Chris Sale Unleashed - Game Preview & Lineups 5/27

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When last we viewed our hero, he was taking mercy upon his opponent, a helpless New York Yankees lineup that could not handle all the bottled-up aggression and dominance emanating from the well-rested left arm of Chris Sale. This time, there will be no mercy. This time, it’s personal.

Chris Sale vs. the Indians hasn’t been the best of matchups for the otherwise tough team (league?) ace. Last season, Cleveland represented one of the few weak spots he showed, as he compiled an ERA of 8.61 in four starts against them. By far his weakest showing by opponent. Thus far in 2014, his weakest of five starts came against Cleveland as he went just 5 innings and allowed 3 runs in game the White Sox won anyway. In his last start, he said he was relieved when he finally allowed a hit in the 6th inning because he wasn’t sure how much longer he could go. Personally, I wasn’t sure how many more he could strike out. Ten in 6 innings seems criminal. Any more destructive than that and I feel legal repercussions would be unavoidable.

The Indians present their ace-in-theory as well. At least as the season began, that was the idea. Aside from being outperformed by Corey Kluber, Justin Masterson has had trouble with the zone this year, leading to a 5.32 ERA in eleven starts. He’s walking more than 10 percent of the batters he faces, sitting at fourth worst in the American League among qualified starters. He’s in the midst of a three-game stretch in which he’s allowed 17 runs, walked 11, and struck out just 7 batters.

Led by the mighty Conor Gillaspie, coming off of a four-hit performance, the White Sox look to once again pull back into the comfy .500 spot and place the Indians in an official losing streak. They'll be shorthanded against Sale, Nick Swisher hit the DL today with a hyperextended knee and Carlos Santana is now the 7-day concussion DL. Injuries for everybody.

White Sox Lineup:                                                            

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

Chris Sale - SP

Indians Lineup:

  1. Bourn – CF
  2. Cabrera – SS
  3. Brantley – LF
  4. Raburn – DH
  5. Gomes – C
  6. Aguilar – 1B
  7. Murphy – RF
  8. Aviles – 3B
  9. Sellers – 2B

SP - Justin Masterson

Where to Watch: Today’s game will be broadcast on WCIU and SportsTime Ohio.  7:10 p.m. Central start time.

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