May 29--HOUSTON -- White Sox rookie Carlos Rodon makes his fourth start of the season Friday night at Minute Maid Park against the Astros, who at 30-18 through Thursday owned the best record in the American League. The Sox are playing in their third city in three days after a one-day trip to Baltimore, where they split a doubleheader with the Orioles.
At the plate
Sox center fielder Adam Eaton will lead off, followed by left fielder Melky Cabrera, first baseman Jose Abreu, designated hitter Adam LaRoche, shortstop Alexei Ramirez, third baseman Conor Gillaspie, right fielder J.B. Shuck, catcher Tyler Flowers and second baseman Carlos Sanchez.
On the mound
Rodon entered with a 1-0 record and a 4.03 ERA. He faces Astros right-hander Lance McCullers, who is 1-0 with a 2.53 ERA.
In the field
Shuck remains in right field, but Sox manager Robin Ventura said Avisail Garcia could return Saturday after missing the last four games with right knee inflammation.
Key number
15 -- Walks by Rodon in his three starts this season.
The quote
"It's being able to repeat over and over what you're doing, knowing who the hitters are. He needs to keep going out there and pitching. He definitely has the stuff and talent to be out there. Command is something that he will grasp and be much better at." -- Sox manager Robin Ventura on Rodon
Up next
At Astros, 3:10 p.m. Saturday, CSN.
