Astros at White Sox
The Houston Astros regained their footing after losing five of six by erupting for 20 runs during their three-game winning streak. The Astros aim to provide plenty of run support for reigning American League Player of the Week Justin Verlander on Friday as they open a three-game series against the host Chicago White Sox, who have matched their worst start since 1997.
Jose Altuve ripped a three-run double in the fifth inning to highlight his three-hit, four-RBI performance in Thursday's 9-2 romp over Seattle. The 2017 AL MVP and three-time batting champion has hit safely in 17 of his last 19 contests overall and went 7-for-22 with two homers in last season's series versus Chicago, although the White Sox walked away with wins in four of six encounters. The slumping South Siders haven't been stringing together too many positive moments this season, as they've dropped 11 of their last 13 overall and surrendered 34 runs during a four-game losing streak. Yoan Moncada homered for the second straight contest, belting his first career grand slam in Wednesday's 12-11 setback in 14 innings to Oakland.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, AT&T Sportsnet-Southwest (Houston), NBCS Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Justin Verlander (2-0, 1.35 ERA) vs. White Sox RH James Shields (1-1, 4.50)
Verlander turned in his third dominant outing in four trips to the mound on Sunday, but he settled for a no-decision after surrendering a solo homer for his lone run and hit allowed in eight innings against Texas. The 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young Award winner continues to rack up the strikeouts at a rapid pace, fanning 11 Rangers to give him 29 in his last three outings. Verlander has flustered the White Sox in his career, posting a 20-13 record and 3.82 ERA, although his numbers (7-8, 4.11) have taken a dip at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Manager Rick Renteria did not divulge his hand in regard to Friday's pitcher after scheduled starter Shields was summoned to be the team's 10th pitcher in Wednesday's marathon loss. The 36-year-old Shields, who yielded the game-winning hit and two walks on 28 pitches versus the Athletics, still is in line to work the series opener, with Lucas Giolito (0-2, 5.50) and Reynaldo Lopez (0-2, 1.42) slated to start on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Josh Reddick has teed off with three homers highlighting his .320 average against Shields, who owns a 2-2 mark with a 2.11 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in six career meetings with the Astros.
WALK-OFFS
1. Houston owns the majors' best team ERA at 2.48 while Chicago has the worst at 5.64.
2. The White Sox acquired OF Trayce Thompson from Oakland on Thursday and dealt INF Tyler Saladino to Milwaukee, with cash considerations completing both deals.
3. Astros CF George Springer has recorded nine hits - including three homers - to go along with seven runs scored in his last seven games.