The Chicago White Sox shoot for a little dignity, and maybe even their first series win, this afternoon against the Miami Marlins in a classic getaway day special.
The South Siders are staring down another series that could slip away, but there’s still time to flip the script before boarding the flight to Chicago for tomorrow’s home opener. A win today would mean taking the set, which, given how things have gone lately, would qualify as some major progress.
It was a blink-and-you-missed-it debut for Shane Smith last Thursday. The 2025 All-Star and Rule 5 pick got roughed up by the Milwaukee Brewers on Opening Day, lasting just 1 2/3 innings while allowing four runs (three earned). It definitely was not an ideal start to the season for the righthander.
Smith leaned heavily on the four-seam fastball and changeup — about 80% of his mix. The fastball (averaging 95.9 mph) wasn’t the issue; Milwaukee hitters struggled to square it up. The problem was the changeup. Two of the three hits he allowed came off it, both loud, and his command overall was, let’s say, generous. If he’s going to stick, tightening that control is a critical step one.
Will there be a softer landing spot today for Smith? Maybe, maybe not. The Marlins’ young, developing lineup has been equal parts dangerous and dormant. The Fightin’ Fish so far demonstrated a controlled aggressiveness that the White Sox can’t seem to grasp.
On the other side, it’s the familiar and formidable Sandy Alcántara. The veteran righty, now in his eighth year with Miami, is still finding his groove post–Tommy John, but Opening Day suggested he’s not far off. Against the Colorado Rockies, Alcantara spun seven innings of one-run ball, picking up the win and looking very much like “The Sandman” again. Yes, last year’s 5.36 ERA was a career worst. Also, yes: that was his return-from-surgery season.
Manager Will Venable sends this group out hoping to scratch something — anything — together against Alcantara.
Meanwhile, Clayton McCullough has the Marlins chasing their fifth win. Keep an eye on right fielder Owen Caissie, the former Cubs top prospect who’s starting to look like a legit NL Rookie of the Year candidate. Because of course he is.
A getaway game, a chance to steal a series, and a starter who has nowhere to go but up. What could possibly go wrong?
(Please don’t answer that.)
The first pitch is at 12:10 p.m. CST and will be available to watch on CHSN or listen in on ESPN 1000.