Sox looking to make late run for playoffs

By Scott Nicol

The Chicago White Sox are probably looking to string several wins together over the next two weeks to decide if they are going to be buyers or sellers leading up to the July 31 trade deadline.

The Sox (45-45) didn’t begin the second half of the season as planned as they dropped their first two games against the Los Angeles Angels, including a 1-0 loss Saturday.

The poor hitting trend has continued for Chicago — they had failed to score in the three games prior to Sunday, including the final game before the all-star break, totaling 32 straight innings without a run.

Before Sunday’s matchup, the Sox saw themselves eight games behind division-leader Cleveland Indians and four games behind the Texas Rangers for the second wild card spot. The next two weeks will be very important in deciding what the front office will do at the deadline.

The White Sox also promoted top pitching prospect Carson Fulmer from Double-A Birmingham to the Major Leagues, as well as activating Justin Morneau from the 15-day disabled list Friday.

Fulmer, 22, was the eighth overall draft pick in 2015 and has not yet pitched above the Double-A level in his career, posting a not-so-stellar 4.76 ERA over 87 innings this season.

The Sox will be put to the test as they stay out west for a three-game series against the 46-45 Seattle Mariners before coming home Thursday for a pivotal four-game series against Detroit.

Both series will be key factors in deciding the rest of the season for the Sox as both teams they are set to face are also in the mix for playoff spots.

The bats will certainly need to pick up if Chicago hopes to be in contention for a playoff spot at season’s end.