After two road series, the White Sox are finally returning home to Chicago to play their first game at the Cell. They'll host the Tampa Bay Rays, who've had a rather dismal start to the 2011 season that's included an injury to star third baseman Evan Longoria, and not a single win thus far.
The Sox have had their own injury problems, of course, as their own slugger Adam Dunn will still be out recovering from his emergency appendectomy. The Sox will have a bit of a challenge in their home opener, as the Rays will be send David Price to the mound. Though Price had a sub-3.00 ERA last year, he's had some trouble against Chicago, owning a 5.00 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in 3 starts. Alex Rios and Paul Konerko have both hit Price particularly well.
On the mound for the Sox will be Edwin Jackson, fresh off his April 2nd victory at Cleveland. All signs are positive for the Sox, as Jackson has handled the Rays particularly well -- sporting a 1.59 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in two starts. The only current Ray who hits Jackson well is Johnny Damon, who is 5 for 16 with a double.
This afternoon's weather is forecast to be overcast, with possible light rain and temperatures in the upper 40s to low 50s. First pitch is at 1:10 P.M. CDT, and the game will be televised on CSN Chicago and Sun Sports.