DETROIT, MI - JULY 25: Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha (52) pitches during a regular season Major League Baseball game between the Kansas City Royals and the Detroit Tigers on July 25, 2026 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Kansas City Royals hit the Mile High city, after two disappointing walk-off losses in the Twin Cities. Two improbable losses cost the Royals a road sweep. As they wrap up their longest road trip of the season, they look to do it in winning fashion against the Colorado Rockies.
All-Star Michael Wacha takes the ball in tonight’s game. In his last outing, Wacha went 7 innings, allowing 6 hits, 2 runs, walking 2 and striking out 3 against the Tigers. Sparse run support has cost Wacha a lot of wins this season, in fact, his last win was June 22nd in Tampa Bay, in a 2-1 Royals win.
Here are the 46-64 Royals lineup behind Wacha tonight
The Colorado Rockies come into this game at 42-67, they are tied for the worse record in baseball, with the Angels. However, they are 24-29 at home this season.
Right hander Tomoyuki Sugano starts for Colorado tonight. Sugano is having a good first season in Denver, posting a 4.69 ERA and 10-4 record. The 36-year-old Japanese born pitcher is a trade candidate as well. In his last outing, Sugano went 5.1 innings, allowing 6 hits, 2 runs, 1 walk, striking out 5, against the Brewers.
Here are the Rockies starting lineup behind Sugano.
It’s been a rather solid road trip so far for the Royals, can they start hot in the Mile High City tonight? First pitch is set for 7:40 p.m. CT. The game can be watched on Royals.TV.
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cubs fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Earlier this week in the SB Nation Reacts survey, I asked you how many trades you thought Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer would make before the MLB Trade Deadline happens. Incidentally, the official deadline is 5 p.m. CT Monday, Aug. 3, though if history is a guide, we’ll probably hear of some trades reported for an hour or two after that.
Here are the survey results:
This seems pretty reasonable. The Cubs need a starting pitcher — obviously — and I’m nearly 100 percent certain that Hoyer will trade for someone fitting that description. Earlier this week I posted a number of articles about potential starting pitcher trade targets for Hoyer.
Hoyer has a close, longstanding relationship with his Detroit counterpart, Scott Harris, who earned a 2016 World Series ring while launching his career at Wrigley Field, and now runs the Tigers with a similarly systematic approach.
Another connection worth noting: Skubal has deep roots in Arizona, which would make spring training at the Cubs’ Mesa complex an appealing and convenient feature once he weighs his options as a free agent. Acquiring Skubal, who is represented by agent Scott Boras, would give the Cubs a head start on that recruiting presentation, though it would likely require a financial commitment to a pitcher that is unprecedented in franchise history.
So, who knows? The package the Cubs would have to send to the Tigers is probably a high cost, even for a two-month rental.
Feel free to discuss that possibility, plus any others, in this thread throughout the weekend.
The Cubs might also be in the market for a reliever, though they do have multiple good relievers likely to return to the bullpen sometime in August. Maybe that would be as good as trading for someone.
Here’s the result of the national survey question asked of SB Nation Reacts members:
In my view this is just silly. The Tigers are absolutely, positively going to trade Skubal. I’m certain of it. Now, could I be wrong? Sure. but if they don’t, then he walks with no compensation other than a draft pick. Skubal isn’t returning to Detroit as a free agent, so the Tigers should be motivated to get something for him while they can.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 30: Manager Craig Stammen takes JP Sears #38 of the San Diego Padres out of the game during the fourth inning at Petco Park on July 30, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Diego Padres dropped their series opener to the San Francisco Giants and it was Daniel Susac who knocked in three of the four runs for the Giants. The Padres were bit by their “Pitching Chaos” approach after JP Sears allowed three runs over 3.2 innings. The San Diego offense did not help much, scoring just one run in the 4-1 loss. Both sides will need to play better tonight if the Padres are going to even the series.
Taking the mound
Bradgley Rodriguez (SD) v. Carson Whisenhunt (COL)
Rodriguez is getting the start for San Diego. It would be hard to imagine him pitching more than an inning, so he is assuming a more traditional opener role. The right-handed rookie has appeared in 44 games this season and holds a 2.33 ERA. He was sent down for some time to give him a break from pitching to ensure he would make it through the season. Rodriguez has had some ups and downs in recent outings, but he should be able to have a solid start to set the tone for the Padres.
