White Sox choosing between two starters for ALDS Game 1

The Chicago White Sox are still deciding on a Game 1 starter for the ALDS against the Houston Astros.

On Thursday, the AL No. 3 seed Chicago White Sox travel to take on the AL No. 2 seed Houston Astros in Game 1 of the American League Divisional Series. In the best-of-five series, the White Sox are still undecided on who will take the mound first at Minute Maid Park.

On Monday, Chicago general manager Rick Hahn offered some transparency telling media that the team is deciding between Lance Lynn and Lucas Giolito to start Game 1.

MLB Playoffs: Lance Lynn or Lucas Giolito to start ALDS for White Sox

Both Lynn and Giolito have pitched well this season as part of a talented White Sox rotation. Lynn, who was selected as an All-Star this year, finished the season with 11 wins in 28 starts pitching 157 innings for a 2.69 ERA with 176 strikeouts. Giolito, who was an All-star in 2019, recorded 11 wins in 31 starts pitching 178.2 innings with a 3.53 ERA and 201 strikeouts.

As Hahn admitted, one of the factors in the decision will be who is more capable of taking the mound a second time in the short five game series. With that in mind, things slightly favor Lynn, who has built a reputation for throwing a lot of pitches and starting games on quick turnaround.

However, Giolito has had the better year against the stacked Astros lineup. In a home game vs. Houston, Giolito pitched a complete game allowing only three hits, one run and recording eight strikeouts in a 10-1 victory. In Lynn’s road outing against the Astros, he pitched four innings giving up eight hits and six runs in a 7-3 loss.

Loyal White Sox fans have even been crunching the two’s career numbers their self and sending their suggestions to the club.

In what should be a competitive series, Chicago will hope to make the right decision in order to advance their magical season to the next round.