Game Thread: Mariners at White Sox

Shane Smith leads the charge as Chicago looks for a series win against Seattle 

A fun announcement from MLB today regarding the return of Players’ Weekend.

Player’s Weekend started back in 2017 and has evolved throughout the years. It returned in 2024 after a four-year hiatus and was extremely popular with players and fans alike.

---

It’s rubber match day at Rate Field! The Chicago White Sox (15-34) are looking to take the series against the Seattle Mariners (27-20) today after an exciting 1-0 win last night. After going 7-7 over their first 14 games in May, the South Siders hit a rough patch, losing five straight. However, last night’s nail-biter win against the M’s snapped that skid, providing a much-needed morale boost for a team that desperately needs it.

Chicago sends Shane Smith to the bump on this hump day. He has been nothing short of terrific this season. His 2.05 ERA and 1.14 WHIP over nine starts speak volumes, but the rookie has gotten virtually zero run support. Not to mention, his defense completely let him down during his last outing against the Chicago Cubs. Hopefully, the Good Guys can get behind him this afternoon and capture a W.

The Mariners counter with one of their top prospects, Logan Evans (No. 10), who Seattle called up at the end of April. He’s impressed so far with a 2-1 record and a solid 2.57 ERA over his four appearances. The righthander utilizes the kitchen-sink approach in attacking hitters with his six-pitch arsenal. He primarily tosses a cutter and slider and mixes in a sinker, four-seamer, changeup, and curveball. So, the Sox offense can expect to see a lot of slower stuff floating to the plate.

Here’s how skipper Will Venable lines them up today. It’s refreshing to see Chase Meidroth continue in that leadoff spot. He’s been by far the best and most consistent offensive player on the team.

Unfortunately for the M’s, their offense has been on a bit of a cold streak. Over their last 10 games, they’re averaging only 6.4 hits and batting .197 as a team. Here’s how manager Dan Wilson sets them up to face Smith this afternoon.

If the weather cooperates, you can watch the broadcast on CHSN at 1:10 p.m. CST. Don’t have CHSN or the antenna? Tune in to Len Kasper and Darin Jackson on the radio call at ESPN 1000.