The Giants are sending left-hander Whisenhunt to the mound for just the fourth time this season. He has a 2-1 record with a 4.60 ERA. Whisenhunt has only pitched 15.2 innings but has recorded 13 strikeouts over that span. The right-handers in the Padres lineup should be able to take advantage of a young pitcher, but as has been the case in the past, if Whisenhunt is allowed to settle in, it could be a long night for the San Diego lineup.
Batter up!
Manny Machado went 0-for-4 in the series opener against the Giants so it should come as no surprise that the Padres lost the game. Machado has been on a hot streak and the saying it the team goes as Manny goes. If that is the case, he needs to have a couple hits tonight. Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill did their parts, but the other big bat in the lineup, Ty France, also went 0-for-3.
Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
Luis Rengifo, LF
Manny Machado, 3B
Ty France, DH
Jackson Merrill, CF
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Gavin Sheets, 1B
Luis Campusano, C
Jake Cronenworth, 2B
Relief corps
Randy Vasquez to the rescue! The right-handed former starter pitched the final 4.2 innings of the game on Thursday, which saved multiple bullpen arms. He only allowed three hits over that span and did not allow a run. JP Sears started the game and lasted 3.2 innings and Wandy Peralta pitched 0.2 innings in relief. Thanks to Vasquez the majority of the Padres’ ‘pen should be available, minus Rodriguez who is making the start.
STOCKTON, CA - APRIL 11: Head Coach Dylan Murphy of the Osceola Magic looks on during the game against the Stockton Kings during Game 2 of the 2025 G League Finals on April 11, 2025 at Adventist Health Arena in Stockton, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Mike Boynton Jr. continues to fill out his coaching staff in Ann Arbor, as he has hired Dylan Murphy as an assistant coach for the Michigan men’s basketball program. The news was first reported by 247Sports.
Michigan men’s basketball is hiring Dylan Murphy, most recently the head coach of the Osceola Magic NBA G League Team, as an assistant coach, I’ve learned.
Murphy is a promising offensive mind who has led the Orlando Magic affiliate to two first-place conference finishes in his…
Murphy brings a diverse background in both NBA and G League coaching and analytics to a Wolverines staff that is working to defend a national championship in 2026-27.
He spent the last five seasons in the NBA with the Orlando Magic organization, serving in two distinct capacities. From 2018-20, he worked as a basketball operations analyst, providing analytics support to the coaching staff. He then transitioned into a full-time assistant coaching role from 2020-23, giving him three seasons of NBA bench experience at one of the league’s franchises.
His path to Orlando was built on a strong foundation in the G League. Murphy spent three seasons from 2013-16 as an assistant coach with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants — the Indiana Pacers’ G League affiliate — where he was part of one of the more successful runs in league history. The Mad Ants posted a league-best 34-16 record in 2013-14 and went a perfect 6-0 in the playoffs to win the G League championship.
After his time in Fort Wayne, Murphy spent the 2016-17 season as an NBA G League scout for the Atlanta Hawks, where he was responsible for identifying potential call-up candidates, a role that sharpened his eye for talent evaluation and player development at the professional level. He then served as a graduate assistant at Ball State in 2018 before joining the Magic organization.
Murphy’s background is particularly well-suited to what Boynton is building at Michigan. His blend of NBA analytics experience and on-court coaching provide him with a versatile skillset that can impact both the strategic and developmental sides of the program.
The analytics component of his profile is especially worth highlighting. Murphy spent two seasons as a dedicated analytics support staffer with Orlando before moving to the bench, meaning he very likely understands the data side of the game. In an era where analytics are playing an increasingly significant role in roster construction, game planning and player development, someone being on the coaching staff who has lived that world in the NBA is a great asset to have.
Boynton is assembling a staff with diverse backgrounds and complementary skillsets as he works to keep the Wolverines competitive at the highest level, and Murphy’s hire is another piece of that puzzle.
Jul 24, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano (11) waits for a pitching change in the sixth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Colorado Rockies (42-67) return to Coors Field tonight to open a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals (46-64).
Colorado has not won since beating the Milwaukee Brewers last Friday. The Rockies lost the final two games of that series, had Monday off, were swept in a two-game set against the San Diego Padres and were off again yesterday.
They remain stuck on 42 victories.
One more win would match the Rockies’ entire 2025 total before the calendar turns to August. Last year’s club did not reach win No. 43 until September 21.
Kansas City arrives in Denver following a painful walk-off loss to the Minnesota Twins. The Royals have disappointed this season and enter the series 18 games below .500 despite carrying higher expectations into the year.
Tomoyuki Sugano (菅野 智之) will take the ball for Colorado in what could be his final start with the Rockies before the trade deadline.
Sugano enters at 10-4 with a 4.69 ERA as his results continue to outpace his expected metrics.
He has accomplished that through mixing and locating a deep arsenal. In his last start, Sugano pitched into the sixth inning and allowed two earned runs while striking out five and walking only one.
Both runs came on solo home runs.
That was typical of Sugano’s season. He has allowed his share of home runs, but he has often limited the damage by avoiding traffic in front of them. A solo homer hurts. A three-run homer can end an outing.
Sugano threw seven different pitch types against Milwaukee and relied on sequencing and varying speeds to quiet a pesky Brewers lineup. His splitter was the most effective offering, while his four-seamer and cutter were more vulnerable, making the order and location of his pitches especially important.
Sugano will look to follow the same formula tonight against a fellow veteran right-hander who also relies on sequencing and location more than raw power.
Michael Wacha enters at 5-7 with a 3.60 ERA and 104 strikeouts across 132.1 innings. His 4.26 xERA is less flattering, but this is not a new disagreement. Wacha has posted a lower ERA than xERA in six consecutive seasons.
Wacha does not overwhelm hitters. His four-seamer averages 93.1 mph, while his strikeout and whiff rates sit below league average. He instead limits walks, avoids barrels and receives excellent results from his offspeed pitches.
Like Sugano, Wacha works with a broad arsenal. His four-seamer and changeup lead a six-pitch mix that also includes a cutter, sinker, curveball and slider.
How he distributes those pitches may be more important than any individual offering.
During his last start on July 25, Wacha did not throw consecutive pitches of the same type to any hitter the first time through the order. He did not repeat a pitch type until the third batter of the fourth inning, after the lineup had already turned over once.
Only five hitters during the entire outing saw the same pitch type thrown back-to-back.
Wacha rarely allows a hitter to eliminate possibilities or use the previous offering as a comfortable reference point for the next one, much like Sugano.
He finished that outing with seven innings of two-run baseball despite recording only three strikeouts.
Tonight at Coors Field, it is a battle between two wily veterans who rely on location, variety and sequencing more than raw power.
For Sugano, it could be one final opportunity to work his way through a lineup in purple.
In 2022 when the Warriors won their last title, if you told me that one day LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, and D(ean) Wade would be on the 76ers I’d be like hell to the naw naw. (Also, where is Ben Simmons?!) And yet here we are!
Here’s the part that should scare the rest of the league ladies and gentlemen. This isn’t LeBron joining a team that needs him to be the engine. This is LeBron sliding into a group that already has an MVP-caliber big, a bucket-getter who just spent the summer proving he belongs in the “best two-way wing” conversation, and two young guards who play like they’ve been doing this for a decade already. Tyrese Maxey. VJ Edgecombe. Joel Embiid. Jaylen Brown. Now DA KING?! Five players who’ve either made an All-NBA team or are trending toward one, all wearing the same jersey.
So I’ll ask the obvious question before anyone else does it for me. Is this the best team LeBron has ever played on?
Iman Shumpert was NOT having it when Shaq said the 76ers are winning the championship next season because the New York Knick’s were “lucky” to win this year 😳🏀👀
“I have 4 championships, 2 of them were luck. You don’t think the Knicks championship was a bit lucky this year? If… pic.twitter.com/9aFKHi3Ril
I know how that sounds given the résumé. Kyrie and prime Love in Cleveland. AD and a bubble run in LA. A Heatles trio that basically broke the sport for a few summers. But from a pure roster construction standpoint, I don’t remember one walking into training camp with this many legitimate creators, this much size, and this many lineup combinations. Embiid at the 5, when healthy, is still one of the toughest covers alive. Brown gives you another player who can take over a game. Maxey and Edgecombe give you two guards who get downhill and shoot it from range. And LeBron, even at 42, still reads a defense like he’s got the whole floor mapped out before you’ve decided where you’re going.
He’s walking on as a stabilizer, a guy who can captain possessions, punish mismatches in the post against smaller wings, and make the right read out of a double team on instinct. Philadelphia didn’t sign a farewell tour, rather we are looking at them adding a chess piece that still sees three moves ahead.
Now, the questions immediately arise when you talk about what could go wrong with that starting lineup.
Start with health. Embiid staying on the floor has been the same conversation forever, and I’m not going to sit here and pretend a new co-star fixes a body that’s fought him this long.
Then there’s hierarchy. Brown spent years in Boston fighting for respect, got his Finals MVP, and still ended up on a plane to a division rival where he’s probably not the first read on most nights. Going from “the guy everyone questioned but who proved it” to “one of five options” creates its own pressure, even if the results end up better.
And then there’s expectations. Maxey and Edgecombe were just building their own identities as young stars. Now they’re getting thrown into a spotlight that comes with real championship demands instead of just “how good can these kids be.”
Brian Windhorst called the 76ers having LeBron, Embiid, Jaylen Brown, Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe on the same team "preposterous" due to having too many alpha personalities.
But here’s why none of that changes how I feel about this roster from a pure basketball standpoint. Go back and watch the Sixers’ offseason moves as a whole. Anfernee Simons is an instant scoring punch off the bench for pennies compared to what other teams paid for less. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is a proven championship wing. Labaron Philon might take ballhandling pressure off Maxey and Edgecombe as a rookie. They didn’t stop after LeBron, and that wasn’t just my takeaway. Paul Hudrick at Liberty Ballers looked at the same depth chart and came away with the same conclusion: “The depth chart looks legit.”
That’s what makes this team a nightmare to simulate. Most title contenders pick a lane. Fast and loose, or slow and physical. Philadelphia might make you prepare for two. This roster can do both, and with Embiid and LeBron on the floor together, I’d bet they lean into slowing the game down and daring you to match their size. But flip in Maxey, Edgecombe, and Simons off the bench, and suddenly you’re getting attacked in transition too. Ask anyone who’s tried fighting this roster in 2K how miserable it is to game plan for a team that can beat you at two different speeds depending on who’s on the floor.
Look, I’m not saying banners are guaranteed. Health matters, chemistry takes time, and pressure does strange things to teams that haven’t won together yet. But if you’re a rival executive right now, you’re not sleeping easy. This is must see TV starting in October. And if this group stays healthy, the conversation won’t be whether LeBron can still chase one more title. It’ll be whether anyone in the East has enough answers for everything Philadelphia can throw at them.
I can’t wait to see this team come to Chase Center.
MIAMI, FL - FEBRUARY 9, 2026: Jaren Jackson Jr. #20 of the Utah Jazz plays defense during the game against the Miami Heat on February 9, 2026 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Last season defense was hard to come by for the Utah Jazz as they allowed an NBA worst 126 points per game. How will they fare this year with Walker Kessler’s departure and a retooled roster with its sights set on a playoff spot?
There’s no question that losing Kessler to the Lakers is a blow to the team’s defensive potential. In his last full season with the Jazz (2024-2025), Walker posted a gaudy 12.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game. By comparison, Kyle Filipowski led last year’s squad in rebounds with 7.2 per game, and Ace Bailey led the team in blocks with 0.7. One of the big questions for the upcoming season is are there enough deputies to replace The Sheriff?
The projected starting lineup for 2026-2027 certainly has more than enough height to battle for rebounds and affect an opponent’s shots. Both Markkanen and Jackson Jr. are bruisers at 7’1” and 6’10” respectively and have physiques like NFL tight ends. The three games they shared the front court last season hinted at their potential defensive partnership. The Jazz won two out of the three games, including an impressive away win against the Miami Heat, in which the pair combined for 11 defensive rebounds and the team as a whole held the Heat to 111 points. Jackson Jr. also showcased his ability to pick the other team’s pocket and create additional possessions for his teammates, averaging 2 steals a game.
