White Sox at Athletics
The Chicago White Sox return from an unscheduled three-day break to continue their road trip Monday, when they visit the Oakland Athletics for the opener of their three-game series. Chicago's seven-game trek was reduced to four contests as the final three of its four-game set in Minnesota were postponed due to a snowstorm.
The White Sox, who have lost eight of 10 after winning their first two games of the season, will be back in action for the first time since suffering a 4-0 loss to the Twins on Thursday. Chicago was limited to three singles in the setback, with Tim Anderson recording one to extend his hitting streak to five games. Oakland looks to begin its first winning streak of 2018 after salvaging the finale of its three-game series in Seattle on Sunday. Jed Lowrie belted a two-run homer in the first inning and Sean Manaea made it stand by working seven strong frames as the Athletics posted a 2-1 victory to finish 3-5 on their eight-game road trip.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, NBCS California Plus (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Reynaldo Lopez (0-1, 0.69 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Daniel Mengden (1-2, 6.19)
Lopez, whose turn on Friday in Minnesota was scrapped due to inclement weather, has been superb in the early going - allowing two runs (one earned) and four hits with 11 strikeouts over 13 innings in two starts - but has yet to record a victory. The only issue with the 24-year-old Dominican has been his control, as he has walked seven batters - including five over seven frames in a loss against Detroit on April 8. Lopez, who gave up only two hits and an unearned run in the setback, will be facing Oakland for the first time in his career.
Mengden remains in search of his first career win at home, where he is 0-10 with a 6.45 ERA in 13 starts. The 25-year-old Texan is coming off his initial victory of the season, a triumph over the Dodgers in Los Angeles on Wednesday in which he allowed four runs (three earned) and seven hits over five innings. Mengden, who has issued only two walks in 16 frames this year, has yet to face Chicago in his career.
WALK-OFFS
1. Lowrie is 8-for-18 with two homers and seven RBIs over his last four games.
2. Chicago C Welington Castillo is expected to be in the lineup Monday after missing two contests with a sore right knee.
3. Oakland lost INF-OF Renato Nunez on Sunday as the 24-year-old Venezuelan was claimed off waivers by Texas.