BOSTON vs. CHI WHITE SOX 8/31/2018 MLB Odds, Pick & Preview

Highly regarded prospect Michael Kopech faces his former organization for the first time when the Chicago White Sox host the Boston Red Sox on Friday for the second contest of their four-game series. The 22-year-old right-hander was a first-round pick of the Red Sox in 2014 but was shipped to Chicago as part of the package for Chris Sale in December 2016.

Kopech refused to participate in the usual media session with reporters on Thursday, saying he would discuss the Red Sox after Friday’s outing, but White Sox manager Rick Renteria was happy to dissect the youngster’s arsenal of pitches. “Hopefully, he continues to develop, continues to command the zone,” Renteria told reporters. “It’s electric stuff. Hopefully, he’ll just continue to trust himself, which he is doing, and just enjoy being here. Know that he’s capable of doing what he’s doing because of this tremendous gift he has.” The Red Sox overcame a four-run deficit to post a 9-4 victory in Thursday’s series opener to stretch their lead over the New York Yankees in the American League East to 8 1/2 games. J.D. Martinez slugged his 39th homer – a three-run shot – to tie Oakland’s Khris Davis for the major-league lead.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Nathan Eovaldi (5-6, 4.15 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Michael Kopech (1-0, 1.13)

Eovaldi has lost consecutive starts and is winless his last four after winning his first two outings for the Red Sox. The 28-year-old was rocked for six runs – five earned – and eight hits over four innings by Tampa Bay in his last turn. Eovaldi is 1-0 with a 3.52 ERA in two career appearances (one start) against the White Sox.

Kopech earned his first major-league victory in his last turn, when he gave up one run and seven hits over six innings against Detroit. The phenom made his debut on Aug. 21 against Minnesota and struck out four in two scoreless innings but did not return after a 52-minute rain delay. Kopech went 7-7 with a 3.70 ERA and 170 strikeouts over 126 1/3 innings in 24 starts at Triple-A Charlotte.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox RF Mookie Betts hit a two-run blast in the series opener and is 7-for-12 with five walks, two homers and six RBIs over his last four games.

2. Chicago LF Avisail Garcia, who is batting just .159 this month, homered and drove in three runs in the series opener.

3. Boston 2B Ian Kinsler recorded three hits on Thursday for his fifth multi-hit performance in seven contests.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 7, White Sox 3