The White Sox launched into a rebuild that noticed them lose 100 video games in 2018, however allowed them to amass a really enticing assortment of younger expertise. They reached the playoffs within the COVID-shortened 2020 season, and received 93 video games in 2021, however had been rapidly dismissed within the post-season every season. They went into 2022 hoping to be a severe contender, however fell flat on their face with an 81-81 season, lacking the playoffs altogether.

If that season was a disappointment, this one is a catastrophe thus far. The White Sox introduced in a brand new supervisor – former Royals coach Pedro Grifol – and made one of many greatest free agent signings in membership historical past, inking former Royals outfielder Andrew Benintendi to a five-year, $75 million deal. As an alternative of contending, the crew went on a ten-game shedding streak in April, and presently has the fourth-worst file in baseball at 13-24.

The lineup hasn’t been the large drawback, averaging 4.43 runs-per-game, together with a 17-run outburst on Sunday towards the Reds. However they’ve underachieved with Benintendi and All-Star shortstop Tim Anderson off to sluggish begins. Rookie outfielder Oscar Colas was anticipated to be a contributor however has already been demoted. Accidents have been an element as effectively. Outfielder Eloy Jimenez was hospitalized final week with appendicitis and can miss 4-6 weeks. Yoan Moncada has been out since mid-April with a decrease again damage, however may return this week. Former Missouri State star Jake Burger was one of many few hitters off to a sizzling begin, till he was felled by an indirect pressure.

The protection has been one other matter. Centerfielder Luis Robert has been wonderful, however general the White Sox are third-worst in Defensive Runs Saved at -18.

White Sox beginning pitchers have a 5.18 ERA with third-highest strikeout fee in baseball, however the fourth-highest stroll fee. Dylan Stop completed second in Cy Younger voting final yr, and was off to begin this yr, however has given up 11 runs in 9 innings in his final two begins mixed. Proper-hander Lucas Giolito has considerably improved his management this yr, and has one of many finest strikeout-to-walk ratios in baseball thus far. Lance Lynn is fifth within the league strikeouts-per-nine-innings, however lefties have mashed him with a line of .304/.368/.609 with six residence runs in 76 plate appearances. Mike Clevinger’s velocity appears to be again up after a one-year dip, however his outcomes have remained combined.

The White Sox bullpen has been an abject catastrophe. Their 6.15 ERA is second-worst solely to Oakland, and so they have the second-highest stroll fee. They’ve seven blown saves already this yr with All-Star nearer Liam Hendriks working his means again from a most cancers analysis. Journeyman Keynan Middleton has emerged as a strong reliever within the pen, however Grifol has had few different solutions to show to.

The White Sox went 1-9 towards the Rays and Blue Jays thus far, and are possible seeking to get proper with seven video games towards the Royals within the subsequent two weeks. The Royals took the season sequence 10-9 towards the White Sox final yr, together with going 5-4 at residence. Each groups are in unhealthy want of some wins this week.