The White Sox sit in a tight spot with a three-game lead in the AL Central, yet their bats are silent when it matters most. They hold the second-highest strikeout rate with runners in scoring position in all of MLB at 28.2% over the last two weeks. The team left 26 runners on base in their last three games. You cannot win a division title while leaving that many men stranded.
A Roster Shuffle and New Faces
The front office is making moves to shake things up before the season ends. The White Sox acquired outfielder Tommy Pham from the Philadelphia Phillies. Per reports, the team is bringing him in to help the lineup. Pham is expected to join the squad when rosters expand on September 1. His contract was selected from Triple-A Charlotte to get him ready for the big leagues.
They also moved lefthander Tyler Gilbert, who was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster. The team optioned him to Triple-A Charlotte to clear the way. Meanwhile, right-handed pitcher Tanner McDougal will return to the big leagues. Left-handed pitcher Tyler Schweitzer was reinstated from the Paternity Leave List to add depth. These changes show the team is desperate for any edge they can get.
Burke Takes the Mound
Sean Burke has been a bright spot on the mound with a 7-6 record on the season. He has maintained a strong 3.32 ERA and 1.154 WHIP across 149 innings. According to Chicago White Sox coverage on Google News, Burke’s 161 strikeouts tie him with Parker Messick for the eighth-highest total in the American League. His last start against Houston proved he can handle the pressure. In his most recent outing versus the Astros, he recorded 10 strikeouts across six innings while surrendering only four hits and three runs, two of which were earned.
The Sox need that same level of pitching as they continue their series with the Astros.
The Road Ahead
The team has shown they can draw walks, holding the fifth-highest walk rate in the same time frame. But walks do not win games if the runners do not score. Google News: Chicago White Sox indicates that in their three most recent contests, the Sox managed only 3 hits in 23 at-bats with runners in scoring position. That is a cold streak that must end now. First pitch is at 7:10 p.m. CT for the matchup. Fans can catch the action on CHSN or ESPN Chicago 1000.
If the White Sox want to keep their lead, they must stop striking out with men on base.
