MLB Game Preview -
Chicago Sox at AtlantaSat Aug 31, 2019 7:20 PM EDT
Over his past three starts, Dallas Keuchel has looked every bit like the ace the Atlanta Braves expected when they signed him in June.
The veteran left-hander will try to keep that run of success going Saturday in the second game of a weekend series against the Chicago White Sox.
Keuchel (5-5, 3.78 ERA) will be opposed by Chicago right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (8-11, 5.08) when the clubs meet at Atlanta's SunTrust Park.
The Braves beat the White Sox 10-7 in the series opener on Friday. Atlanta retained a 5 1/2-game lead in the National League East over the second-place Washington Nationals.
Atlanta, which is 8-6 in interleague games, has not had a winning season against the American League since going 11-9 in 2013. Chicago is 6-12 against the National League.
Keuchel will make his 14th start of the season. He has found a groove over his past three outings, going 2-0 with a 0.47 ERA, giving up one run in 19 innings. That includes a six-inning scoreless stint against the New York Mets on Aug. 14 and a seven-inning scoreless start vs. the Mets on Sunday.
"Fortunate to make a few pitches," Keuchel said after his latest outing.
Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said of the distance Keuchel is from peak performance, according to the New York Post, "He's right there. He probably could have stayed out there and pitched all afternoon. ... All he does is compete."
Keuchel, who spent his entire career with Houston prior to signing with the Braves in June, has more experience against the White Sox than any other pitcher on the roster. In nine career starts against Chicago, Keuchel is 4-4 with a 3.49 ERA. He made two starts against the White Sox last season, going 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA.
Chicago likes its chances with Lopez, who pitched five no-hit innings in his latest start against the Texas Rangers on Sunday. He began to experience stomach discomfort and flu-like symptoms in the third inning, a malady he had been dealing with for three days. He left because of dehydration and received an IV afterward.
Four relievers followed Lopez to the mound and completed a one-hitter in a 2-0 victory.
"He was throwing very, very well, obviously," Chicago manager Rick Renteria said. "The fastball had some really good life. He was doing everything you would have wanted him to do."
Lopez said, "It's frustrating when things like that happen the day that you are pitching and through your outing, especially where everything was going well. I was kind of upset when I had to leave the game. I was feeling good with my stuff. But physically I wasn't doing well."
In his nine starts since the All-Star Game, Lopez is 4-3 with a 2.82 ERA, the ninth-best ERA in the American League since the break (minimum 40 innings).
Lopez is 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA vs. the Braves in three career appearances, two starts, all in 2016. He is 2-4 with a 5.62 ERA in eight career interleague starts.
The White Sox made a roster move Friday, placing outfielder Jon Jay on the 10-day injured list due to a right hip strain and recalling outfielder Ryan Cordell from Triple-A Charlotte.
Cordell grounded out as a pinch hitter Friday night, leaving him with a .226 average, six homers and 20 RBIs in 195 at-bats for Chicago this year.
--Field Level Media
Team Record Comparison
Team | Standings | GB | W-L | Aw/Hm | Stk | L10 |
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Chicago Sox | ||||||
Atlanta |
Scheduled Starting Pitchers
Reynaldo Lopez - ATL | ||||
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Matchup | ||||
Season | ||||
vs. Opp | Has not pitched vs. Atlanta | |||
Dallas Keuchel - (N/A) | ||||
Matchup | ||||
Season | ||||
vs. Opp | Has not pitched vs. Chicago Sox |
Hot Batters (Last 10 team games)
Injury Report
View Complete Injury Report: Chicago Sox Atlanta