The White Sox look to start their march towards a brighter future with an Opening Day matchup towards the Royals on Thursday. There will likely be a number of causes tune in, none bigger than the debut of elite prospect Eloy Jimenez, who’s beginning in left area and batting fifth for his first massive league sport.
Jimenez’s debut serves because the exclamation level for the season opener after he agreed to a long-term deal that negated the incentives of leaving him within the minors to start out the yr. The 22-year-old has mashed in every single place he’s been and appears primed to hit dingers throughout Guaranteed Rate Field for years to come back.
However, that received’t occur Thursday as a result of the Sox are on the street at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City. The dwelling opener will likely be subsequent Thursday when the Mariners come to Chicago.
Both of the beginning pitchers taking the mound Thursday are making their Opening Day debuts.
Carlos Rodon, who’s seeking to lastly put all of it collectively after 4 up-and-down seasons, will begin for the Sox. The 26-year-old recorded a 4.18 ERA with 90 strikeouts and 55 walks in 120.2 innings over 20 begins final yr.
Brad Keller, an eighth-round decide within the 2013 MLB Draft, rapidly ascended the Royals’ depth chart during the last yr to turn into their Opening Day starter. He transitioned to the beginning rotation in May 2018 and hasn’t regarded again. In 20 begins final yr, he posted a 3.28 ERA with 83 strikeouts and 43 walks in 118 innings.
How to look at White Sox vs. Royals, Opening Day 2019
Matchup: Carlos Rodon (White Sox) vs. Brad Keller (Royals)
Location: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City
Time: 3:15 p.m. CT
TV: NBC Sports Chicago
Live stream: NBC Sports Live