Description: White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko went 4-for-4 with a double Tuesday versus Minnesota.
Insight: Konerko has a career-high 27.7 percent line-drive rate, but that has been offset by a .186 average on groundballs and a .198 average on flyballs. His luck should improve on grounders, but his power decline (career-low 7.3% HR/FB) is a real concern.
Description: White Sox DH Adam Dunn is 8-for-28 (.286) with three doubles, two homers, five RBI, seven walks and three K against Twins starter Mike Pelfrey.
Insight: Dunn is hitting .379 with five homers over his last eight games and should be active in all fantasy lineups Tuesday with Pelfrey on the mound.
Description: White Sox DH Adam Dunn went 1-for-4 with a solo homer Saturday against Houston.
Insight: Dunn has crushed five homers over his last six games and six over his last 10. He has 18 on the year, and his .182 average should be on the rise once his luck turns a little. The DH has just a .177 BABIP.
Description: White Sox center fielder Alejandro De Aza is questionable for Saturday's game against Houston with a stomach virus.
Insight: De Aza is playing solid baseball with seven homers, 30 RBI, 34 runs and seven steals. He's hit safely in 12 of his last 13 games, batting .377 over the span.
Description: White Sox pitching prospect Erik Johnson is 6-2 with a 2.53 ERA and 0.938 WHIP at Double-A Birmingham.
Insight: A second-round selection (80th overall) in the 2011 Amateur Draft, Johnson has 65 strikeouts against 16 walks over 74 2/3 IP. The 23-year-old is particularly tough on right-handers and might get a September call up if Chicago is still in the chase,
Description: White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko is a career .364 hitter with a double and a pair of home runs against knuckleballer R.A. Dickey.
Insight: The first baseman was 3-for-7 with a home run over the weekend and this favorable matchup could help build a hot streak that fantasy owners so desperately need.
Description: White Sox left-hander Hector Santiago beat Oakland Sunday with 6 1/3 strong innings. He allowed four hits and two runs (one earned) with three walks and six strikeouts.
Insight: It was Santiago's first start since May 22. The left-hander had to rejoin the rotation due to Jake Peavy's injury. Santiago is 2-2 with a 2.67 ERA and a 37/16 K/BB over 33 2/3 innings in his six starts this season.
Description: White Sox lefthander John Danks recorded his first victory of the season Saturday against Oakland.
Insight: Danks (1-2, 4.13 ERA) only surrendered three hits and one run over eight innings. Saturday was Danks' first win in over a year. His last win was May 19, 2012 against the Cubs.
Description: White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko is not in the starting lineup Friday versus Oakland.
Insight: The first baseman was dealing with a stiff neck several days ago, but no reason has been given for his absence Friday. He's hitting just .100 (2-for-20) over his last five games and his average has dropped to .228. While Konerko has a 26.2 percent line-drive rate and likely will get his batting average up eventually, fantasy owners should be very concerned about a career-low 7.1 percent HR/FB/
Description: Chicago second baseman Gordon Beckham went 4-for-7 in Wednesday's marathon victory over the Mariners.
Insight: Beckham, who also stole two bases in the contest, crossed home with the game-winning run in the 16th inning. He's 5-for-14 since coming off the disabled list on Monday.
Description: Chicago closer Addison Reed blew the save Wednesday by allowing five runs in the 14th inning.
Insight: Luckily, the White Sox put two more runs on the scoreboard in the 16th to give Reed (3.67 ERA) his second win of the season. The 55-pitch outing was the longest of Reed's career.
Description: Jake Peavy's injury has opened up a spot for Hector Santiago in the starting rotation.
Insight: He was pushed out of the rotation when John Danks returned from the DL late last month. Santiago (1-4, 3.35 ERA) will get the ball Sunday versus Oakland.
Description: White Sox starter Jake Peavy has a non-displaced rib fracture on his left side and will be shut down for 4-6 weeks, according to Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune.
Insight: Peavy left Tuesday's start after feeling "acute, sharp pain" in his ribcage. The right-hander allowed 15 hits and 12 earned runs in 6 1/3 innings over his last two starts, and the injury might have had something to do with his struggles.
