Chi. White Sox vs Texas Rangers Picks and Predictions August 28th 2024

Rangers, White Sox ready for “DH” after rainout

The Texas Rangers and Chicago White Sox are set to face off in a highly anticipated doubleheader on Wednesday, following the rain-suspended series opener on Tuesday. This unexpected delay adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing narratives surrounding both teams as they approach the end of a challenging season.

Jung Brothers Share a Special Moment

Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung found himself in the stands on Monday, not as a player, but as a proud brother, watching his younger sibling, Jace Jung, contribute to the Detroit Tigers’ victory over the Chicago White Sox.

“It was just pretty cool to be able to support him, be in the stands, watch him do his thing and just be a proud brother,” Josh Jung shared, reflecting on the unique experience.

However, Josh’s own turn at the plate against the White Sox was postponed when rain halted the series opener on Tuesday after just four pitches. This game will now resume on Wednesday as part of a two-game day, where the first matchup will continue from where it left off.

White Sox Battle Historical Adversity

The Chicago White Sox are staring down a tough season, needing to win 12 of their remaining 30 games to avoid matching the 1962 New York Mets’ record for most losses in a single season (120). This grim reality places enormous pressure on the team as they head into the doubleheader against the Rangers.

One of the White Sox’s key players in this battle is right-hander Chris Flexen. Flexen (2-12, 5.34 ERA) has been a symbol of perseverance amid adversity. Despite a commendable quality start against Detroit on Friday, where he allowed just two runs over six innings, the White Sox lost the game he started for the 19th consecutive time. This set a single-season major league record, tying the overall record held by Chris Capuano from 2007-2010.

“Continue to battle,” Flexen said, demonstrating his resilience. “That’s all you can do. Strive to get better. Each week, (I) try to work on stuff. Try not to think about that in the long run, put up some quality starts and give us a chance to win. Try to be competitive every time out.”

Flexen’s familiarity with the Rangers could work in his favor, as he holds a 6-1 record with a 3.38 ERA in 13 career appearances (eight starts) against Texas. However, his recent struggles and the team’s overall performance leave much uncertainty.

Rangers Poised to Capitalize

On the other side, the Texas Rangers are set to make the most of this doubleheader. Left-hander Andrew Heaney (4-13, 4.04 ERA), originally scheduled to start on Tuesday, will now take the mound in the first game on Wednesday. Heaney is coming off a strong no-decision against the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he threw five shutout innings, striking out eight.

Historically, Heaney has performed well against the White Sox, boasting a 5-1 record and a 4.56 ERA in nine starts. His consistency and experience make him a reliable option as the Rangers look to secure a win in the first game of the day.

The second game of the doubleheader will feature Rangers rookie right-hander Jack Leiter, who has recently been called up from Triple-A Round Rock. Leiter (0-1, 16.39 ERA) hasn’t pitched in the majors since a rough outing on May 14, where he allowed six runs in just 1 2/3 innings against the Cleveland Guardians. This game represents a critical opportunity for Leiter to redeem himself and demonstrate his potential at the major league level.

White Sox’s Bullpen Strategy

The White Sox, meanwhile, will rely on their bullpen to navigate the second game. With ace left-hander Garrett Crochet’s innings being carefully monitored, the team is expected to deploy a strategic mix of relievers to manage the game. Crochet, who was on the mound for just four pitches before Tuesday’s suspension, has not pitched into the fifth inning in his last eight starts, reflecting the team’s cautious approach with their young star.

Conclusion: A Day of Redemption and Challenge

Wednesday’s doubleheader between the Rangers and White Sox is more than just a continuation of a rain-delayed game. It’s a pivotal moment for both teams— the Rangers, looking to build momentum as the season winds down, and the White Sox, fighting to avoid historical infamy.

As Flexen battles his way out of a challenging season and Heaney seeks to continue his strong performance, all eyes will also be on Jack Leiter, who has a chance to turn his season around in front of a major league audience. Meanwhile, the White Sox’s bullpen will be tested in their effort to manage a grueling day of baseball.

This doubleheader offers a mix of high stakes and personal stories, setting the stage for a dramatic day of baseball that could define the closing chapters of both teams’ seasons.

Take your MLB handicapping to the next level with our expert MLB handicappers