False Alarm, Everybody! Abreu is Here - Game Preview & Lineups 5/16

/

Last season a matchup between the White Sox and the Astros was a warning sign for baseball fans not hailing from the greater Chicago and Houston areas to steer clear. Two terrible teams that were on their way to earning two of the top 3 draft positions in the upcoming draft. This year the look isn’t so bad. The White Sox show consistent signs of life and Jose Abreu is a thing, even on a day we were all prepped to be without him. The Astros are still struggling but are performing admirably considering their financial output and the often questionable leadership of Bo Porter.

A definite bright spot for Houston is tonight’s starter Collin McHugh. The Naperville-born hurler had seen some big league time with the Mets and the Rockies but never put much together. In 4 starts this year, he’s amassed a 2.81 ERA, coming dangerously close to completing a 2-hitter against Oakland in just his second start. Most recently he went 6 and a third against the Orioles, holding them to just 2 runs. The 12 K’s recorded against the Mariners in his first start is dragging his rate up considering the lack of outings thus far but the man is earning his keep.

Jose Quintana is occasionally a bright spot these days. He’s no sure thing, but only one of his starts in 8 on the season have failed to meet the requirements to be considered a quality start. On occasion, the performances that earned him his long term extension will surface, a 7-inning 1-hit performance against the Cubs being the most recent.

Lead-off hitter presumably for a few more days, Gordon Beckham is currently sporting a bat near league average if you can believe it. He's 19 for his last 39, which is the type of streak he's put together a time or two before. There's always that chance that he's figured something out though. That chance is probably why I'm so miserable as a person.

Today’s Lineup:                                                            

  1. Beckham – 2B
  2. Gillaspie – 3B
  3. Abreu – DH
  4. Dunn – 1B
  5. Viciedo - RF
  6. Ramirez – SS
  7. De Aza – LF
  8. Flowers – C
  9. Sierra – CF

Jose Quintana - SP

Astros Lineup:

  1. Altuve – 2B
  2. Springer – RF
  3. Fowler – CF
  4. Castro – C
  5. Dominguez- 3B
  6. Guzman – 1B
  7. Carter – DH
  8. Hoes – LF
  9. Villar - SS

Collin McHugh - SP

 

Where to Watch:

Today’s game will be broadcast on CSN.  7:10 Central start time.