Description: Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko, who left Saturday's game and missed Sunday with a stiff neck, is probable for Monday's game against Seattle.
Insight: Konerko is struggling mightly this year, batting .240 with five homers, 21 RBI and an OPS almost 300 points below last season.
Description: White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham has been activated from the 15-day disabled list.
Insight: Beckham suffered a broken hamate bone in his left hand on April 9. The team said a few days ago that he was scheduled to return June 6, but White Sox manager Robin Ventura indicated he'd be back sooner than that. Beckham will get his starting job back, but hasn't been a solid fantasy value since his rookie season of 2009.
Description: White Sox DH Adam Dunn is (1-for-9) against Seattle lefty Joe Saunders.
Insight: The lefty slugger is having a typical Adam Dunn season: 12 HR, 29 RBI and a .160 batting average with 71 strikeouts in 181 at-bats. Avoid this matchup on Monday.
Description: White Sox lefty Chris Sale watched his scoreless innings streak come to an end on Sunday.
Insight: The streak ended at 28 innings. Sale pitched well (6 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K's) but he didn't get any run support from his offense. Sunday was Sale's first loss since April 18th against Toronto.
Description: White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham (hand) is expected to return to action this week.
Insight: Beckham suffered a broken hamate bone in his left hand on April 9. The team said a few days ago that he was scheduled to return June 6, but White Sox manager Robin Ventura said Sunday that it's possible he could be back sooner this week, according to Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune.
Description: Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko left Saturday's game with a stiff neck, according to Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Insight: Konerko struck out in his first two at-bats and is hitting .240 this season. He has been a bit unlucky, as he has a .264 BABIP despite owning a 26.8 percent line-drive rate, but he also has exhibited a dropoff in power. He has just a 7.6 percent HR/FB, down from 15.8 percent last year and 16.4 percent for his career.
Description: Chicago shortstop Alexei Ramirez is hitless in 11 career at-bats versus A's starter Bartolo Colon.
Insight: Ramirez continues to disappoint fantasy owners as he bats around .283, but with a very mediocre .683 OPS. It appears he'll never be the player of 2008 and it's time to look elsewhere for shortstop help, particularly in this unfavorable matchup.
Description: White Sox DH Adam Dunn is a .500 hitter (5-for-10) against Oakland veteran right-hander Bartolo Colon.
Insight: The lefty slugger is having a typical Adam Dunn season: 15 HR, 28 RBI and a .153 batting average with 69 strikeouts in 170 at-bats, but this is a favorable matchup.
Description: Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game with the Cubs.
Insight: Konerko's three-year bump, batting around .300, seems to have faded this season as he's hitting just .235 through the first 45 games. At 37-years-old fantasy owners have to wonder if he'll ever get it back. Adam Dunn gets the start at first.
Description: Chicago starter Chris Sale, who has been dealing with mild tendinitis in his shoulder, is expected to start on Tuesday after missing his last turn in the rotation.
Insight: Sale has allowed just 44 hits in 64 innings this season and is 5-2 with a 2.53 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP. He's pitched like the ace of the staff and must be started against a Cubs lineup that has produced just 3.94 runs per game.
Description: Chicago shortstop Alexei Ramirez is hitless in 17 career at-bats versus Cubs starter Edwin Jackson.
Insight: Ramirez continues to disappoint fantasy owners as he bats around .275, but with a very mediocre .671 OPS. It appears he'll never be the player of 2008 and it's time to look elsewhere for shortstop help.
Description: Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko is 1-for-12 (.083) in his career versus Cubs starter Edwin Jackson.
Insight: Konerko's three-year bump, batting around .300, seems to have faded this season as he's hitting just .235 through the first 45 games. At 37-years-old fantasy owners have to wonder if he'll ever get it back. Avoid this matchup.
Description: White Sox closer Addison Reed picked up save No. 17 on Sunday against Miami in 18 chances this season.
Insight: Reed saved 29 games last year but had a 4.75 ERA and 1.36 WHIP. This time around he's got a 1.95 ERA and 0.956 WHIP making him one of the league's best closers.
Description: According to Scott Merkin of MLB.com, White Sox lefthander Hector Santiago has lost his place in the starting rotation.
