but he only allowed six hits and one run, while striking out four batters. Giolito still has a fastball as his main pitch, but has incorporated his changeup, slider, and curveball more as the year has gone on.
McKenzie is an up-and-coming star for Cleveland in their starting rotation, as he has a 5-7 record, 4.67 ERA, and 1.11 WHIP. His last outing was not his best, against the Kansas City Royals, as he went just 4 1⁄3 innings pitched with nine hits, seven runs, and just four strikeouts. He throws he a fastball 61.7% of the time, followed by his slider (18.8%), curveball (18.1%), and changeup (1.4%). The South Siders are looking to take advantage of his recent weak outing and produce some runs after being shut out last night.
Today's #WhiteSox starters in Cleveland!
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) September 26, 2021
⏰: 12:10 p.m. CT
: @NBCSChicago
: @ESPN1000 pic.twitter.com/luFfx9lzlx
Tim Anderson will lead it off, followed by Leury García playing second today as Cesár Hernández gets the day off. José Abreu will take his routine Sunday DH role, with Yasmani Grandal is at catcher. Eloy Jiménez and Yoán Moncada will be on the field, followed by Gavin Sheets getting the day at first base. Andrew Vaughn and Billy Hamilton will close it out in the outfield.
Season series on the line.#OurCLE pic.twitter.com/4XZpDOLT5k
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) September 26, 2021
Game time is at 12:10 p.m. CT, and we’re back on NBCSCHI. Listen in at ESPN 1000 as well.