Kansas City @ Chicago preview
Guaranteed Rate Field
Last Meeting ( Aug 7, 2012 ) Kansas City 5, Chi. White Sox 2
The Chicago White Sox are in danger of being knocked out of the American League Central penthouse - by the residents in the basement, no less. After seeing their division lead trimmed to a half game over Detroit, the White Sox will look to win the three-game series on Wednesday when they play the finale versus the visiting Kansas City Royals. Chicago has dropped 14 of its last 23 contests.
Billy Butler belted his career-high 22nd homer as Kansas City posted its fifth win in eight games with a 5-2 victory on Tuesday. Chicago was missing two of its key cogs in that outing as veteran Kevin Youkilis and Alejandro De Aza watched from afar. Youkilis is dealing with a sore right knee while De Aza is plagued with tightness in his back. Their availability for Wednesday's game remains in question.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSKC (Kansas City), CSN (Chicago)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Jeremy Guthrie (0-3, 7.71 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Jose Quintana (4-1, 2.80)
After posting a 3-9 record with Colorado, Guthrie has lost all three starts since being acquired by the Royals. The 33-year-old did pitch well, however, in his last outing - securing a quality start in a 5-3 setback to Texas on Friday. Guthrie has posted a 3-5 career mark with a 4.52 ERA versus the White Sox.
Quintana struggled for the third time in four outings, but the result was same - a no-decision. The 23-year-old rookie yielded season highs of six runs on 10 hits in seven innings against Minnesota on July 30. Quintana allowed five runs in as many innings in a no-decision versus Kansas City on July 13.
WALK-OFFS
1. After failing to homer since June 20, Chicago's Gordon Beckham has gone deep in each of his last two games.
2. While the sample size is small, Kansas City RHP Greg Holland has converted both of his save opportunities since the team traded Jonathan Broxton to Cincinnati.
3. Kansas City 3B Mike Moustakas returned after a two-game absence with a bone bruise on his right knee and had a run-scoring sacrifice fly.