White Sox at Red Sox
The big difference between the Boston Red Sox of 2017 and 2018 is power; and showing it off is helping the team keep pace in the American League East. The Red Sox will try to bash their way to a series win when they host the Chicago White Sox in the rubber match of a three-game set on Sunday.
Boston finished 27th in the majors and last in the AL with 168 home runs in 2017 but signed J.D. Martinez to a five-year, $110 million contract in the offseason and is reaping the benefits in the power department. Martinez, who smashed a go-ahead, two-run blast in the fifth inning of Saturday's 4-2 triumph, leads the majors with 21 home runs and 54 RBIs while the Red Sox sit second in the majors in homers. The White Sox are not quite as potent offensively and have scored two or fewer runs in each of the last three games, dropping two of those contests to fall back to 20 games under .500 at 21-41. Chicago will try to get the bats going on Sunday against former Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello while countering with fellow right-hander Reynaldo Lopez.
TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBCS Chicago, NESN (Boston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Reynaldo Lopez (1-4, 3.42 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (8-2, 3.59)
Lopez followed up a terrible start with one of his best while holding Minnesota to one hit in seven scoreless innings in a no-decision on Tuesday. The Dominican Republic native was ripped for seven runs on eight hits and a walk in 2 2/3 frames at Cleveland in his previous turn. Lopez is making his first career appearance against Boston and is 0-3 with a 4.86 ERA in seven road starts this season.
Porcello is coming off back-to-back wins and got the better of defending champion Houston last Sunday by surrendering three runs - two earned - and five hits in 6 1/3 innings. The New Jersey native has also recorded a quality start in three of his last four outings. Porcello earned a win over the White Sox last season despite allowing five runs in 5 1/3 innings and is 11-8 with a 4.35 ERA in 23 career starts against Chicago.
WALK-OFFS
1. Red Sox RF Mookie Betts (abdominal strain) took batting practice for the third straight day on Saturday and is getting closer to a rehab assignment.
2. Chicago 3B Matt Davidson (back) is 2-for-16 in five games since coming off the disabled list.
3. Boston RHP Matt Barnes is enjoying a string of 12 straight scoreless appearances.