The postponement of Game 4 affords Tony La Russa some flexibility when it comes to the deployment of his pitchers, but the White Sox are still going to run the same guy out there for the first inning as originally planned.
Carlos Rodón is getting the start, and he'll be backed by a nearly full cabinet of relievers. Michael Kopech is the only one La Russa is listing as unavailable, as he's coming off a 47-pitch outing in Game 3 on Sunday. Lance Lynn could instead take his spot for an important long-relief spot. La Russa said Lynn was available out of the bullpen for an inning if needed on Game 3, so he's even more of an option for Game 4, especially since Lucas Giolito could make a Game 5 start on full rest of needed. Lynn would be an unpopular choice, but better to use him at home than on the road.
If Rodón can go four strong, everybody who's anybody can pick up an inning to try to get the game across the finish line, and here's where I'll again advocate going with Liam Hendriks for two.
PERTINENT: Two innings of Liam Hendriks can partially patch White Sox's eighth-inning issues
As for the Astros, Dusty Baker originally planned on using Jose Urquidy for Game 4, but he's instead turning to Lance McCullers Jr., who will be fully rested after his 6⅔ scoreless innings in Game 1.
That makes getting to Game 5 considerably tougher, as the White Sox have struggled against McCullers and his ability to get both grounders and strikeouts with his array of breaking balls. On the other hand, the White Sox were guaranteed to see McCullers twice this series if it lasted long enough, so the only way onward is through him. They may as well see if taking their cuts at Guaranteed Rate Field in front of a delirious home crowd changes their luck.
Speaking of which, both managers were impressed by the scene at 35th and Shields on Sunday.
“That was pretty cool, actually. It was different than Wrigley Field’s vibe and atmosphere,” Baker said. “That's the most people I've ever seen … at this park. If I wasn't playing a game, I would have enjoyed myself being here at this park. I don't know if I have an all black outfit or not, but I would have probably gotten one.”
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“When you mention the crowd to me, all I can think about is how amazing they were and the support and the adrenaline that they helped our club with,” La Russa said. “I'm just hoping -- I don't know if they can take time off and then get here at 1:00 tomorrow or not. I hope they can.”
(Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports)
