Series Preview: Chicago White Sox at Cleveland Guardians

Let’s figure out this team, shall we

The White Sox and Guardians will meet for a three-game series in Cleveland starting tonight. We’ll see if Cleveland can get some revenge on the Pale Hosers for losing three out of four in Chicago in May.

The White Sox are 24-62 with a run differential of -162, they are last in MLB with a 77 wRC+ as a team, 23rd in baserunning runs above average with -3.2, last in Defensive WAR at -42.3, 24th in starting pitcher FIP at 4.49, and 25th in bullpen FIP at 4.34. No matter what way you look at the numbers, this is a bad baseball team... that is somehow 4-3 against the Guardians’ this season so far.

The Guardians are 52-30 with a run differential of 98, 10th in MLB with a 108 wRC+, 25th in baserunning runs above average with -4.5, sixth in Defensive WAR at 4.8, 29th in starting pitcher FIP at 4.71, and second in bullpen FIP at 3.19.

Matchups:

Game One: Chris Flexen, RHP (5.03 FIP) vs. Carlos Carrasco, RHP (4.86 FIP) Tuesday, 6:40PM EST

Analysis: Carrasco will try to give the Guardians another solid start and a chance to win, keeping White Sox hitters Yoan Moncada 121 wRC+, Gavin Sheets 110 wRC+, Luis Robert Jr. 109 wRC+, Tommy Pham 108 wRC+, Paul DeJong 103 wRC+ and Corey Julks 101 wRC+ in check.

Game Two: Eric Fedde, RHP (3.58 FIP) vs. Gavin Williams, RHP (first start of season), Wednesday, 6:40PM EST

Analysis: Might the Guardians pursue Eric Fedde at the trade deadline? This will be their chance to take an up close and personal look at him while also getting the chance to see Gavin Williams toe the bump for the first time this season. Let’s hope he emerges healthy and can get through five innings for the good guys.

Game Three: Drew Thorpe, RHP (4.93 FIP) vs. Ben Lively, RHP (4.24 FIP) Thursday, 1:10PM EST

Analysis: Lively continues to find a way to give the Guardians what they need in order to compete for a win in every game he pitches. Guardians hitters like Jhokensy Noel 188 wRC+, Steven Kwan 177 wRC+, David Fry 168 wRC+, Jose Ramirez 147 wRC+, Daniel Schneemann 136 wRC+, and Josh Naylor 127 wRC+ will try to lead the way. It sounds like Will Brennan may potentially return by the end of this series or next and he currently has a 107 wRC+.