White Sox at Angels
The Chicago White Sox vie for their fourth win in five contests when they visit the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday for the third contest of their four-game set. After dropping a one-run decision in the series opener, Chicago posted a 7-2 victory on Friday.
James McCann belted his second grand slam in three games, going deep in the eighth inning to create breathing room for the White Sox and set a new career high for blasts in a season (14). Mike Trout hit his 41st homer of the year in the Angels' defeat, tying Cody Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers for the major-league lead. The 28-year-old superstar also matched the career high he set in 2015 and is six away from equaling the single-season franchise record owned by Troy Glaus (2000). David Fletcher recorded two of the Angels' six hits on Friday to improve to 9-for-16 during his four-game hitting streak.
TV: 9:07 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS West (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Hector Santiago (1-1, 7.11 ERA) vs. Angels LH Jose Suarez (2-4, 6.57)
Santiago began his third career stint with the White Sox on Aug. 6 as he yielded five runs - four earned - and seven hits over 4 2/3 innings in a loss at Detroit. The 31-year-old native of New Jersey, who spent his first three seasons (2011-13) in the major leagues and 2018 with Chicago, made eight relief appearances for the New York Mets earlier this year before being designated for assignment in mid-June. Santiago, who recorded 25 of his 47 career victories with the Angels from 2014-16, has allowed three runs on four hits and eight walks over 6 2/3 innings in one start and three relief outings versus his former team.
Suarez's winless streak reached eight starts on Monday as he lost his third straight outing after surrendering six runs - four earned - and seven hits in three innings against Pittsburgh. The 21-year-old Venezuelan rookie has not worked more than five frames during his drought after lasting 5 2/3 in two of his first three career turns - both victories on the road. Suarez, who will be facing Chicago for the first time, is 0-3 with a 6.53 ERA in five career starts at home.
WALK-OFFS
1. Angels 1B Albert Pujols has recorded back-to-back two-hit performances and is 5-for-11 in his last three games.
2. Chicago sent 1B AJ Reed outright to Triple-A Charlotte and 3B Yoan Moncada (hamstring) to the Knights for a rehab assignment.
3. Angels RHP Luke Bard (elbow) was activated from the 10-day injured list and optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake.