A matchup between two American League teams with contrasting fortunes begins this week in Chicago. The New York Yankees are set to face the Chicago White Sox in a three-game series starting Monday night. Recently, the Yankees concluded a challenging series against the Texas Rangers, where they encountered a rainout and split a doubleheader. Meanwhile, the White Sox are reeling from a recent loss to their crosstown rivals, the Cubs, marking a tough stretch of games. Earlier in the season, the Yankees managed a clean sweep in their first three-game series against the White Sox held at Yankee Stadium. This article was prepared before the Yankees’ final game against the Rangers on Sunday.
Yankees Eyeing the AL East Lead
The Yankees entered Sunday with a record of 69 wins and 49 losses, just one game behind the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East standings. They also held the top wild card spot in the American League, with a comfortable margin over the Boston Red Sox. In their previous doubleheader against the Rangers, New York showcased their offensive power, led by Aaron Judge, who contributed significantly with three hits, two runs, and an RBI in the opener. Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Austin Wells also made notable contributions. On the pitching side, Carlos Rodon delivered an impressive performance, securing a win after throwing 5.2 scoreless innings. In the nightcap, the Yankees struggled to maintain momentum despite home runs from Stanton and Chisholm Jr.
Luis Gil is slated to take the mound for the Yankees in the series opener. The right-handed pitcher boasts a solid record of 12-5 this season, with a 3.06 ERA and 138 strikeouts over 117.2 innings. Gil’s recent form has been promising, highlighted by his last outing where he shut out the Angels over five innings. In previous encounters with the White Sox, he holds a 1-0 record with a 4.50 ERA. His last appearance at Guaranteed Rate Field was in May 2022, where he played a role in a high-scoring victory for New York.
White Sox Struggling to Find Wins
The Chicago White Sox are currently in a dismal stretch, suffering 24 losses in their last 25 games. With a record of 28 wins and 91 losses, they sit far behind the division-leading Guardians. Their recent loss to the Cubs highlighted their struggles, as they managed only seven hits and left numerous runners stranded on base. Chris Flexen’s efforts on the mound were commendable, but the team’s inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities ultimately cost them.
Ky Bush is expected to make his second major league start for the White Sox during this series. He comes into the game with an 0-1 record and a 6.75 ERA, having faced challenges in his debut against the Athletics. Before being called up, Bush had a successful stint in the minor leagues, showcasing his potential. This matchup against the Yankees will be a significant test for him as he looks to establish himself in the big leagues.
Best Bets for New York Yankees vs. Chicago White Sox
The current state of the White Sox makes it difficult to foresee a victory in this series. With a staggering 63 games under .500, they are facing the possibility of being eliminated from playoff contention shortly. Their recent performance has been abysmal, and changes within the organization, including management shifts and player trades, reflect their struggles. On the other hand, the Yankees are in contention for the AL East title and have found some rhythm, particularly with Gil on the mound. Given the disparity in form and team dynamics, backing the Yankees in this matchup appears to be a wise choice.
