Chicago @ Tampa Bay preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 3, 2018 ) Chi. White Sox 3, Tampa Bay 2

Tampa Bay Rays ace left-hander Blake Snell will return to the mound for the first time since the All-Star Game when he comes off the 10-day disabled list to face the Chicago White Sox on Saturday in the second of a three-game series. Snell, whose 12 wins are one more than his first two seasons combined, will look to help the Rays rebound from a rare home loss.

The White Sox own the second-worst road record in the majors but they squeezed out a 3-2 victory in the series opener as Yoan Moncada delivered a tiebreaking RBI double in the 10th inning. Jose Abreu has gone deep in back-to-back days and has five homers and 10 RBIs over the last 11 games for Chicago. Second baseman Joey Wendle had an RBI single and scored the tying run to extend his hitting streak to seven games for the Rays, who lost for only the fifth time in the last 25 games at Tropicana Field. Snell has been magnificent in eight home starts, compiling a 6-1 record and 0.87 ERA - and the only defeat was a 1-0 setback on May 8.

TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Carlos Rodon (3-3, 3.24 ERA) vs. Rays LH Blake Snell (12-5, 2.27)

Rodon had to settle for a no-decision despite another strong effort Sunday versus Toronto, giving up two runs and five hits over 7 2/3 innings. It marked the third straight time he pitched into the eighth inning and his fourth quality start in a row - a span in which he has permitted six runs. Rodon has a 5.19 ERA in two no-decisions versus the Rays and has been worn out by C.J. Cron (5-for-7, home run).

Snell had a four-start winning streak snapped in his last outing prior to the All-Star Game when he was reached for three runs and five hits over a season-low three innings at Minnesota on July 12. He had been spectacular during the previous four starts, allowing a combined two runs while striking out 35 in 28 2/3 innings. Snell earned his first win of the season at Chicago on April 10, striking out 10 in six innings of one-run ball.

WALK-OFFS

1. Abreu is 7-for-15 with five extra-base hits and six runs scored during a four-game hitting streak.

2. Rays OF Tommy Pham is expected to miss two to four weeks with a fractured right foot.

3. White Sox OF Avisail Garcia is 3-for-19 over the last five games.

PREDICTION: Rays 3, White Sox 2