Improved baseball is quietly happening on the South Side. The Chicago White Sox are 5-5 in their last 10 games and finished their recent six-game homestand with a 3-3 record. That includes winning back-to-back games for only the second time this season and taking two of three from the Houston Astros, just their second series win of the year. They now sit at 7-11 at Guaranteed Rate Field.

It’s not a parade-worthy stretch, but this counts as a step in the right direction for a team allergic to momentum.

Smith vs. Ragans to Open Series in Kansas City

The week ahead begins on the road with a four-game series in Kansas City, starting Monday against a suddenly hot Royals team. Rookie right-hander Shane Smith will take the mound for the White Sox, looking to continue his impressive start to his big-league career.

Monday marks Smith’s seventh MLB start, and the Royals will get their first look at him. Kansas City could be in for a long night if his power changeup plays the way it has.

Still, neither Smith nor the Sox should overlook the Royals. Kansas City has won 10 of its last 12 after stumbling out of the gate. They’ll send left-hander Cole Ragans to the bump in Game 1. Ragans has struggled in his previous two outings , giving up nine earned runs over just seven combined innings.

He hasn’t faced the White Sox since early 2023, and much like your favorite sitcom reboot, this Chicago lineup features a mostly different cast.

The matchup on paper leans toward the Sox. They’ll likely roll out a lineup heavy with right-handed bats who’ve historically fared well against lefties. On top of that, rookies Edgar Quero and Chase Meidroth have both provided an instant spark since their call-ups.

Miguel Vargas is starting to resemble the player the front office hoped they were getting, and—most importantly—Luis Robert Jr. is finally showing life at the plate after a cold start.

What’s on Tap Next?

The White Sox are hoping this favorable matchup translates into a favorable result. As usual, with a lineup that lacks power, they’ll need to execute with runners in scoring position, avoid defensive miscues, and keep Bobby Witt Jr. and friends from turning the series into a track meet.

It’s not about making a statement—it’s about making it through May with a pulse. First pitch is at 6:40 PM CT and will air on CHSN.

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