Postponed, Rain: Astros at White Sox (ALDS Game 4)

On Sunday, the White Sox pulled through with a thrilling victory to pull within a game of the Astros in the ALDS. However, the South Siders will have to wait another day for an opportunity to even out the best-of-five series.

Carlos Rodón was set to be the South Siders’ starting pitcher in Game 4. In 132 ²⁄₃ innings this year, Rodón had a 2.37 ERA, 2.63 xERA, 2.65 FIP, and 4.9 fWAR in a stunning comeback season. If Rodón can return to midseason form and regain the velocity he lost at the tail end of the season, he will be difficult to solve.

José Urquidy, a 26-year-old righthander, was set to be the Astros’ starter. In 107 innings, Urquidy had a 3.62 ERA, 3.87 xERA, 4.14 FIP, and 1.8 fWAR. Urquidy’s walk rate is low (1.6 BB/9), but his strikeout rate is quite close to the middle of the pack (7.6 K/9). Urquidy faced the White Sox once this season, and he pitched well in that game (seven innings, two earned runs on four hits, and Houston won, 10-2).

The pitching matchups will likely change as a result of this unexpected day off. For instance, Lance McCullers could be on the table for the Astros in Game 4. McCullers shut down the White Sox in Game 1 on October 7, so he is not who the White Sox would prefer to face. On the other hand, getting to face him at Guaranteed Rate Field in front of a lively crowd may yield a better result for the White Sox, as it could lead to a more favorable outcome than facing McCullers in a potential Game 5 in Houston, where the South Siders struggled immensely against him.

Lance Lynn was already in the bullpen for Game 3 per Tony La Russa, and he will remain there, available to relieve Rodón in Game 4. Signs point to Lucas Giolito getting the start if the White Sox force a Game 5, but no matter who starts, it will be all hands on deck with such an extreme back-to-back.