Los Angeles @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 7, 2018 ) LA Angels 5, Chi. White Sox 2

Shohei Ohtani probably is done for the season as a pitcher after learning earlier in the week he likely will require Tommy John surgery, but it is becoming obvious his elbow is not affecting him at the plate. The 24-year-old Japanese import will attempt to hit a home run for a third straight game Saturday, when his Los Angeles Angels continue their three-game road series against the Chicago White Sox.

Ohtani has yet to make a decision on whether or not he will undergo surgery after doctors discovered new damage in his ulnar collateral ligament a few days ago, but he entered this weekend with five hits - three homers - in eight at-bats since receiving his diagnosis. He kept it going in Friday's series-opening 5-2 victory, launching tiebreaking three-run blast in the third inning to give the Angels all of the offense they needed for their third win in four contests. Chicago has lost three straight overall and needs to win the final two games of the set to avoid dropping the season series against Los Angeles for the seventh time in eight years. Avisail Garcia returned from a four-game absence due to knee soreness and reached base in all four plate appearances, going 2-for-2 with a solo homer in the opener.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Matt Shoemaker (1-0, 2.53 ERA) vs. White Sox RH James Shields (6-15, 4.39)

Shoemaker was sharp and efficient in his first game back from a layoff of five-plus months following surgery on his forearm, holding Texas to two hits and a walk while throwing 62 pitches over five scoreless innings. The Eastern Michigan product showed similar form in his only rehab start with Single-A Inland Empire on Aug. 29, allowing an unearned run with two walks in four hitless frames. Shoemaker is 2-2 with a 4.18 ERA in five career outings versus Chicago.

Shields produced his finest turn in over two months on Sunday, limiting Boston to four hits and two walks while striking out six over as many scoreless innings. The 36-year-old has been significantly better at home (5-7, 3.39 ERA) than on the road (1-8, 5.89) and will post his 11th season with at least 30 starts when he takes the mound on Saturday. Mike Trout is 5-for-13 (all extra-base hits, including three homers) against Shields, who was pounded for six runs over four innings in a loss to the Anls on July 25.

WALK-OFFS

1. Ohtani's homer on Friday gave him 19 for the season, setting a record for the most by a Japanese rookie in the majors.

2. Chicago announced RHP Michael Kopech will require Tommy John surgery, which likely will sideline him through the end of the 2019 season.

3. Trout returned from a one-game absence Friday and finished 1-for-2 with three walks (two intentional) and also was hit by a pitch.

PREDICTION: Angels 4, White Sox 2