The Chicago White Sox wrap up their three-game series in Baltimore on Thursday afternoon. The White Sox are still in the hunt for the AL Central Division crown but will need to start playing with more consistency. The Orioles continue to be the surprise team of the American League as they hang in the wildcard race. The pitching matchup on Thursday will feature veteran right-hander Lance Lynn (3-5, 5.30) of the White Sox taking on Jordan Lyles (9-9, 4.61) of the Orioles. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05pm EST.
The Chicago White Sox are hanging around the AL Central Division standings but have yet to heat up enough to make their move. The team has had to continue on without leadoff hitter and team catalyst Tim Anderson, who is out for at least six weeks after surgery on his left hand. The team is 20-24 without Anderson in the lineup this season including an 8-8 stretch since his August injury. On Wednesday night against the Orioles, starter Lucas Giolito gave Chicago 6.1 innings of four-hit baseball and allowed just one run as the White Sox drew even in the three-game series with a 5-3.
Back at it tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/dpjUCuaTn9
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) August 24, 2022
The White Sox have surprisingly hit well in the 16 games since Anderson's injury this month. The team is hitting .280 overall but have had issues crossing the plate, averaging just 3.6 runs per game over that span. Anderson's speed and base running has sorely been missed over this stretch of 8-8 baseball. On the mound in this span, the White Sox have an ERA of 4.63. They have allowed 138 hits in 138 innings and struck out 130 batters while walking 47. Lance Lynn will take the hill on Thursday afternoon hoping to end this series on a high note. Lynn returned from a season-long stint on the IL on June 13th. In his last five starts, Lynn is 2-2 with an ERA of 3.68. Lynn has allowed 27 hits in his last 29.1 innings pitched. He has a 10.43 K/9 rate during that span as well. He has pitched against the Orioles one time this season, allowing six hits in six innings of work while allowing five earned runs. Lynn took the loss in a 6-2 Orioles win in June.