Chicago @ Houston preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 22, 2018 ) Houston 7, Chi. White Sox 1

Justin Verlander looks to break out of a mini-funk when the Houston Astros host the Chicago White Sox on Thursday for the opener of their four-game series. Houston's ace has dropped back-to-back starts, surrendering nine runs and 16 hits over 11 2/3 innings during the stretch.

Verlander posted a 1.60 ERA over his first 16 starts and allowed fewer than two runs on 11 occasions before the sudden rough patch. The Astros will be looking for their third consecutive victory after Josh Reddick and Yuli Gurriel homered in Wednesday's 5-4, 10-inning win at Texas. The White Sox have lost 14 of their last 20 games after falling 7-4 to Cincinnati on Wednesday. Jose Abreu (ankle) was back in the starting lineup and went 0-for-3 in the setback while being thrown out at the plate in the eighth inning.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBCS Chicago, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Carlos Rodon (1-3, 4.55 ERA) vs. Astros RH Justin Verlander (9-4, 2.12)

Rodon lost to Texas in his last outing as he was tagged for five runs and six hits over 5 1/3 innings. The 25-year-old was solid in his previous turn, when he allowed two runs and seven hits over eight frames en route to a victory against Oakland. Rodon is 1-0 with a 1.71 ERA in four career starts versus the Astros.

Verlander has served up two homers in two of his last four turns but hopes to settle back into his groove against the White Sox. The 35-year-old gave up two hits in six scoreless innings of a triumph over Chicago on April 20 to improve to 21-13 with a 3.74 ERA in 43 career starts versus the club. Verlander regularly has problems with Abreu (15-for-38, five homers) but has shut down Yolmer Sanchez (1-for-13).

WALK-OFFS

1. The Astros outscored the White Sox 27-2 while sweeping a three-game series in Chicago from April 20-22.

2. Chicago 2B Yoan Moncada went deep on Wednesday and is 6-for-15 with a homer, triple, two doubles and six RBIs over his last three games.

3. Houston C Max Stassi (wrist) could return for the series opener after sitting out Wednesday's contest.

PREDICTION: Astros 5, White Sox 1