Reds vs. White Sox: Pitching preview, prediction, and more

Whether it’s hitting or pitching, the Sox have few weak spots.

When you look at the numbers, it’s no secret why the White Sox will participate in the postseason. The Sox rank second in the AL at the dish with a .335 OBP as play began yesterday. Additionally, their team 106 OPS+ mark places them fourth in the junior circuit.

Even though he doesn’t have enough at-bats to qualify among the league leaders, former Reds farmhand Yasmani Grandal is having an exceptionally strong offensive season.  The two-time All-Star is slashing .245/.423/.536 with 23 round-trippers in just 265 at-bats, but he’s not the only Sox hitter wreaking havoc in the Windy City.

Reigning AL MVP Jose Abreu ranks second in the league with 113 RBIs, and since returning from the IL following a hip injury, Luis Robert has been nearly impossible to retire. The 23-year-old centerfielder is slashing .346/.383/.556 in 257 at-bats.

However, the Sox do more than hit. Their pitching staff ranks among the best units in the AL.  Currently, Chicago hurlers lead the junior circuit in strikeouts while placing fourth in ERA.

Whether it’s the rotation or the bullpen, the White Sox are solid. Chicago starters have compiled an impressive 3.63 ERA, while the bullpen has posted a 3.93 mark, with both units averaging more the 10 Ks per nine innings.

Regardless if David Bell throws a brigade of right or left-handed hitters at the Sox, the Cincinnati offense will have their hands full. Chicago’s skipper Tony La Russa’s staff holds righties to a paltry slash line of .232/.301/.385 while lefties slash an anemic .225/.294/.378 versus Sox pitching.