The Baltimore Orioles ascent up the American League continues with a weekend series on the road against the Chicago White Sox, who appear primed for another tough year in the American League Central amidst injuries.
The White Sox can't stay healthy, half of its Opening Day roster is already on the injured list as they send Michael Kopech to the mound to try and stop the bleeding. However, Kopech's poor control can be an issue against a sweet swinging Orioles team.
Here are the odds and our best bet for Saturday's matchup.
Orioles vs. White Sox odds, run line and total
Orioles vs. White Sox prediction and pick
Kopech has sturggled with control in his young career, which has sometimes outweighed his immense talent. I think that's going to be the story of this matchup as the O's showcase a ton of discipline at the plate this season, posting a walk rate over 10% this season, inside the top five in the big leagues.
That's an issue for Kopech, who has walked six batters in less than 11 innings of work and walked more than four batters per nine innings last season.
Despite being full of youth, the Orioles are an elite hitting lineup, third in wRC+ this season. The team is elite at getting on base and putting runners in scoring position. Against a banged up White Sox team that is hovering around the league average in wRC+, I believe they'll struggle to keep up.
After an All-Star campaign in 2021, Orioles starter Kyle Gibson struggled in Philadelphia for a year-and-a-half, but he has looked rejuvenated in Baltimore so far, posting a 3.44 ERA with elite command.
I expect him to keep runs to a minimum against the White Sox replacement-heavy lineup.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.