But neither big man is known as a shot blocker nor is expected to consistently produce double digit rebounds. Other players will need to step in to make up the deficit. Ace Bailey at 6’9” has added muscle in the off season, which will help his ability to contend in the paint and build on his team leading block totals from last year. There is also the option of starting Jusuf Nurkic at center, who showed last season that his ability to rebound the ball is underrated. He didn’t play enough games for his statistics to count in team leading averages, but in the 41 games he did play, he pulled in an impressive 10.4 rebounds a game, including 7.8 on the defensive end. The Jazz would give up some athleticism starting Nurkic over Bailey, but they would also benefit from having a savvy veteran with a nose for the basketball.
One of the most intriguing questions for the upcoming season is how Darryn Peterson and Keyonte George will mesh in the backcourt. This will be especially important defensively as the Jazz’s perimeter defense last year was like a sieve. As a 6’5” 199 lb guard, Peterson brings size to the position and a defensive intensity which produced 15 blocks and 34 steals in 24 games at Kansas. The big question is how this will translate in the NBA and whether he can maintain that intensity without getting in foul trouble. And if as a tandem, he and George can provide some consistent resistance to the skilled ball handlers and three-point assassins on opposing teams.
The supporting cast’s defensive development will also go a long way in how successful the Jazz are this season. John Konchar made a name for himself as an all-round defensive pest, averaging 2 steals and 1 block in the 26 games he played last season. Bez Mbeng showed glimpses of his defensive prowess in the short time he’s been with the Jazz. Will Kyle Filipowski and Cody Williams take a step forward defensively? What roles will new additions Jaxson Hayes and Josh Okogie play in the defensive development of the team? Will the second coming of Mo Bamba provide a much-needed boost from the bench? So many questions…
The key is that one player is not the answer in turning arguably the worst defensive team in the league last year into a coordinated group which can hold its own when it matters most. Coach Hardy’s challenge is molding the players’ defensive strengths into a cohesive unit, one that will bend, but not break. Games often come down to key defensive moments—who can forget Lebron racing the length of the court to block Iguodala’s shot in the 2016 NBA Finals?—and the Jazz have an opportunity to use them as momentum to finally propel them into the post season.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 17: The Silver Boot Trophy on display before a game between the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers at Daikin Park on September 17, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 14: Zach Collins #12 of the Chicago Bulls handles the ball during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on December 14, 2025 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
A heartfelt congratulations from The Slipper Still Fits to forward/center Zach Collins on his two-year, $17 million contract extension to stay with the Chicago Bulls through the 2027-28 season. The injury bug has unfortunately hit the Gonzaga Bulldog quite a lot throughout his time with the Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, and with Chicago, so this new deal is a major victory for Collins as he enters his ninth season in the NBA.
The site appreciates the 2016 McDonald’s All-American out of powerhouse Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas, Nevada, sharing some of his offseason time to discuss his lone season with the Zags back in 2016-17, senior center Przemek Karnowski being his vet, his standout performance against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four in Phoenix, Arizona.
Just an entertaining conversation with the big man from top to bottom. Check it out below.
Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on X @a_cravalho
CINCINNATI, OHIO - JULY 29: Chase DeLauter #24 of the Cleveland Guardians bats during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on July 29, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cleveland defeated Cincinnati 6-1. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
MIAMI, FL - APRIL 22: St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Kyle Leahy (62) pitches in the first innings during a game between the Miami Marlins and the St Louis Cardinals on April 22, 2026 at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida.(Photo by Chris Arjoon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The St. Louis Cardinals will get out their passports and visit Canada to take on the Toronto Blue Jays over the weekend. The Cardinals will send Kyle Leahy to the mound while the Blue Jays will start All-Star Dylan Cease. First pitch is scheduled for 6:07pm central time and the game TV broadcast will be available on Cardinals.tv.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 30: Luis García Jr. #2 of the Washington Nationals reacts after hitting a double in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on July 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After losing three of their last four, the stakes are raised for the Nats tonight. They really need a win to stay in the hunt and avoid falling out of the race. The clutch hitting just has not been there for this group lately. Hopefully that will change tonight.
Blake Butera is making a few adjustments. Jose Tena will be in the lineup as the second baseman, giving Nasim Nunez a day off. Jacob Young is in center, moving Dylan Crews to right and James Wood to DH. Brady House is in there at third, while Harry Ford does the catching. Foster Griffin takes the ball in what could be his last start with the Nats.
