Sept. 15--After nine days' rest, White Sox left-hander John Danks returns to the mound to face the Athletics in the opener of a four-game series at U.S. Cellular Field. Danks pitched his second complete game of the season in his last outing for a victory over the Royals, and the Sox skipped his next turn with Erik Johnson on board to fill a spot in the rotation.
At the plate
Sox center fielder Adam Eaton will lead off, followed by shortstop Alexei Ramirez, first baseman Jose Abreu, left fielder Melky Cabrera, designated hitter Avisail Garcia, right fielder Trayce Thompson, third baseman Mike Olt, second baseman Micah Johnson and catcher Tyler Flowers.
On the mound
Danks enters with a 7-12 record and a 4.60 ERA. He faces A's right-hander Sonny Gray, who is 13-7 with a 2.28 ERA.
On the bench
Sox designated hitter Adam LaRoche was out again with tendinitis in his right knee. Sox manager Robin Ventura said he could use Olt occasionally at first base.
Key number
1.14 -- Danks' ERA over his last five home starts.
The quote
"You just play. You're seeing guys going out there doing the best they can. I don't think you necessarily set goals other than you're trying to win games." --Sox manager Robin Ventura on the final three weeks
Up next
Vs. Athletics, 7:10 p.m. Tuesday, CSN.
