Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland Indians Match Preview

Tuesday begins a short two-game series between A.L. Central rivals as the Chicago White Sox (8-9) square off with the Cleveland Indians (8-7). The Indians will host this one from Progressive Field, with first pitch scheduled for 6:20 pm ET.

For the White Sox, they just split a four-game series with the Boston Red Sox that finished with an 11-4 loss on Monday. In the loss, ace Lucas Giolito was shelled for seven runs in just an inning of work.

The Cleveland Indians dropped two of three to their intrastate rivals, the Cincinnati Reds, this weekend but won the final game on Sunday 6-3. In the win, Shane Bieber struck out thirteen in eight innings while the Indians smacked three home runs.

The White Sox are the favorites in this one despite playing on the road. They are -116 to win while the Indians’ moneyline sits at -102. The runline features Cleveland +1.5, with the over/under for total runs set at 7.5.

Pitching Matchup

This is a rematch of starting pitchers from the game last Wednesday between the two teams. To put it mildly, the White Sox had the upper hand in that matchup.

In the 8-0 victory for Chicago, starter Carlos Rodon (2-0, 0.00 ERA) threw a no-hitter. He struck out seven, and his only blemish was a hit batter in the ninth inning.

The Indians’ starter, Zach Plesac (1-2, 5.27 ERA), didn’t fare near as well. In fact, he didn’t even make it through one inning, allowing seven hits and six runs. Needless to say, the Indians and Plesac will hope for a better outing Tuesday.

By The Numbers

Offensively, Chicago has been the stronger of the two teams thus far. They rank sixth in the majors averaging 4.81 runs per game. Cleveland ranks 23rd, averaging 3.80 runs.

Defensively, it is Cleveland that has the advantage. They rank fifth in the majors allowing opponents just 3.47 runs per game. Chicago ranks eighth, allowing 3.69 runs.

Chicago And Rodon Shooting For Repeat Performance

After being non-tendered after last season, there were doubts about the future of Carlos Rodon’s baseball career. After being re-signed by the White Sox, this has been an amazing start to what has become a prove-it type season for Rodon.

While he may not be able to replicate a no-hitter, Rodon will hope to continue to have the Indians’ number on Tuesday.

Offensively, Yermin Mercedes may be one of the hottest hitters on the planet right now. Going from a career minor leaguer to a star, Mercedes is hitting .404/.443/.684 with four home runs and twelve runs batted in. One of those home runs came off Plesac in his last start.

Also hitting well is outfielder Adam Eaton, who is hitting .268/.379/.482 with three home runs and a team-leading fourteen runs batted in.

Indians Trying To Exact Some Revenge

No team likes to be on the receiving end of a no-hitter. It is even worse when it is against a division foe. Still, the Indians need to have short memories and treat Tuesday like a brand new day.

The Indians would really love star third baseman Jose Ramirez to set the tone Tuesday. In his career, Ramirez is hitting .250 against Rodon (9 for 36) and has five runs batted in.

This season, Ramirez is hitting .232/.302/.464 thus far. He is also tied for the team lead in home runs with four.

The Indians have two others, Franmil Reyes and Jordan Luplow, who have also hit four home runs, with Luplow also leading the team in runs batted in with ten.

Expect Some Regression To The Mean

While Carlos Rodon has started off this season on fire, it will be hard to duplicate his success from last Wednesday. On the flip side, Zach Plesac is a better pitcher than he has shown in the early going, especially in his last outing.

The key for the Indians is to try to work deeper counts and get into the White Sox bullpen. Despite being solid on paper, Chicago’s bullpen has been rather pedestrian to start the year.

If they can do that, they have a good shot at taking this one. Regardless, expect this one to be a lot closer of a matchup than the last time these two pitchers squared off.