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Game Thread: Royals (19-22) at White Sox (19-21)
TL;DR
The White Sox face the Royals in a three-game series, aiming to improve their standing in the AL Central. Erick Fedde will start for the Sox, who have won three of their last four series.
Key points
- White Sox won three of their last four series
- Erick Fedde starting for the White Sox
- Munetaka Murakami has homered in last eight series openers
- Bobby Witt Jr. has a low OPS against Fedde
- White Sox are 1.5 games behind the Guardians
White SoxRoyalsAL Central
Munetaka Murakami has homered in his last eight series openers, the most in MLB history. | Getty Images
The South Siders have won three of their last four series and will finally be playing a division opponent as they kick off a three-game set against the Royals. Not having competed against an AL Central team since they split a four-game series in Kansas City last month, the Good Guys have a chance to make some headway in the division, only a game and a half back from the Guardians.
Opening up the series on the mound for the Sox is righthander Erick Fedde, making his sixth start of the season. Fedde has overall been solid in 2026, holding a 3.79 ERA and 1.132 WHIP in 38 innings, but he has struggled with serving up home runs in his last two starts, both against the Angels: three long balls led to four runs in his 4 2/3 frames last Tuesday, and he also surrendered two bombs the start prior. If there’s a bright side to allowing too many home runs, it’s that Fedde seemingly gives up more solo shots. Knock on some wood, folks.
Fedde will still need to maintain control and do his best to keep the ball from leaving the park, as sluggers such as Bobby Witt Jr., Maikel García, and Vinnie Pasquantino pack a tough punch right at the top of the lineup. While Pasquantino has gotten off to a slow start this season, he has a .500 batting average and 1.064 OPS in 10 lifetime at-bats against Fedde, including a round-tripper. Witt has actually had a hard time against the righty, holding just a .334 OPS in 12 chances.
Q&A
What is Erick Fedde's ERA and WHIP for the 2026 season?
Erick Fedde has a 3.79 ERA and a 1.132 WHIP in 38 innings for the 2026 season.
How many home runs has Munetaka Murakami hit in his last eight series openers?
Munetaka Murakami has homered in his last eight series openers, setting a record in MLB history.
What is Bobby Witt Jr.'s performance against Erick Fedde?
Bobby Witt Jr. has struggled against Erick Fedde, holding just a .334 OPS in 12 at-bats.
What is the current standing of the White Sox in the AL Central?
The White Sox are currently a game and a half back from the Guardians in the AL Central.