Autumn Dreamin

Your first place Chicago White Sox are 42-38. They have surpassed 2024's win total just before the halfway point of 2026 After going 4-22 vs. KC over the previous two seasons, they are now 6-2 with a chance to clinch the season series with another win this weekend. Sandlin was very solid in his return, the only blip was the control lapse after a long wait in the dugout. The pitch mix tweaks he made in the minors seem effective, with more targeted curveball usage and more cutters after the first time through. Hopefully the offense keeps up for the rest of the series and they build some confidence to take on the road. The fact that they tagged multiple pitchers in multiple innings and not just one guy having an off day is a good sign. The outburst also rocketed them up to the T-2 best run differential in the AL. Elsewhere, DET and MIN both had blowout wins and CLE lost 3-1. Records since May 25: CWS: 16-12 DET: 14-14 MIN: 12-17 KC: 12-18 CLE: 10-17 (!!!) Would be good timing for a hot streak with the potential for Mune's return to lengthen it.

Cleanest inning for KC since the 2nd lol

Meh, Royals don't have the pitching depth to risk getting guys ejected tbh

Will challenging up 19 lol

Get Romo and Grichuk a hit, and that'll be one for every position player on the 26 lol Wonder if that's ever been done before

Reminds me of Joe Kelly at times, ridiculous stuff that's almost too nasty for its own good. Maybe he should try glasses too?

Wouldn't hate getting some regulars off their feet soon

I'd say he needs to watch out for a HBP, but that's just threatening him with a good time.

The run differential is going to love this one

Got the run right back too, nice

Sandlin should've asked for some extra warm up time this inning

Alright, save some for the rest of the series lol

Finally. Even Hahn would unironically improve that franchise.

Not an all star finalist because Canada exists

I would guess at least one consideration is having the option to break up the 3-4-5 run of lefties with a Grichuk PH if KC tries to target that pocket with a LHRP later in the game

Stephen Kolek just went on the paternity list (congrats to him), so he won't start tonight. Steven Cruz will open instead. Big 6'7" RHP with a 6+ ERA on the season, but a solid 3 ERA this month. 1-2 inning guy. Kolek's replacement on the roster is RHP Mitch Spence, so he might be the bulk guy tonight? He's made two 4 inning appearances in MLB this season, and given up 6 ER in both (NYY and WSH, so two good offenses). 6+ ERA in 48.2 innings at AAA. Would behoove the Sox to put up a couple crooked numbers on these guys and tax the KC pen for the series. BWJ is playing, but at DH. Probably won't run as much if the knee isn't 100% yet.

Really good read on Will and the staff's approach to openers, bunting, ABS, etc.

The Royals were two outs away from being no hit yesterday before Craig Kimbrel came in for the Rays and allowed a walk and HR. Not sure if that leaves them more motivated or demoralized for this series, but I guess we'll find out. Witt Jr has been on the bench and in a knee brace for the past week, but the hope for KC is that he plays today. Maikel Garcia and Pasquantino are both on the IL. Old friend Josh Rojas is off to a hot start as an injury call up in a small sample size. Despite the injuries and near no-hitter, KC has a .784 OPS as a team this month. Cags and Jensen have both been on fire. KC pitching has struggled more (4.96 team ERA) so hopefully the Sox can take advantage and add to their 5-2 season series lead. Sox saw Kolek back in May and tagged him for a big 5 run inning in a 6-5 win. Meidroth and Romo hit HRs, and Ant tagged a double.

Sosa starting a rehab assignment for Toronto, though I'm not sure they have a roster spot waiting for him. Crochet had his shoulder looked at again and it's "improving" but not to the point where he can start throwing. He does have an "arm injury" clause in his contract, wonder if that includes the shoulder or just the elbow/forearm.