The Chicago White Sox were scheduled to clash with the Houston Astros on Monday afternoon at 2:30 but mother nature had other ideas. Game 4 of the ALDS between the White Sox and Astros has been postponed because of inclement weather and rescheduled for Tuesday at 1:07 pm CT.
Tuesday was the originally scheduled off day before heading back to Houston for a potential winner take all series finale. All tickets and parking pass for Monday’s game will be automatically transferred to Tuesday’s rescheduled game.
If the White Sox force a Game 5 it will start at 8:07 pm CT in Houston. According to the National Weather Service, severe thunderstorms are moving across the Chicago land area. These storms could develop into isolated tornadoes with winds up to 60 mph.
This has massive implications on the series. For starters, the White Sox were riding a wave of momentum after their Game 3 victory. The extra off may grind that to a halt.
The extra day also allows the Astros to start Lance McCullers in Game 4 in an attempt to close out the White Sox. McCullers was dominant in Game 1 throwing 6.2 scoreless innings with four strikeouts while only allowing four hits.
He has a history of pitching well against the White Sox. On July 16th, the White Sox met up with McCullers in Chicago. This time the results were even worse for the Southside Hitmen. McCullers threw seven innings of one-run ball. He only allowed two hits and victimized the White Sox for 10 strikeouts. Both of the White Sox hits came in the first inning. They could only muster two walks the rest of the day on him.
However, the White Sox have a better chance of hitting him at home than during an elimination game in Houston. The White Sox offense home and road splits are day and night. The White Sox had one of the best home records in baseball this season while their road record left much to be desired.
It also gives the White Sox bullpen a much-needed day off. Kopech can pitch again with an extra day’s rest as well as Ryan Tepera, and Craig Kimbrel. With Carlos Rodon slated to start Game 4 the White Sox bullpen will need all hands on deck.
Rodon is still dealing with nagging shoulder soreness and Tony La Russa doesn’t know how many innings he will be able to give the White Sox. During his last start, his velocity dropped to the low 90s giving the White Sox cause for concern. But if anything another day off can only help Rodon as well.
If the White Sox wins Game 4 then Lucas Giolito can pitch on full rest for Game 5. Giolito has a much better track record in Houston than Lance Lynn who got shelled during Game 1. Houston presents a bad matchup for Lynn because he is a fastball pitcher. Houston crushes fastballs. Giolito would be the much smarter option for Game 5.