Insight: John Danks' return from the DL is what bumped him from the rotation. Obviously, Santiago (1-3, 2.81 ERA) won't have any fantasy value while he's working out of the bullpen.
Description: White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham is experiencing soreness in his left hand, according to Dan Hayes of CSNChicago.com.
Insight: Beckham suffered a broken hamate bone in his left hand on April 9. He won't play on his rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte until Wednesday but he should be back in early June.
Description: Chicago starter John Danks is set to make his season debut Friday against Miami. SOURCE: Scott Merkin, MLB.com
Insight: Danks hasn't pitched in the major leagues since undergoing shoulder surgery last May. We're not sure if Danks is a realistic long-term fantasy option but he couldn't have asked for an easier opponent in his first start back. He could be worth a look if your team is short on starting pitching.
Description: According to Comcast Chicago, White Sox DH Adam Dunn has been bothered by a sore back recently.
Insight: No need to be alarmed. He says he's going to play through the injury. The lefty slugger is having a typical Adam Dunn season: 11 HR, 25 RBI and a .168 batting average.
Description: Chicago starter Chris Sale has been scratched from his scheduled start Wednesday against the Red Sox due to mild tendinitis in his shoulder, according to Dan Hayes of CSNChicago.com. Hector Santiago will start in his place.
Insight: Sale has allowed just 44 hits in 64 innings this season and is 5-2 with a 2.53 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP. The White Sox expect him to make his next start Tuesday against the Cubs.
Description: Chicago White Sox minor league catcher Josh Phegley is making people notice down at Triple-A Charlotte, batting .333 with 10 HR, 27 RBI and a 1.052 OPS over his first 33 games.
Insight: The 25-year-old has consistently hit .300 over his minor league career, but this is the first time he's shown this much power. Should the White Sox tire of Tyler Flowers' .195 batting average, they could give the youngster a shot later this season.
Description: Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko is 10-for-23 (.435) in his career versus Boston left-hander Jon Lester. Three of his 10 hits are home runs.
Insight: Konerko's three-year bump, batting around .300, seems to have faded this season as he's hitting just .224 through the first 38 games. At 37-years-old fantasy owners have to wonder if he'll ever get it back. This favorable matchup could be a first step or an indication that he must have his fantasy value permanently reduced.
Description: White Sox DH Adam Dunn (back) is in the lineup Sunday.
Insight: Dunn left Saturday's game due to back spasms, but apparently they have passed. He has blasted four homers and driven in 10 runs over his last five games.
Description: Chicago shortstop Alexei Ramirez is a lifetime .467 hitter (7-for-15) with two homers against Jason Vargas of the Los Angeles Angels.
Insight: Ramirez had three hits Saturday to raise his average to .281 on the year. He has a career-high 24.6 percent line-drive rate, but his power has slipped even further than last season. He has a 2.3 percent HR/FB, down from a career-low 5.1 percent in 2012. Perhaps seeing Vargas Sunday will help him get one out of the park.
Description: Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko has slammed Angels lefty Jason Vargas in their previous meetings.
Insight: Konerko is batting .538 (7-for13) with a homer against Vargas. The first baseman has hit safely in four straight games since getting a few days off at the beginning of this week, and he is 7-for-25 (.280) against lefties this year.
Description: White Sox left-hander Hector Santiago was staked a 4-0 lead going into the bottom of the fourth Saturday against the Angels, but he allowed three runs in the inning and was sent packing.
Insight: Santiago walked four and gave up four hits. He has good stuff and showed promise in his first two starts after joining the rotation, but his last two starts have been poor. He has allowed nine runs (six earned) on 12 hits in nine innings over his last two outings.
Description: White Sox left fielder Dayan Viciedo has gone 8-for-18 since returning from the DL and homered in each of the last two games. Thursday could be another big day, as he'll face Jerome Williams of the Angels.
Insight: We saw what Viciedo can do when he heats up when he hit .351 and eight homers last May. Williams has never retired Viciedo in five career at-bats (5-5, 1 HR).
Description: White Sox DH Adam Dunn clobbered two homers and drove in five runs Wednesday against the Twins.
