(670 The Score) The White Sox will start right-hander Lance Lynn against the Astros in Game 1 of their American League Division Series on Thursday, manager Tony La Russa told reporters Wednesday.
Right-hander Lucas Giolito will follow in Game 2. The White Sox didn’t yet reveal who will pitch Game 3 back in Chicago on Sunday evening.
Lynn went 11-6 with a 2.69 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 28 starts in the regular season. Lynn made one start against the Astros in this year, taking the loss after going four innings and allowing six runs, all earned, on eight hits and a walk while striking out six in Chicago’s 7-3 setback in Houston on June 19.
Giolito was 11-9 with a 3.53 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 31 starts. He also made one start against the Astros this season, with a much better result. Giolito threw a complete game in the White Sox’s 9-1 win at Guaranteed Rate Field on July 19, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out eight and walking none.
With how they configured their rotation and the off days in the series, the White Sox could turn to Lynn on three days rest in a potential Game 4 if they wanted. Giolito would still have his usual four days rest if he pitched a potential Game 5, as there are travel days in the series after Game 2 and after Game 4.
Right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. (13-5, 3.16 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) will start Game 1 for the Astros, while left-hander Framber Valdez (11-6, 3.14 ERA, 1.25 WHIP) will start Game 2.