A payback is in order for Tampa Bay
Welcome to another edition of ‘How will the White Sox lose today?’ The Tampa Bay Rays are seeking redemption tonight, aiming to avenge the sweep they experienced last month at the hands of the South Siders.
Let’s lead off with this season’s first veteran fire sale move!
The #WhiteSox have acquired minor-league right-handed pitcher Anthony Hoopii-Tuionetoa from the Texas Rangers in exchange for outfielder Robbie Grossman.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) May 8, 2024
I’m honestly shocked the Sox were able to get anything back. Something is better than nothing, I suppose.
It’s Chris Flexen on the bump working to avoid the L for the Pale Hose, and — surprise, surprise, the 29-year-old veteran hasn’t been good so far this season. He’s 1-3 with a 4.85 ERA and 1.31 WHIP. However, shockingly, Baseball Reference has him with a positive WAR at 0.7, the second-highest on the team. That should tell you how truly awful this club is this year. A few interesting matchups in today’s game will be Yandy Díaz and Jose Siri. Díaz is 4-for-8 lifetime against Flexen, while Siri is 0-for-9.
On the other side of the diamond, the Rays’ starter is Aaron Civale, who is aiming for his third victory of 2024. Civale, who joined Tampa Bay in a swap with Cleveland at last season’s trade deadline, has struggled since moving to the Sunshine State. He’s had a tough time on the mound since arriving in Tampa, going 4-5 with a 5.71 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP. Keep an eye on Andrew Benintendi and Eloy Jiménez, who have hit four home runs off Civale, making them Chicago’s best chance to score. But please don’t hold your breath; you’ll likely pass out.
Here’s how the Sox line them up tonight:
How we line up vs. Tampa Bay: pic.twitter.com/AFNjbLiYDC
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) May 8, 2024
For the Rays:
The rippers are ready for game 3, let’s grind. pic.twitter.com/hy6h5D7VAe
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) May 8, 2024
The first pitch is at 5:50 p.m. CST. You can watch the broadcast on NBCSCH or listen in on ESPN 1000.