White Sox at Royals
The two worst teams in the American League begin a stretch of five games in four days against one another when the Chicago White Sox visit the Kansas City Royals on Thursday. The White Sox are just 5-16 for their worst start since 1950 while the Royals have an even worse record at 5-17.
Kansas City has lost 12 of its last 14 games and began a seven-game homestand with back-to-back setbacks against the Milwaukee Brewers. The Royals are a porous 1-9 at home, a dubious mark that includes two losses to the White Sox to open the season. Chicago has lost 14 of its last 16 games and could be without slugger Jose Abreu, who departed in the fourth inning of Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Seattle Mariners due to flu-like symptoms. "It goes to show you, they want to play, they want to fight," White Sox manager Rich Renteria told reporters. "He wasn't feeling very good, and ultimately, we had to make a decision to go ahead and do that. I give him credit for even trying."
TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Kansas City
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Lucas Giolito (0-3, 9.00 ERA) vs. Royals RH Jakob Junis (3-1, 2.03)
Giolito is coming off a horrific performance in a loss to the Houston Astros as he walked seven in two-plus innings and allowed nine runs and five hits. The 23-year-old has dropped three straight outings and has a 10.93 ERA and 2.07 WHIP during the stretch. Giolito is 1-0 with a 2.33 ERA in three career starts against the Royals, including a no-decision on March 31 when he allowed three runs and six hits over six innings.
Junis pitched superbly while beating the Detroit Tigers in his last turn as he gave up two runs and four hits over eight innings. The 25-year-old has allowed just two runs and eight hits over 22 innings in his three victories as he displays that he could soon be the team's ace. Junis, who has never faced the White Sox, is holding batters to a .190 average in 11 career appearances (nine starts) at Kauffman Stadium.
WALK-OFFS
1. Royals 3B Mike Moustakas homered in Wednesday's 6-2 loss to the Brewers and has at least one hit in 15 of the past 16 games.
2. Chicago 2B Yolmer Sanchez had two hits on Wednesday and is 8-for-18 during a five-game hitting streak.
3. Kansas City RHP Ian Kennedy (foot) indicated he intends to make Sunday's start - he departed Tuesday's game after three innings due to being struck by a liner off the bat of Milwaukee's Ryan Braun.