The White Sox (58-51) are proving they can hang with the American League\u2019s best. After taking two straight against the Yankees this week, Chicago earned an impressive 6-1 victory on Friday vs. the Rays (64-45). Now, the AL East leaders will attempt to even the score this afternoon at home. Can Tampa Bay tie this series up, or will the South Siders make it four in a row?<\/p>\n
The Rays are favorites (-175)<\/a> over the White Sox, with the over\/under set at 7.5 runs<\/a>. Below, I\u2019ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Friday\u2019s showdown between Chicago and Tampa Bay on DraftKings Sportsbook<\/a>.<\/p>\n White Sox vs. Rays pick, best bet today<\/p>\n Rays -1.5 (+122)<\/a>: Rasmussen is a tough opponent on his own. That\u2019s especially true for a team in the midst of a month-long slump such as Chicago. The White Sox, going with a bullpen game, don\u2019t inspire much confidence in this one.<\/p>\n White Sox vs. Rays prediction, preview<\/p>\n As is usually the case against above-average opponents, the White Sox are at a pitching disadvantage this afternoon. That is, at least on paper. It\u2019ll be a bullpen day for Chicago, with Jordan Hicks serving as an opener. Through 31.0 innings of work, the right-hander has notched a 3.16 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 36 strikeouts (10.5 K\/9). The veteran has delivered 15 straight scoreless outings, last giving up an earned run on May 20th. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how much leash manager Will Venables gives the reliever on Saturday. The former starter hasn\u2019t pitched more than 1.1 innings this season. As a unit, Chicago owns the tenth-best bullpen ERA in baseball (3.82).<\/p>\n For all their success this season, the Rays aren\u2019t the most formidable lineup. They only rank 16th in runs scored (482), held back by a serious lack of power. The team has clubbed just 110 home runs, sixth-fewest in the majors. With that being said, there\u2019s serious star power in this lineup. Junior Caminero (152 wRC+), Yandy Diaz (138 wRC+) and Jonathan Aranda (127 wRC+) might be the American League\u2019s most dangerous trio of hitters. To boot, Tampa Bay averages more runs at home (4.61) than it does on the road (4.21).<\/p>\n As for the home team, it\u2019ll be Drew Rasmussen making his 21st start of the season. It\u2019s been a fantastic campaign from the right-hander, named to his second career All-Star Game. Over 111.1 innings pitched, he\u2019s recorded a 3.07 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 112 strikeouts (9.1 K\/9). The veteran has impressed in a number of different statistical categories, especially when it comes to his command. Rasmussen sits inside the 98th percentile with a 4.3% walk percentage. In addition, his 1.5 BB\/9 ratio is second in the American League; only teammate Nick Martinez has been better.<\/p>\n Navigating this offense today won\u2019t be easy, even for Tampa Bay\u2019s ace. The White Sox are eighth in runs scored (522), fifth in home runs (143) and 11th in OPS (.725). However, Rasmussen\u2019s greatest skills are in direct contrast with the South Siders. As previously mentioned, the righty doesn\u2019t give up many free passes or home runs (1.0 HR\/9). In addition, Chicago has been struggling in recent weeks. Since July 1st, the team has the sixth-lowest OPS in baseball (.672).<\/p>\n