Atlanta @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 24, 2010 ) Atlanta 0, Chi. White Sox 2

The Chicago White Sox carried high hopes into the season, but Chris Sale securing the win in Tuesday’s Midsummer Classic is the main highlight for a team sitting in the cellar of the American League Central. The White Sox (37-55) open their post-All-Star break schedule at home against the Atlanta Braves on Friday with the AL’s second-worst record and trail division leader Detroit by 14 games. Injuries and underachievement derailed Chicago’s first half, and the White Sox may deal several veterans before the July 31 trade deadline.

The Braves also dealt with injuries and inconsistency in the first half, but they still hold a six-game lead over Washington in the National League East despite posting a 41-39 mark in the past 80 contests. The health of outfielders Justin Upton (calf strain), B.J. Upton (adductor strain) and Jason Heyward (hamstring strain) is an immediate concern. Atlanta also expects to be active at the trade deadline, seeking bench and bullpen reinforcements.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports South (Atlanta), CSN Chicago (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Tim Hudson (6-7, 4.02 ERA) vs. White Sox LH John Danks (2-6, 4.31).

Hudson has emerged victorious in his past two starts following a 10-start winless streak, allowing four earned runs in 14 innings to defeat Philadelphia and Cincinnati. The right-hander, who turned 38 on Sunday, is 2-3 with a 2.45 ERA in his past eight starts. His teammates have scored 30 runs in his past three outings, after plating just six in his previous five turns.

Danks will be making his 11th start following shoulder surgery last August. He has compiled a 2.93 ERA in his past four starts with 20 strikeouts and four walks, but is only 1-2 in that stretch. Left-handed batters are hitting .292 against the southpaw with five homers in 72 at-bats, and opponents are batting .323 off Danks with runners in scoring position.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago SS Gordon Beckham is hitting .396 in July, but missed Sunday’s game at Philadelphia with a left thigh bruise.

2. Atlanta won its first seven road games, but is just 16-26 since that fast start.

3. The White Sox finished 7-for-38 with runners in scoring position en route to losing two of three at Philadelphia last weekend.

PREDICTION: Braves 6, White Sox 4