Gavin Floyd's first start of the year against Kansas City started off shaky -- he gave up four early runs, but eventually settled down and threw five innings without giving up another. Unfortunately that game went to extras and the Sox lost. The White Sox will be looking for a better outcome today, hoping to capture three out of four against the reinging AL East champions, the Tampa Bay Rays.
Floyd has historically done well against the Rays. He's 2-1 across three starts with a 3.43 ERA and 0.76 WHIP. With Evan Longoria still out due to injury, Johnny Damon and Ben Zobrist are the only Rays to hit Floyd well. Damon is 10-for-15 with a double, home run, and four walks, while Zobrist is 3-for9 with two home runs and 3 RBIs.
Tampa Bay will send Jeff Niemann to the hill to counter Floyd. Across four starts against the Sox, Niemann is 2-2 with a 3.55 ERA and 1.30 WHIP. Gordon Beckham will be the Sox biggest threat against Niemann -- he's 4-for-6 with two doubles.
Today's weather is forecast to be sunny with temperatures in the low 80's. First pitch is at 1:10 P.M. CDT.