This series kicked off Monday night, with the Texas Rangers (45-27) taking down the Chicago White Sox (31-43) 5-2. After playing Tuesday night they'll conclude their set with this Wednesday tilt. Texas is poised for the postseason, while Chicago is grasping at straws for a division title. Still, both sides have something to play for. In Guaranteed Rate Field at 8:10 p.m. EDT, these teams will test each other for the final time until August.
GET JOSH TO SEATTLE!
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— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) June 20, 2023
Over 70 games have passed and it's Arlington's Texas team that is ruling the AL West. Their success can be traced to MLB's best offense, the only one averaging over six runs per game. There are nine hitters on the Rangers roster with an OPS over 7.80. They lead the league in batting average and OBP, while also ranking third in slugging percentage. This isn't a lineup that pitchers want to see on most nights, because they will punish misses.
Heim Time delivers!
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— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) June 20, 2023
Martin Perez is fortunate that he never has to face this lineup in a real game. Instead, he'll get to pitch against a weak White Sox offense. Perez needs an easy assignment on the road, as he has a 6.50 ERA in nine away starts. The last two times he took the mound in hostile territory, he threw a total of 8.0 innings and allowed 13 runs on 17 hits and seven walks. He's far from his 2022 All-Star status.