Texas Rangers vs Chicago White Sox Picks and Predictions July 22nd 2024

Rangers’ Michael Lorenzen aims for better control vs. White Sox

Michael Lorenzen, the right-hander for the Texas Rangers, has vowed to improve his control on the mound as he prepares to face the Chicago White Sox. Lorenzen’s first opportunity to demonstrate this improvement comes Monday night in Arlington, Texas, as the Rangers begin a four-game series against the White Sox.

Michael Lorenzen’s Pre-All-Star Struggles

Lorenzen’s Walk Rate and Pitching Challenges

Michael Lorenzen’s season has been marked by control issues, with 44 walks issued, ranking him 10th in baseball despite being 83rd in innings pitched. His most recent start on July 10 saw him walk four batters and hit another, leading to five earned runs in a 7-2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels.

Analyzing Lorenzen’s Recent Performance

Lorenzen’s last three outings featured at least four walks each. His attempt to increase velocity compromised his pitch quality, allowing opponents to exploit his mistakes. Recognizing this, Lorenzen has decided to “step off the gas a little bit” and utilize his full pitch mix to regain control.

The Plan for Improvement

Adjusting Pitching Strategy

Lorenzen plans to reduce his velocity to 90-93 mph while focusing on using his entire pitch repertoire effectively. This strategy aims to improve his control and pitch quality, making it harder for batters to anticipate his throws.

Mental and Physical Adjustments

Beyond physical adjustments, Lorenzen is also working on his mental game. He acknowledged that recent struggles have motivated him to return stronger, focusing on maintaining composure and not overexerting himself unnecessarily.

Upcoming Matchup: Texas Rangers vs. Chicago White Sox

The White Sox’s Offensive Woes

The White Sox present an interesting challenge with the second-lowest walk rate in baseball, which might play to Lorenzen’s advantage. Post-All-Star break, their offense has been dormant, scoring just one run in each of their three losses and getting outscored 17-3 by the Kansas City Royals over the weekend.

Chicago’s Current Struggles

Chicago is on a seven-game losing streak, holding the worst record in Major League Baseball at 27-74. They are on pace to finish with one of the worst records in history, comparable to the 2003 Detroit Tigers.

Key Players to Watch

Paul DeJong is a key player for the White Sox, having faced Lorenzen the most among current hitters. DeJong has five hits, including two home runs, and six RBIs over 18 at-bats against Lorenzen.

Erick Fedde: The White Sox’s Pitching Counterpart

Fedde’s Strong Performances

Erick Fedde, with a 7-3 record and a 2.99 ERA, will be a formidable opponent. Although he hasn’t faced the Rangers before, his recent form suggests he will be a tough challenge. He has allowed just one run over 11 innings in his past two starts, including a five-inning scoreless outing against the Minnesota Twins.

Fedde’s Recent Form

Fedde’s performance leading into the All-Star break has been impressive, highlighting his ability to keep offenses at bay. His recent outings suggest he will be a significant hurdle for the Rangers’ lineup.

Texas Rangers’ Offensive Prospects

Struggles Against Baltimore Orioles

The Rangers have faced their own offensive challenges, particularly in a recent series against the Baltimore Orioles. They struck out frequently but managed to secure a win in the final game thanks to Jonah Heim’s three-run homer.

Key Offensive Players

Jonah Heim and Corey Seager are crucial for the Rangers’ offense. Heim has nine home runs this season, while Seager leads the team with 18. Their performance will be vital in providing the necessary run support for Lorenzen.

Conclusion

Michael Lorenzen’s quest for better control is crucial for the Texas Rangers as they face the struggling Chicago White Sox. His adjusted pitching strategy and renewed mental focus will be tested against an underperforming White Sox offense. Meanwhile, Erick Fedde presents a strong challenge for the Rangers’ hitters. The outcome of this matchup could hinge on Lorenzen’s ability to execute his game plan and the Rangers’ key players stepping up offensively.

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