Cubs vs White Sox Series Preview (May 3-4): TV and Game Info, Starting Pitchers, Insights
Both the Cubs and White Sox have stumbled out of the gate in 2022 with identical 9-13 records as they prepare for a pair of games at Wrigley Field starting Tuesday. While the struggles are an expected part of a rebuild on the Northside, it is very much not part of the plan on the Southside.
Tony La Russa‘s squad had legitimate World Series hopes before the season and, with hitters like Tim Anderson, Luis Robert, and José Abreu, you can understand why they still are favorites in the American League Central. Former Cub farmhand Eloy Jiménez is out yet again with a long-term injury (torn hamstring). With the aforementioned studs suiting up each day it’s shocking that this powerful lineup has produced just a .622 OPS through the first 22 games. Will power come as the temps heat up?
The Sox pitching is pretty much league average so far, but an injury to Lance Lynn has hurt a bit. Starters Lucas Giolito, Michael Kopech, and Dylan Cease have been excellent so far in 2022. Closer Liam Hendriks has been inconsistent so far with a few rough outings.
A terrific start from Marcus Stroman was able to snap a pretty rough three-game losing streak for the Cubs in which they were beaten by a combined score of 25-3. The offense has gone into a big-time slump the last week in addition to the errors and sloppy base running that have put even more pressure on a beleaguered pitching staff.
The Cubs might be facing the White Sox at the right time. That being said, the Southsiders feel like a sleeping giant getting ready to wake up. If they come to life in this series, things could get pretty ugly at the Friendly Confines.
You can check out our series preview on The Rant Live podcast, here:
Game Time and Broadcast Info
- Tuesday, May 3 at 6:40pm CT on Marquee Sports Network
- Wednesday, May 4 at 6:40pm CT on Marquee Sports Network
Starting Pitchers
| Date | Pitchers | Age | T | ERA | W/L | FIP | K/BB |
| 5/3 | Drew Smyly | 32 | L | 2.79 | 1-2 | 4.90 | 4.33 |
| Michael Kopech | 26 | R | 1.42 | 0-0 | 2.77 | 2.00 | |
| 5/4 | Kyle Hendricks | 32 | R | 5.47 | 1-2 | 5.07 | 1.91 |
| Lucas Giolito | 27 | R | 2.57 | 0-1 | 3.09 | 3.67 |
What to Watch For
- Alfonso Rivas has reached base six times in his last three starts. If Ross has come to his senses, Rivas should get at least two starts against the White Sox right-handed hurlers, hopefully at the top of the order.
- Seiya Suzuki has just three hits in his last 24 at bats. The National League Rookie of the Month for April is in the adjustment period everyone expected him to be in to begin the season.
- Frank Schwindel is really struggling with just a .579 OPS so far in 2022.