The Chicago White Sox will attempt to end a four-game losing streak Friday when they kick off a four-game series against the Red Sox in Boston.
The White Sox took two of three games from the Red Sox last weekend, but Chicago’s losing streak began with a 3-1 loss to Boston on Sunday. The Athletics completed a three-game sweep of the White Sox by earning an 8-0 victory Thursday.
The Athletics outscored the White Sox 23-4 in the three games. Chicago was held to four hits Thursday, all of which were singles. The White Sox have 14 losses, which is the most of any American League team.
“We’ve got to find a way to score runs,” White Sox manager Will Venable said. “The intent is there. These guys are practicing the right way, game-planning the right way. We’re getting some guys on; we just have to cash in.”
Chicago catcher Edgar Quero made his MLB debut Thursday. He went 0-for-3 with a strikeout. Quero, 22, was batting .333 in 15 games with Triple-A Charlotte this year.
The Red Sox reportedly will call up right-hander Hunter Dobbins (1-0, 3.60 ERA) from Triple-A Worcester to make Friday’s start. Dobbins, 25, made his MLB debut April 6 in the second game of a doubleheader against St. Louis. He earned the win in Boston’s 18-7 victory after he allowed two runs on eight hits and struck out five in five innings.
The Red Sox sent Dobbins back to Worcester following that start. He allowed three runs on four hits in three innings in his last Triple-A start. Dobbins went 8-5 with a 3.08 ERA in 25 starts between Double-A Portland and Worcester last season, when he was named Boston’s Minor League Starting Pitcher of the Year.
Lefty Martin Perez (1-0, 1.59) is scheduled to start for Chicago. Perez gave up two runs on five hits in 4 2/3 innings of a 3-2 victory over Boston last Saturday. He struck out five and walked four. Perez is 5-3 with a 4.55 ERA in 12 career appearances (11 starts) against Boston.
It’s unclear whether Chicago will have to deal with Boston third baseman Alex Bregman on Friday. Bregman was placed on the paternity leave list Wednesday so he could fly to Boston and be with his wife for the birth of their second child. Being on the paternity list allows Bregman to miss up to three games.
Bregman went 5-for-5 with two home runs and four RBIs in a 7-4 victory over Tampa Bay on Tuesday. He’s batting .321 with four home runs, 16 RBIs and a .929 OPS in 19 games this season.
The Red Sox recalled Nick Sogard from Worcester to replace Bregman on their roster.
“Any day here (with Boston) is a good day,” Sogard said. “It’s obviously a pretty cool moment for Bregman and his family, so I’m happy for him and ready to help however I can.”
Boston is coming off back-to-back wins against Tampa Bay after it dropped a 16-1 decision to the Rays on Monday. The Red Sox lead the majors with 20 errors but played errorless baseball in both victories against the Rays.
“We haven’t played great (defense) for a while,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said, “but we have back-to-back clean games; and, if we do that, we’re gonna have a chance.”
–Field Level Media