Insight: Amazingly, this was only Dunn's third multi-hit game of the season. He's batting .156 and has struck out 48 times with just 15 walks. His lone fantasy contribution this season is his eight homers in 128 at-bats.
Description: White Sox left fielder Dayan Viciedo has gone 6-for-14 (.429) with a homer, four RBI and five walks in five games since returning from the DL.
Insight: Viciedo was out a few weeks with an oblique strain. He homered for the third time this season Tuesday against the Twins. We saw what he can do when he heats up when he hit .351 and eight homers last May.
Description: Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko is not in the starting lineup Tuesday for the second straight game.
Insight: Konerko is hitting just .214 with four homers and 26 strikeouts in 126 at-bats this season, so manager Robin Ventura is getting him a few days off.
Description: Chicago starter Chris Sale spun a one-hit shutout Sunday against Los Angeles.
Insight: Mike Trout had the Angels' lone hit of the night, a one-out single in the seventh inning. Sunday was Sale's second complete game and his first career shutout.
Description: White Sox left fielder Dayan Viciedo (oblique) has been activated from the 15-day disabled list.
Insight: Viciedo strained his oblique on a hard swing on April 18. He's hitting .229 with two homers in 48 at-bats this season. It was last May that Viciedo exploded onto the fantasy scene batting .351 with eight homers and 24 RBI for the month.
Description: White Sox center fielder Alejandro De Aza went 3-for-5 with a solo homer, a steal and two runs scored Wednesday against the Mets.
Insight: It's a nice all-around effort from De Aza, who has six homers in his first 126 at-bats after hitting nine in 524 last season. However, De Aza's 30.1 percent strikeout rate limits will hold his batting average down.
Description: White Sox starter Jake Peavy (back) beat the Mets in his return to action Wednesday night. He allowed three hits and one run, walked two and fanned six in 6 2/3 innings.
Insight: Peavy (4-1, 3.03 ERA, 1.06 WHIP) was scratched from last Thursday's start with back spasms but he looked healthy in throwing 114 pitches (76 strikes) Wednesday. Peavy has a tremendous 45/8 K/BB in 38 2/3 innings this season.
Description: White Sox left-hander Hector Santiago went toe-to-toe with Mets ace Matt Harvey Tuesday night and came away with a no decision despite allowing just four hits and striking out eight over seven shutout innings.
Insight: Santiago joined the rotation in place of Gavin Floyd, who is headed for season-ending surgery and has given up one earned on six hits over 12 1/3 innings in his first two starts. The left-hander should be added in most leagues.
Description: White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham (hand) is hoping to go on a rehab assignment by the end of next week, according to Scott Merkin of MLB.com.
Insight: Beckham suffered a broken hamate bone in his left hand on April 9. He should be back in a few weeks.
Description: As expected, White Sox righthander Gavin Floyd will have Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.
Insight: Daryl Van Schouwen from the Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that Floyd will need between 14 and 19 months to recover. He was 0-4 with a 5.18 ERA before the injury.
Description: Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko has never hit Royals hurler James Shieldsvery well, batting just .143 (4-for-28) without an extra base hit.
Insight: The first baseman is batting just .236, though he has hit safely in eight of his last nine games. This matchup, however, isn't likely to prove profitable for Konerko's fantasy owners.
Description: Chicago shortstop Alexei Ramirez is a lifetime .423 hitter (11-for-26) against Royals right-hander James Shields with a pair of home runs and a 1.175 OPS.
Insight: Ramirez has gone hitless in the past two games, but had a five-game hitting streak before arriving in Kansas City this weekend. This is a favorable matchup which could get him going again.
Description: White Sox left-hander John Danks (shoulder) is expected to make 2-3 more rehab starts before rejoining the big league rotation, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. He allowed two runs ovre seven innings in his first rehab start for Double-A Birmingham despite throwing just 84-88 mph with his fastball.
Insight: Danks is coming back from shoulder surgery and was placed on the DL after being rocked during spring training. He should be owned in AL-only leagues, but fantasy owners in mixed leagues can leave him on the free agent wire until we see what he does against major league hitters.
