The Indians and White Sox get together for the second game of a long four game set Friday through Sunday. After a marathon double header on Friday evening both teams’ bullpens are desperate for their respective starting pitcher to go deep into this mid-afternoon Saturday game. Indians ace Ubaldo Jimenez gets the ball for Cleveland and opposes Dyland Axelrod who goes for the home White Sox. The Indians open as small -115 favorites ahead of first pitch.
Free Pick
Ubaldo Jimenez has been a rather large disappointment in his Cleveland career ever since coming over from an impressive career in Colorado. Jimenez 
has found a little bit of a groove lately, however. Ubaldo has allowed more than three runs just once since April 21st and it came against the prolific Detroit Tigers’ offense. Jimenez takes the ball in a big spot where he will look to go deep into the ballgame, which has been something he’s struggled with this season. He has just had three starts last longer than six innings in all of 2013. He hopes to make it number four in a spot where his bullpen needs some rest looking ahead to the final game of the series. Jimenez has been so-so against the White Sox roster. Chicago’s lineup hits just over .250 as a team against Jimenez in 135 career at-bats. The good news is that Adam Dunn and Alex Rios have hit just 6 for 39 career against Jimenez in the middle of that Chicago lineup.
With trade rumors swirling and the White Sox season slowly spiraling out of control, Chicago appears to be on auto fade until further notice. The White Sox are not playing any sort of inspired ball and don’t seem interested in really trying to resurrect a season that appears to be headed for the basement in the American League Central division. Dylan Axelrod gets the start for Chicago. He has been doing about as well as Chicago fans could hope for but the reality is that he is not a quality Major League starter. This spells trouble against the powerful lineup that Terry Francona and Cleveland features. Axelrod actually threw very well in his last start against Cleveland – going six innings and allowing just three hits and one run. With another crack at Axelroad, I expect Cleveland to continue to swing the hot bats they have been swinging all of June and put up a decent total in Chicago. Jason Kipnis is making a strong push to be the starting second baseman in the All-Star Game and he has led Cleveland in their surprising run this season.
Look for Cleveland to take this game and for the White Sox’s tumble to continue. The clear pitching edge and a hotter and deeper lineup gives Cleveland just about all of the important check marks in this one. Even being on the road, a -115 price poses some good value here.
Free Pick: Cleveland Indians -115
chicago white sox • cleveland indians