The Houston Astros will host the Chicago White Sox on Opening Day for the 2023 Major League Baseball season. The Astros won four out of the seven head-to-head matchups last season.
The Chicago White Sox went 81-81 last season and finished second in the American League Central. Coming into this season, the White Sox over/under win total is set at 82 according to Caesars Sportsbook. According to the betting odds behind Cleveland and Minnesota, Chicago is also expected to finish third out of the five teams in the AL Central this season.
During the offseason, the White Sox added outfielder Andrew Benintendi (.304 AVG, 51 RBI in 2022), infielder Elvis Andrus (17 HR, 58 RBI), and starting pitcher Mike Clevinger (7-7, 4.33 ERA). Chicago also had some notable losses that included Jose Abreu (.304 AVG, 15 HR, 75 RBI, 4.2 WAR), AJ Pollock (14 HR, 56 RBI) and Johnny Cueto (8-10, 3.35 ERA).
You better believe it, Oscar. Welcome to the bigs! pic.twitter.com/I1swPa0iqU
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) March 29, 2023
The White Sox will be sending Dylan Cease to the mound first on Thursday night. In 2022, Cease went 14-8 with a 2.20 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and recorded 227 strikeouts, which was fifth in MLB in 184 innings pitched. In Cease's career, he is 0-3 with a 6.30 ERA in four starts against the Astros.
Offensively, the White Sox will hope to get a full healthy season out of shortstop Tim Anderson, who also showcased that he can play second base in the World Baseball Classic. Anderson has batted over .300 in four straight seasons, but only played 79 games in 2022. Anderson stole 13 bases last season without being caught one time. Outfield Oscar Colas also provides upside, and could be one of the best rookie in MLB this season.
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