Last time I wrote a game thread and recap, the Indians won consecutive games for just the second time this season. Obviously, this means I’m good luck and the Tribe are due for another victory tonight. Too bad everyone else will be watching the Cavs instead, which begs the question “If the Indians play and no one is watching the game, did it really happen?” Granted, I ask this question every time the Indians playing at an empty Progressive Field, so it’s nothing new.

Shaun Marcum is back! After Bruce Chen decided to retire, the fifth spot in the rotation opened up for everyone’s newest favorite reclamation project. Marcum has given up one run in five innings of Major League work this season; in five AAA starts, he is 4-0 with a 1.36 ERA. If he can fill the Gavin Floyd void at the back end of the rotation, then these last two years of rehabilitation will be worthwhile for both the team and the player. With the promotion of Marcum, Zach Walters was sent down. I had high hopes for Walters after last season’s power surge. Unfortunately, he’s struggled mightily, with one single, no walks, and eight strikeouts in 17 at-bats. If he can figure out his swing in Columbus, Walters’ defensive value could come in handy later this summer.

Starting for the White Sox is rookie Carlos Rodon. The third pick in last year’s draft, he has had a rapid ascent to The Show. Tonight is Rodon’s third start of the season; he enters 1-0 with a 4.96 ERA. Tribe hitters need to be patient against the lefty, who has walked 14 batters in just 16 1/3 innings of work. He’s also struck out 17 batters, so it’s likely there will be some extra wind gusts in the Windy City tonight, courtesy of the Indians’ lineup.

Speaking of lineups, here are starters for both teams:

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  • […] Game 39 Open Thread: Indians at White Sox Last time I wrote a game thread and recap, the Indians won consecutive games for just the second time this season. Obviously, this means I’m good luck and the Tribe are due for another victory tonight. Too bad everyone else will be watching the Cavs instead, which begs the question “If the Indians play and no one is watching the game, did it really happen?” Granted, I ask this question every time the Indians playing at an empty Progressive Field, so it’s nothing new. Shaun Marcum is back! After Bruce Chen decided to reti… […]