Description: White Sox manager Robin Ventura said before Saturday's game that when John Danks returns from his rehab from shoulder surgery, the rotation could feature four lefties. That means Hector Santiago would remain in the rotation over Dylan Axelrod. SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times
Insight: Ventura likes Axelrod, but Santiago has better stuff and a higher ceiling. Ventura said he wouldn't be opposed to having four lefties in his rotation when Danks returns after two or three more minor league rehab starts. Santiago throws 95 mph and has several good off-speed pitches. Fantasy owners in deeper mixed leagues should take a shot on him.
Description: White Sox starter Dylan Axelrod took a tough-luck loss Saturday against the Royals despite allowing just two runs in 7 2/3 innings.
Insight: Axelrod (0-2, 3.60 ERA, 1.23 WHIP) allowed eight hits and didn't strike out a batter. His fantasy appeal is limited to AL-only leagues due to his lack of strikeouts, but he has been a solid arm at the back end of an injury-riddled White Sox rotation.
Description: White Sox left fielder Dayan Viciedo (oblique) could begin his minor league rehab assignment Monday, according to Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune.
Insight: Viciedo strained his oblique on a hard swing on April 18. He's hitting .229 with two homers in 48 at-bats this season after bopping 25 homers last year.
Description: Chicago center fielder Dewayne Wise is questionable for Saturday's game against Kansas City with a stiff neck.
Insight: Wise hasn't started much this season, batting .207 with a .552 OPS in 29 at-bats over 16 games. this injury shouldn't change any fantasy lineups.
Description: White Sox DH Adam Dunn is 2-for-19 with 10 strikeouts in his career against Royals starter Jeremy Guthrie.
Insight: Dunn hit four homers in the final eight games of April and has been walking more lately after drawing just three free passes over the first 18 games, but he is still hitting just .147 with a .601 OPS.
Description: White Sox starter Jake Peavy's back is feeling a little better Friday and he could start Monday. SOURCE: Mark Gonzales, Chicago Tribune
Insight: Peavy was scratched from Thursday's start with back spasms. The team was hoping he would be available Sunday, but the rainout Friday allows the team to use him Monday for the makeup game.
Description: White Sox pitcher Hector Santiago likely will join the rotation full-time after a second opinion confirmed that Gavin Floyd has a torn flexor muscle.
Insight: Santiago was slated to make his first start of the season in place of Floyd Friday but he was moved up to Thursday to take the place of Jake Peavy (back spasms). Santiago allowed just two hits and one run and struck out six over 5 1/3 scoreless innings at Texas. His sinker sits at 93-95 mph and he has several off-speed pitches, including a screwball, a changeup and a slider. Deeper mixed league owners should make an add.
Description: A second opinion on White Sox starter Gavin Floyd's right arm has confirmed a torn flexor muscle and an unstable ulnar collateral ligament. SOURCE: Mark Gonzales, Chicago Tribune
Insight: Floyd will see a third doctor in New York on Monday to set a plan of action. In all likelihood, he's headed for season-ending surgery. Hector Santiago, who went 5 1/3 innings and allowed one run and two hits and struck out six Thursday in his first start of the season, will join the rotation, at least until John Danks returns from shoulder surgery.
Description: White Sox outfielder Alex Rios has faced Royals starter Jeremy Guthrie 50 times and collected 15 hits, including three doubles and two homers.
Insight: The two used to play in the AL East, which explains why Rios has so many at-bats against Guthrie. After a torrid start, Rios is 12-for-67 (.179) with zero multi-hit efforts over his last 18 games, but a familiar face on the mound could help him get it going.
Description: White Sox manager Robin Ventura is hopeful that Jake Peavy can make his next start on Sunday, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. He was scratched from his scheduled start Thursday due to a sore back.
Insight: Peavy says his back locked up after stretching Wednesday and he is still dealing with discomfort. Hector Santiago will make his first start of the season Thursday.
Description: White Sox right-hander Jake Peavy's next start hasn't been set, according to Make Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune. Peavy was scratched from his start Thursday due to back spasms.
Insight: Peavy says his back acted up after stretching Wednesday and he is still dealing with discomfort. Hector Santiago will make his first start of the season Thursday.
