Red Sox - White Sox Preview (May 5, 2016)

(Photo: Chicago Tribune)

After a fantastic all-around game from the Red Sox last night, Boston and Chicago head back out for tonight's rubber game at 8:10 ET. The Red Sox send out lefty Henry Owens, who has struggled since being recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket. While Owens has an elite change-up, his fastball lacks velocity and command, which leads to a lot of walks (obviously). The former #19 MLB.com prospect has pitched two games this season, with a 0-0 record, a 4.82 ERA and seven walks in 9.1 innings pitched. 

​For the White Sox, after designating John Danks for assignment, Chicago recalled 26-year-old righty Erik Johnson to make his season debut. The Mountain View, California native has not consistently pitched in the big leagues in his career, but has seen his K/9 rise in each of the last three seasons (5.9, 6.8, 7.7). However, Johnson cannot consistently locate the strike zone, averaging 4.4 walks per nine innings last season. Additionally, last season Johnson, in six games, went 3-1 with a 3.34 ERA and 30 strikeouts in 35 innings. 

The Red Sox should look to capitalize on Johnson and take this series from one of the hotter teams entering the series in all of baseball. Looking forward, the Red Sox are facing the Yankees this weekend and could further their lead in the AL East if they can win tonight. 

Keys To The Game:

For The Red Sox: 

• Capitalize on Johnson
  • The guy hasn't pitched in the big leagues this season and you're one of the better offensive teams in baseball. Do your job. 
• Be patient at the plate
  • I mentioned his walk rates before. Be patient at the plate and wait for Johnson to throw strikes. Force the next batter to make a mistake, not you. 
• Take advantage of the righty
  • This is the first time the Red Sox have seen a starting righty this series. Take advantage of him and force him out of the game early. 

For The White Sox:

• ​Get to Owens early 
  • Similar to the Red Sox's agenda, the White Sox should look to get to Owens early and often. He has a below-average fastball and will need to throw it for strikes to be effective. 
• Be patient at the plate
  • Woah, similarities? Owens mightily struggles with his command. Make him throw you strikes. 
• Keep Abreu hot
  • Last night, we saw a massive two-run shot from Abreu in the first inning. If no one else in the lineup is going to hit, at least try to keep this guy going. 

Red Sox: 

LHP Owens (0-0, 4.82 ERA)

White Sox: 
Eaton RF
Rollins SS
Abreu 1B
Frazier 3B
Cabrera LF
Lawrie 2B
Garcia DH
H. Sanchez C
Jackson CF

RHP Johnson (Season Debut)

As always, the game will be on NESN and WEEI. If you are outside of the Boston area, you can also catch the game on MLBTV. 
​
Pete Packowski
​@Pete_BBS