Blue Jays face White Sox as playoff race intensifies

facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next

Jun 28, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago White Sox designated hitter Jose Abreu (79) receives congratulations from teammates after scoring in the fourth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Across the Diamond: Chicago White Sox

This series represents the widest gap in offensive production that the Major Leagues have to offer. Entering play on Sunday, Toronto led the MLB in runs scored at 450. Chicago, on the other hand, ranked dead last with just 270. What could possibly go wrong!

Chicago also ranks in the bottom third of the league in cumulative average at .242, but their greatest difficulty has been that outside of the slugging Jose Abreu, they have not hit for power. The White Sox have produced just 58 home runs, almost half of Toronto’s total, and only the New York Mets have a lower slugging percentage.

Abreu leads the team in hits, doubles, home runs and RBIs with his .292 average, and he will remain a threat at the heart of the order. Former Blue Jay Melky Cabrera was brought in to fill the bases ahead of Abreu, but despite some improvement through June, his average still sits at .258.

Next: Game 1: The White Sox are on Sale