Description: Chicago White Sox starter Jake Peavy has been scratched from his scheduled start Thursday due to back spasms, according to Scott Merkin of MLB.com.
Insight: Peavy is 3-1 with a 3.38 ERA and a 39/6 K/BB in 32 innings this season, so this is a blow to fantasy owners in weekly head-to-head leagues. Hector Santiago will start in Peavy's place.
Description: Chicago righthander Gavin Floyd strained a flexor muscle in his right elbow Saturday against Tampa Bay and has been placed on the 15-day disabled list.
Insight: Hector Santiago came in for him with two outs in the third inning and could stay in the rotation until Floyd or John Danks (shoulder) returns to full health.
Description: White Sox third baseman Jeff Keppinger is doubtful for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay.
Insight: The former Tampa Bay Rays infielder has underachieved this season (.202, 0 HR, 6 RBI in 20 games). He can be forgotten about in most standard fantasy leagues.
Description: Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko has a career .500 hitter (9-for-18) versus Rays' left-hander David Price.
Insight: Konerko hasn't homered in the last nine games and has just one extra base hit over that span, so could use this favorable matchup to get him going. For the season he's batting just .232 with a .664 OPS. Last April he came out of the gate quickly with five home runs and a 1.123 OPS, so this slow start is well below fantasy owners' expectations.
Description: White Sox outfielder Alex Rios is a career .500 hitter (8-for-16) against Tampa Bay ace David Price with a pair of homers and a 1.704 OPS.
Insight: Rios started the season on fire, but has cooled of late, batting just .167 over the past seven days. He still owns decent season totals - batting .282 with 6 HR and 11 RBI.
Description: White Sox third baseman Jeff Keppinger won't get a chance to play against his former team Friday night in Chicago.
Insight: The former Ray has underachieved on a grand scale this season (.202, 0 HR, 6 RBI in 20 games). He can be forgotten about in standard fantasy leagues.
Description: Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko has a career .545 OBP against Tampa Bay right-hander Roberto Hernandez with a pair of homers and a 1.227 OPS in 30 plate appearances.
Insight: Konerko is just 1-for-11 over his last three games, but this matchup is a favorable one that should get him going again.
Description: Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko left Wednesday's game after being hit by a pitch, but he is in the starting lineup and playing first base Thursday.
Insight: Konerko was lifted for a pinch-runner after the HBP in the bottom of the eighth, but he is fine. He's only hitting .232 this season, however.
Description: Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko left Wednesday's game after being hit by a pitch.
Insight: Konerko went 0-for-3 in the game and is batting .232 this year. He was lifted for a pinch-runner after the HBP in the bottom of the eighth, but there hasn't been any word on an injury to the first baseman.
Description: White Sox catcher Tyler Flowers (.224. 4 HR, 7 RBI) has faced Cleveland right-hander just four times, but struck out in all four at-bats.
Insight: This might be a good day for manager Robin Ventura to give Flowers the night off, but backup Hector Gimenez is gimpy after being struck on the left shin in Monday's game. You should avoid Flowers on Wednesday.
Description: Chicago shortstop Alexei Ramirez is just 2-for-15 (.133) in his career against Twins starter Scott Diamond.
Insight: Ramirez is batting .322 with five doubles, a homer and a 6/4 K/BB, so you're probably not going to bench him now. He'll put his hot start to the test against a pitcher he hasn't performed well against in his career.
Description: White Sox outfielder Alex Rios has cooled a bit with six hits in his last 29 at-bats (.207), but he has had significant success against Sunday's opponent Scott Diamond of the Minnesota Twins.
Insight: Rios has been a gem against Diamond, going 7-for-17 (.412) with a homer and three RBIs.
Description: White Sox center fielder Alejandro De Aza is 5-for-29 over his last seven games, but three of his hits were home runs. He also will face Twins starter Scott Diamond Sunday, against whom he has five hits in 11 career at-bats.
Insight: De Aza already has four jacks in 65 at-bats after hitting nine in 524 last year, but he has struck out 19 times. However, Diamond doesn't have strikeout stuff and De Aza has a good chance at putting together a nice game on Sunday.