The Braves only have a couple changes. Long time Brave Austin Riley is in the lineup at third base. That moves Mauricio Dubon to left field. Joey Bart will do the catching while Drake Baldwin shifts to DH. Bryce Elder has had an up and down season, with more downs lately. However, his last two starts have been better. He is on the mound tonight.
With Foster Griffin on the mound, this is a massive game that could determine what team the lefty is making his next start for. The Nats are 17-4 in Griffin starts, a trend they will look to continue. To do that, they will need to hit with RISP. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats.
ATLANTA, GA - MAY 22: Matt Olson #28 of the Atlanta Braves bats during the game between the Washington Nationals and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on Friday, May 22, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kathryn Skeean/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The game starts at (around) 7:00 p.m. Friday, it’s nearly 90 degrees and Truist Park is the place to be as the Braves are taking on the Nationals once more. Will the Braves take the 2-0 lead and at least ensure a split with a win tonight? Will Washington’s bats make Bryce Elder their latest victim? We’re about to find out!
TORONTO, ON - JUNE 29: A close-up view of the glove of New York Mets infielder Jared Young (29) is seen during the bottom of the first inning of an MLB game between the New York Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays on June 29, 2026, at Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON. (Photo by Mathew Tsang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
I’m getting this together ahead of time in case I’m not back for game time.
Vlad is back in the lineup, as is Jesus Sanchez who is back along with Braydon Fisher. Lips and Macko are back in Buffalo
Erick Fedde will have a tall task ahead of him, going toe-to-toe with Tampa’s Nick Martinez tonight. | (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
After getting out of the gates after the All-Star break with a strong road trip that saw four wins in six games, the White Sox started to falter. Losing four of five to the Houston Astros and New York Yankees, it looked as if the South Siders were starting to wilt under the pressure. Out of nowhere, the White Sox pulled two miraculous wins in extra innings out of their hat, and found a way to split the series with the Yankees.
Those two wins were absolutely critical and may turn out to be the difference in a tight AL Central that Chicago currently leads by two games. Unfortunately, their work is far from over as they now face off against the best team in the American League, the Tampa Bay Rays.
Just like they have for most of the past decade, the Rays have been one of the more underrated and underappreciated teams in the majors and will pose a real test for the White Sox. While the Rays don’t have an especially potent offense or pitching staff, they do have a 40-16 record at home — by far, the best in baseball. They will look to improve upon this year’s success at Tropicana Field when they throw out Nick Martinez to start tonight’s game.
Much like the Rays, Nick Martinez has flown under the radar this year and there should be much more noise surrounding his Cy Young candidacy. Martinez comes into Friday’s game with a 10-2 record and 2.45 ERA, good for second in the American League and fifth in all of baseball. With just three starts in which he’s allowed more than two earned runs, and never allowing more than three all year, the best way to attack Martinez in his current form is to find a way to elevate his pitch count and get him out of the game as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, that’s incredibly hard to do when Martinez is in the upper echelon of pitchers when it comes to allowing walks, with just 20 in 20 starts this year. He also limits hard-hit balls and is methodical as a pitcher. The one saving grace for the White Sox is that Martinez struggles to strike batters out, totaling just 67 in more than 117 innings of work.
As for the White Sox, it’s another “Fedde Friday”, as Erick Fedde takes the hill. While he hasn’t been great this season, he’s been exactly what you’d expect from a pitcher at the tail end of the rotation. Even his 5-6 record and 4.25 ERA don’t tell the whole story, as Fedde sports a 3-1 record and an ERA of 3.73 over his last seven starts.
To be quite honest, Fedde’s stuff isn’t anything to write home about. He’s been more than serviceable as a fifth starter, but it’s clear the Rays have the edge on the mound tonight. With that in mind, all Fedde needs to do is keep Chicago in the ball game and hope they can find the same late success as they have in their last two games. Although Chicago’s bullpen isn’t exactly the best, either, a battle between the bullpens is their best bet at taking the first game of this series.
Here are the starting lineup for the Chicago White Sox:
Here are the starting lineup for the Tampa Bay Rays:
First pitch is 6:10 p.m. CST. You can watch on CHSN or listen on ESPN Chicago 1000. Let us know your thoughts and predictions below!
