Chicago @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 23, 2018 ) Chi. White Sox 5, LA Angels 3

Chicago All-Star first baseman Jose Abreu is displaying signs of breaking out of his slump as the White Sox enter Tuesday's contest against the host Los Angeles Angels. Abreu went 2-for-4 with a homer in Monday's 5-3 victory in the opener of the four-game set after being 6-for-51 over the previous 15 games.

Abreu's first-inning blast was his second in the past 20 games and he also had a run-scoring single in the sixth as Chicago won for the fifth time in eight games following a six-game slide. "He's never lost confidence," White Sox manager Rich Renteria told reporters prior to Monday's contest. "It's just a matter of, honestly, getting good pitches to hit. Staying in his zone. Continuing to trust the things he's capable of doing and the things he has done over a long period of time in his career." Angels slugger Albert Pujols (knee) was activated off the disabled list Monday and went 1-for-4 and remains tied for sixth place on the all-time home run list with Ken Griffey Jr. (630). Los Angeles star Mike Trout didn't have an official plate appearance in the opener as he walked four times, hit a sacrifice fly and stole two bases.

TV: 10:07 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Carlos Rodon (2-3, 3.56 ERA) vs. Angels RH Felix Pena (1-0, 3.42)

Rodon's final start before the All-Star break was a great one as he allowed three hits over 7 1/3 scoreless innings while defeating the St. Louis Cardinals. The 25-year-old has allowed two or fewer runs in five of his seven outings since returning from shoulder surgery. Rodon is 1-2 with a 4.11 ERA in three career starts against the Angels and he has served up homers to Pujols, Ian Kinsler and Justin Upton during his four years in the majors.

Pena is making his sixth start of the season and has yet to pitch longer than 5 1/3 innings. The 28-year-old has struck out 32 against nine walks in 26 1/3 innings. Pena has a 4.76 ERA at Angel Stadium this season compared to a 0.96 mark on the road.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago's victory Monday snapped a six-game slide at Angel Stadium as well as being only its second win in its last 16 games in Anaheim.

2. In addition to activating Pujols, Los Angeles also recalled RHP Jaime Barria -- who pitched five-plus innings on Monday -- optioned Deck McGuire to Triple-A Salt Lake and designated fellow RHP Oliver Drake for assignment.

3. Chicago RF Avisail Garcia (illness) was a late scratch but later entered the contest as a defensive replacement and is expected to be in the lineup Tuesday.

PREDICTION: White Sox 7, Angels 5