This feels like a big series. The White Sox aren’t the worst team in baseball anymore, but they’re the worst in the American League by a hefty margin. The Jays need to take advantage to keep their hold on a wildcard spot.
We’ve had some little bits of news today. The main one is that Will Robertson and Justin Bruihl have been optioned. Nathan Lukes and Nick Sandlin take their place. If Sandlin can continue his form from before he got hurt, he could be a significant addition to a tired bullpen.
In other notes, Max Scherzer is on track and will throw a bullpen tomorrow. If that also goes well, he’ll probably be slotted back into the rotation during the Guardians series next week. Other positive injury news: Daulton Varsho’s hamstring is progressing and he’s expected to play some MiLB games next week. Yimi Garcia is also expected to see his first game action on Monday. Less positively, Bowden Francis received a cortisone shot in his shoulder and won’t throw at all for at least a few days. Anthony Santander still isn’t hitting, so he doesn’t seem to be near returning either.
On to today’s game. Spencer Turnbull makes his third appearance and first start today. He had a solid first outing against the Cardinals, but was very lucky to escape his last outing in Philadelphia with only one run. Hopefully he continues to find his form. On the other side, rookie Grant Taylor will probably work as an opener for the White Sox, as he’s pitched only four innings in his four appearances so far this year.
Here are the lineups:
White Sox
- Chase Meidroth, SS
- Andrew Benintendi, LF
- Miguel Vargas, DH
- Kyle Teel, C
- Luis Robert jr., CF
- Lenyn Sosa, 2B
- Ryan Noda, 1B
- Austin Slater, RF
- Josh Rojas, 3B
Blue Jays
- Bo Bichette, SS
- Addison Barger, RF
- Vladimir Guerrero jr., 1B
- George Springer, DH
- Andes Gimenez, 2B
- Ernie Clement, 3B
- Nathan Lukes, LF
- Tyler Heineman, C
- Jonatan Clase, CF
Go Jays Go!