White Sox at Blue Jays
The Chicago White Sox got off to a hot start in their first two games and were ready to keep the momentum going, but Mother Nature had other plans. After having their series finale at Kansas City postponed due to weather on Sunday, the White Sox will travel north and visit the Toronto Blue Jays in the opener of a three-game set on Monday.
There was snow in the forecast and a high of 29 degrees in Kansas City, and the climate-controlled environment in Toronto might be better for a Chicago club itching to build on a start that saw it slug seven homers in the first two games. "Honestly, in terms of timing, any sports team, and especially baseball, you just want to play," White Sox manager Rick Renteria told reporters. "So any interruption in that kind of changes the direction you are kind of going a little bit." The Blue Jays are hitting their stride as well and earned a season-opening split with the New York Yankees on Sunday thanks to a pair of home runs from Justin Smoak. "He's off to a great start," Toronto manager John Gibbons told reporters of Smoak. "A big year last year … and he has turned into a pretty good hitter. You can't do any better than he did today. Game on the line, down a run, two outs, against one of the top relievers in baseball. He's just really coming into his own, I think. A late bloomer."
TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), Sportsnet (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Reynaldo Lopez (2017: 3-3, 4.72 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH Jaime Garcia (2017: 5-10, 4.41)
Lopez had his season debut pushed back a day thanks to the postponement on Sunday and is trying to begin his first full season in the majors. The 24-year-old Dominican Republic native started in all eight of his appearances for Chicago last season and surrendered 49 hits in 47 2/3 innings. Lopez was sharper at Triple-A Charlotte, posting a 3.79 ERA in 22 starts and striking out 131 in 121 innings.
Garcia is getting set for his first full season in the American League after signing a one-year contract early in spring training. The 31-year-old Mexico native pitched for three different teams last season, finishing up with the eight starts for the New York Yankees and going 1-3 with 4.70 ERA in nine total AL starts with the Yankees and Twins. Garcia is making his first career start against Chicago.
WALK-OFFS
1. Blue Jays 3B Josh Donaldson (arm) served as the DH in the last three games but could return to third on Monday.
2. Chicago 3B Matt Davidson is 4-for-7 with three homers, six RBIs and four runs scored.
3. Toronto CF Kevin Pillar is 6-for-13 with four runs scored and three stolen bases.