Description: White Sox left fielder Dayan Viciedo has been placed on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained left oblique.
Insight: Viciedo grabbed his left side after taking a big cut at the plate last Thursday. The outfielder is batting .229 average and but 16 strikeouts and no walks indicated he's not patient enough at the plate. Hopefully he can return in early May and produce like he did last May when he batted .351 with eight homers and 24 RBI.
Description: White Sox left-hander Chris Sale held Toronto to four hits and three runs (two earned) over seven innings, but he took his second loss of the year.
Insight: Sale has thrown three strong performances of seven innings or more and three runs or less, but his one bad start -- 4 1/3 innings, eight hits, eight runs his last time out -- makes his ERA 4.50 for the season. If you can somehow convince his owner that he's struggling, go for it.
Description: White Sox third baseman Jeff Keppinger went 0-for-4 Thursday and is 0-for-12 over his last three games.
Insight: Keppinger is batting .172 this season and has yet to walk in 64 trips to the plate. He hit .325 in 385 at-bats with Tampa Bay last season, but if he's not contributing in batting average he's not worth owning in fantasy leagues. He'll get hot at some point, and he'll still be on the free agent wire when he does.
Description: White Sox left fielder Dayan Viciedo left Thursday's game against the Blue Jays with an injury to his left side.
Insight: Viciedo grabbed his left side after taking a big cut at the plate. He likely has an oblique injury. The outfielder came into Thursday with a .217 average and 15/0 K/BB, but he went 6-for-12 with three doubles over his previous three games.
Description: White Sox outfielder Alex Rios went yard Wednesday for the fifth time this season.
Insight: Rios is batting .351 with nine RBIs, nine runs and three steals through 15 games to quickly eliminate any concerns that he would have a letdown after last season's excellent all-around campaign.
Description: White Sox starter Jose Quintana hasn't allowed a run over his last two starts.
Insight: He walked two, gave up five hits and fanned seven in 6 2/3 scoreless innings Wednesday versus Toronto after one-hitting the Indians over seven innings his last time out. His next turn will likely come Monday against those same Indians.
Description: White Sox outfielder Alex Rios is just 3-for-23 (.130) against former teammate Mark Buehrle with a .428 OPS.
Insight: Rios (.372, 4 HR, 8 RBI) is off to a flying start, but after homering in four consecutive games through April 9, has gone without a long ball in his last five games. This is an unfavorable matchup.
Description: Chicago White Sox starter Jake Peavy won his second game with seven innings of one-run ball against the Indians.
Insight: Peavy struck out 11 batters and owns a 24/1 K/BB in 18 1/3 innings. He'll always be an injury risk, but he threw 219 innings last season and had a 3.37 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 194 strikeouts.
Description: Adam Dunn doesn't always strike out but when he does, it's often against Indians starter Brett Myers. He's whiffed 11 times in 26 at bats versus the veteran righthander.
Insight: He's just 3-for-26 against Myers overall, which computes to a pathetic .115 batting average. The silver lining here is that two of Dunn's three hits have been homers.
Description: Chicago DH Adam Dunn is 1-for-7 against Cleveland starter Zach McAllister with a home run and five strikeouts.
Insight: That seems about right for the all-or-nothing slugger. Dunn is hitting just .162 for the year with a pair of homers and 11 strikeouts. You know what you are getting when you draft Dunn - homers, strikeouts and a low batting average.
Description: White Sox starter Jose Quintana held Cleveland to just two baserunners (1 H, 1 HBP) in seven scoreless innings Friday night, but he walked away with a no decision.
Insight: Justin Masterson threw a complete game shutout on the other side. Quintana gave up five earned runs on eight hits in four innings to Seattle in his first start this season.
Description: White Sox minor league first baseman Seth Loman is off to a fast start at Triple-A Charlotte, batting .458 with three homers and seven RBI through the Knights' first eight games.
Insight: Loman doesn't have a quick path to the majors as his way is blocked by both Paul Konerko and Adam Dunn. He's averaged .279 with 20 HR a season over the last four years, so this is likely just a hot streak and not a rise in long-term fantasy potential.
Description: White Sox left fielder Dayan Viciedo is hitless in seven career at-bats against Indians' starter Justin Masterson.
