The Cleveland Baseball Club turns to the 23-year old pitcher in their first game of their series with the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field
This is the first series for the Cleveland Baseball Club that will give an accurate idea of their talent level. Fresh off a sweep of the Detroit Tigers, Cleveland takes on the Chicago White Sox. Chicago is one of two favorites to win the division, setting up a much anticipated series between the two clubs. Getting the start for Cleveland in Game 1 is the young Triston McKenzie.
Triston McKenzie appeared in a game for Cleveland prior, allowing 1 run on 2 hits in 3.2 innings of relief. McKenzie struck out 5 batters while walking 4, not necessarily a great outing. Cleveland and Triston McKenzie will be hoping for a better outing on Monday. Overall, McKenzie has impressed in his 37 innings in the majors, with a 3.16 ERA, 0.973 WHIP, and a 11.4 K/9 in his 9 appearances. The key for the young pitcher will be to limit walks, an area that the White Sox excel in. If he can limit the free passes, there is possibility that Triston McKenzie comes away with a win in his first start. If not a loss could be the end result for Cleveland.
The White Sox will start Carlos Rodon who was impressive in his first start of the season a week ago. Rodon allowed only 2 hits and 3 walks while striking out 9 Mariners in a 6-0 win for the White Sox. Jose Ramirez has faired well in the past against Rodon, going 10-34 with 4 doubles and 1 triple. All other Cleveland batters have combined to go 4-33 with 16 strikeouts.
UPDATE
Carlos Rodon was scratched prior to the game for Chicago. Lefty Dallas Keuchel will take over starting pitching duties fore the White Sox.
Jose Ramirez leads the way with 6 hits in 14 at-bats, 5 of which were doubles. Amed Rosario is 4-9 and Cesar Hernandez is 2-9 with a double. There’s is a positive track record against Keuchel for Cleveland, albeit a small one, but positive results nonetheless.
