The 6-6 Cincinnati Reds visit the 2-10 Chicago White Sox this weekend for a three-game series. The Reds are coming off a series with the Milwaukee Brewers having the last game of the series postponed due to rain. They lost two of the three games to the Brewers this past week. The White Sox come in losing four of their last five games losing two of three to the Cleveland Guardians and losing two to the red-hot Kansas City Royals.
Game One: Andrew Abbott (0-1, 3.48 ERA) vs Chris Flexen (0-2, 5.91 ERA) Time 7:40 PM
Game Two: Nick Lodolo (0-0, 0.00) vs Garrett Crochet (1-1, 2.00 ERA) Time 2:10 PM
Game Three: Graham Ashcraft (1-1, 5.40 ERA) vs Michael Soroka (0-1, 6.14 ERA) Time 2:10 PM
Key Story Lines:
For me one of the biggest storylines will be the return of Nick Lodolo to the rotation in game two of this series, he missed the majority of last year after receiving plenty of hype heading into the season. A healthy and effective Lodolo adds depth to this rotation that is much needed in my opinion. The Reds need to get Nick Martinez to the bullpen in my opinion. He will be matched up against Garrett Crochet, who has pitched well so far for the White Sox, perhaps being their only bright spot this season. The Reds bullpen has to have a strong series against the White Sox as they are ranked 21st in ERA for all bullpens across the Major leagues. The White Sox team is without Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez two of their better bats and as a team have only scored 29 runs on the year. The Reds starters should be able to control the lineup of the White Sox and hopefully go into the sixth inning of each game, besides perhaps Lodolo due to just returning from his rehab stint. This series hopefully can be a launching-off point for the entire Reds lineup besides Spencer Steer who has been red hot so far this season. Steer leads the team in home runs (3), RBIs (15) and in average (.372)
Wrap Up
This series should be a series where the Reds Pitching staff can get the bullpen some rest and build some confidence as they face a team in the White Sox who are averaging just over two runs a game. I think Andrew Abbott with start the series off with a strong performance as he continues to lower his ERA. Nick Lodolo will face a weak lineup allowing him a nice spot to get his 2024 year off to a successful start. Ashcraft will close out the series and should find his second win of the season while giving up two or fewer runs helping lower his ERA. My Predictions for the series: The Reds Sweep the series and outscore the White Sox 19-5 this weekend. Elly De La Cruz and Spencer Steer lead the way offensively while Jonathan India hits two home runs. Andrew Abbott will go 7 scoreless innings Friday night and Graham Ashcraft will go 6 strong innings allowing one run.
