Free MLB Picks Today: Arizona Diamondbacks vs Chicago White Sox 8/27/22

The Arizona Diamondbacks (57-67) are on the road to face the Chicago White Sox (63-63) at Guaranteed Rate Field on Saturday. The Diamondbacks took Friday’s series opener 7-2, their sixth straight head-to-head victory. Starter Tommy Henry went five innings to get the win, giving up one run on four hits. Daulton Varsho was 3 for 4 with a home run and two runs in the win. AJ Pollock went 2 for 4 with a solo home run and a double for the White Sox. Eloy Jimenez added one run on one hit and two walks.

ON THE MOUND

Merrill Kelly (10-5, 2.87 ERA) is set for the start for Arizona. The RHP allowed three runs over six innings in his last start, a 6-4 road defeat against the Cardinals on Sunday. He gave up seven hits while striking out six and walking three in the no-decision. Lefty Davis Martin (2-3, 4.75 ERA) gets the ball for Chicago. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Diamondbacks. In his last start on August 9, Martin got the win on the road against the Royals. He threw 5.2 innings and gave up one run on three hits, striking out three and walking one in the 3-2 triumph.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Arizona has averaged 5.6 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.3, partially thanks to better on-base performance (.337 vs .307). Against lefties like Martin this season, the D-backs have a .679 OPS. Christian Walker is the team’s best performer against left-handers with a .915 OPS in 94 at-bats. Chicago is averaging only 3.4 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 4.2 for the season. The Sox have a .682 OPS against righties in 2022. With a .825 OPS over 386 at-bats, Jose Abreu has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Arizona is 25-35 away from Chase Field in 2022, scoring 4.2 runs per game while allowing 4.7 runs. Chicago has lost three in a row in front of their home fans. The Sox are 30-32 at home this season, averaging 4.1 runs per game while surrendering 5.2. In seven meetings at Guaranteed Rate Field, Arizona is 5-2 with an average scoreline of 6.1-4.6.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Diamondbacks are fourth in the NL West, 30 games behind the division-leading Dodgers. The White Sox are third in the AL Central, four games behind the Guardians.