Gamethread: White Sox at Astros

Yet another series on the line

The White Sox kinda sorta have something to shoot for this afternoon, because not winning would mean the 13th straight series loss, which is unlucky. The pitching matchup doesn’t bode well, but that’s why they play the game and all that.

Rookie Ky Bush will make his third start for the Sox, and while he hasn’t been hit particularly hard in the 8 2⁄3 innings he’s lasted — eight hits, no homers — he’s had all the control of a rowboat in a hurricane. The big lefty (6´6´´, 250) has issued 12 walks in that short span, plus hit a batter, which explains his 5.19 ERA and even worse 6.52 FIP.

Meanwhile, the Astros will start Framber Valdez, who on a given day can be as good as anyone in the game, but does include the occasional clunker just to keep things interesting. Despite only throwing a change 17% of the time, the stocky southpaw has major reverse splits, so the White Sox lineup has mixed handedness — though the two Sox who have hit Valdez the best are righties Luis Robert Jr. and Andrew Vaughn.

Bush gets a big break from the absence in the Astros lineup of Yordan Alvarez, who is not only by far their best hitter but absolutely crushes fellow lefties, with a 1.022 OPS. Plus, the Houston lineup includes three players hitting worse than .200.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. Central, and with the Houston forecast in the high 90s, expect the Minute Maid roof to be closed. Usual broadcast suspects.