White Sox at Mariners
The Seattle Mariners halted their four-game losing streak in the series opener and attempt to defeat the visiting Chicago White Sox again on Saturday in the middle contest of their three-game set. Nelson Cruz drove in two runs during Friday's 3-1 victory but remains without a multi-hit performance this month.
Dee Gordon went 4-for-4 in the series opener for his third effort with four or more hits this season. Edwin Diaz bounced back from blowing a save opportunity in Tuesday's All-Star Game to convert his 18th consecutive regular-season chance to raise his major league-leading total to 37. While Seattle moved back to 20 games above .500 with the triumph, the White Sox fell 30 games below the mark while dropping to 14-34 on the road. Chicago All-Star first baseman Jose Abreu went hitless in four at-bats and is batting just .143 with one homer and five RBIs this month.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBCS Chicago, ROOT Northwest (Seattle)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Dylan Covey (3-5, 5.69 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (8-7, 5.13)
Covey has dropped three straight starts and is 0-4 over his last five outings. The 26-year-old has posted a horrific 11.70 ERA and 2.25 WHIP during the stretch after being 3-1 with a 2.29 ERA over his first six turns. Covey escaped with a no-decision in his lone career start against the Mariners as he gave up four runs and five hits over six innings on May 18, 2017.
Hernandez (back) will be activated from the 10-day disabled list prior to the game after a brief stint that saw him miss just one start due to the All-Star break. The 32-year-old has worked five or fewer innings in four of his last six turns and has pitched seven or more frames only twice in 19 starts this season. Hernandez gave up three runs and seven hits over six innings while beating the White Sox on April 25, improving to 7-6 with a 3.76 ERA in 20 career meetings.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Mariners rewarded MGR Scott Servais (223-199 in 2 1/2 seasons) with a multi-year contract extension on Friday.
2. Chicago activated Nicky Delmonico (hand) from the 10-day disabled list, one day after optioning fellow OF Charlie Tilson to Triple-A Charlotte.
3. Seattle recalled 1B Daniel Vogelbach and OF John Andreoli from Triple-A Tacoma and sent RHP Mike Morin outright to the same affiliate.