Rangers at White Sox 5/17/18 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Texas Rangers (16-27, 5th AL West) open a three-game series on the road Thursday against the Chicago White Sox (10-28, 5th AL Central).

The Rangers lost for the third straight time on Tuesday falling to Seattle 9-8 in 11 innings. Texas will conclude its series with the Mariners on Wednesday. The Ranger put Adrian Beltre on the disabled list with a hamstring issue, while pitcher Martin Perez remains sidelined with elbow inflammation.

The White Sox lost their eighth game in their last nine on Tuesday falling to Pittsburgh 7-0. Chicago will complete its short two-game series with the Pirates on Wednesday. The White Sox have now lost 12 of their last 14 games played. Nomar Mazara leads the Rangers with a .286 batting average and team high 46 hits. Joey Gallo has the team lead in home runs with 13 and RBIs with 27. Texas has a team batting average of .231 while opposing hitters are averaging .274 at the plate against Rangers pitching. On Thursday, Texas will send Cole Hamels to the mound. The left-hander this season is 2-4 with an ERA of 3.48, 57 Ks and 21 BBs.

Yolmer Sanchez leads the White Sox with a .295 batting average. Jose Abreu has the team lead in hits with 42. Matt Davidson has a team high 11 home runs and 24 RBIs. Chicago has a team batting average of .242 while opposing hitters are averaging .267 at the plate against White Sox pitching. Chicago will send James Shields to the mound on Thursday. The right-hander this season is 1-4, with an ERA of 5.44, 28 Ks and 22 BBs.