Marlins at White Sox
The Chicago White Sox used the long ball to take the series opener and look to stay hot with the bats when they host the Miami Marlins for the second of a three-game interleague series on Tuesday night. The White Sox launched four homers among 10 hits in a 9-1 triumph Monday while improving to 3-1 since losing a season-high seven games in a row following the All-Star break.
Jose Abreu had one of the blasts - his team-leading 22nd - to go along with a double and boasts multiple hits in four of his last six games for Chicago, while teammate Yoan Moncada belted his career-high 18th homer and registered four RBIs in Monday’s victory. The White Sox will send struggling right-hander Dylan Covey to the mound Tuesday, and the Marlins will counter with lefty Caleb Smith, who is tied for the team lead with five victories and meets Chicago for the first time in his career. Miami lost for the fifth time in six games Monday after getting swept in three contests at the Los Angeles Dodgers over the weekend, and its pitching staff has allowed a total of 28 runs in its past three outings. Jorge Alfaro, who provided the only offense for the Marlins on Monday with a solo homer, has hit safely in eight straight road games, going 14-for-30 during that streak.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), NBCS Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins LH Caleb Smith (5-4, 3.47 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Dylan Covey (1-5, 5.83)
Smith has been solid since returning from a month on the injured list with a hip issue, posting two quality starts and two wins in three outings. The 27-year-old Texan beat the New York Mets with six innings of two-run ball on July 12 and limited San Diego to two runs on five hits in five frames of a no-decision six days later. James McCann homered in his only at-bat versus Smith, who is 1-2 with a 4.58 ERA in four career interleague outings.
Covey is back in a starting role after two straight relief appearances last week in which he allowed two runs on six hits over 3 2/3 innings. The 27-year-old Californian was pounded in his last start July 13 at Oakland when he gave up six runs on four hits and two walks while retiring just two batters. Neil Walker and Starlin Castro have each homered against Covey, who faces Miami for the first time and is 0-3 with a 6.49 ERA in interleague play.
WALK-OFFS
1. Miami OF Curtis Granderson, who is 1-for-19 in his last eight contests, has belted 42 homers and 100 RBIs in 225 career interleague games.
2. Chicago INF Ryan Goins is 6-for-13 with two homers and three RBIs in five games since being recalled.
3. Marlins INF Miguel Rojas (strained right shoulder) is expected back in the lineup Tuesday after missing the series opener.