Insight: Viciedo hasn't been especially impressive this year, connecting on just four hits in 23 at bats (.174). The only good news is that he started slowly in 2012 only to explode in May (.351, 8 HR, 24 RBI in 28 games).
Description: Chicago DH Adam Dunn isn't a high-average hitter, but he does own a .360 batting average (9-for-25) against Cleveland starter Justin Masterson.
Insight: Dunn is hitting just .182 for the year with a pair of homers and 11 strikeouts. You know what you are getting when you draft Dunn - a high homer total and a low batting average. We see the low average and are waiting for the home run barrage to start. Maybe today in this favorable matchup.
Description: With Gordon Beckham (fractured hand) on the DL and likely to miss six weeks, Conor Gillaspie is expected to split time with Brent Morel at third base.
Insight: Jeff Keppinger will move to second. The 25-year-old Gillaspie is 14-for-56 (.250) with one home run in his major league career and doesn't have much power or speed.
Description: White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham has a broken hamate bone in his left hand and will miss at least six weeks. SOURCE: Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago
Insight: Beckham suffered what was initially called nerve irritation Tuesday on a hard swing, but tests have revealed the fracture. He'll need surgery to repair it. Nick Markakis had the same injury last season and missed six weeks, and Pablo Sandoval has suffered the injury in each hand over the last two years and missed six weeks the first time and five the second time.
Description: Chicago DH Adam Dunn won't be of much use to fantasy owners Thursday versus Dan Haren (2-for-15 lifetime with seven strikeouts).
Insight: Dunn is hitting just .179 for the year and he's already racked up ten strikeouts in his first 28 at bats. That's to be expected from the Big Donkey, a .240 lifetime hitter who loves to swing for the fences. With half the league getting the day off on Thursday, it could be tough to find a replacement for Dunn but trust us, you don't want him in your lineup against Haren.
Description: White Sox third baseman Jeff Keppinger is hitting .500 for his career against Washington's Dan Haren.
Insight: Haren has spent the majority of his career pitching for American League clubs so their paths have crossed quite a few times. It's understandable if fantasy owners are hesitant to start Keppinger because of his poor start (.133 AVG in his first seven games) but the numbers don't lie.
Description: White Sox left-hander John Danks (shoulder) saw a slight jump in velocity during an extended spring training start Tuesday afternoon.
Insight: Danks is coming back from shoulder surgery and was placed on the DL after being rocked during spring training. White Sox manager Robin Ventura said that Danks was throwing 89 mph after sitting at 87 before. He's still without a timetable for a return but he's making progress.
Description: White Sox outfielder Alex Rios has homered in four straight games.
Insight: Rios (.304, 25 HR, 91 RBI, 23 SB) had one of his best seasons in 2012, primarily out of the fifth hole, and he has batted third in every game this season. He's batting .407 this season.
Description: Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko was 2-for-20 prior to Tuesday and 1-for-12 in his career against Gio Gonzalez but he went 1-for-2 with a homer, two walks and four RBIs.
Insight: That's baseball. Sometimes stuff doesn't make sense. Konerko has a 2/3 K/BB through six games.
Description: White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham left Tuesday's game with a nerve irritation in his left wrist, according to Mark D. Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune.
Insight: It looked as though Beckham suffered the injury on a hard swing in the second inning. He's day-to-day.
Description: Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko is a career .083 hitter versus Washington ace Gio Gonzalez with one hit in 12 at-bats.
Insight: Add a slow start from the White Sox first baseman (.100 through 20 at-bats) and you have the making for an ugly game. Konerko had a monster April and May last season before fading late in the season, so a slow start is concerning. Avoid today's matchup.
Description: White Sox left fielder Dayan Viciedo won the game with a walkoff homer Sunday versus the Mariners.
Insight: It was his only hit of the afternoon. Viciedo hasn't been especially impressive this year, connecting on just three hits in 19 at bats (.158). If there's one positive to take away from Viciedo's early season performance it's that two out of the three hits have been home runs.
Description: White Sox starter Dylan Axelrod was solid in his 2013 debut, going 5 2/3 innings and allowing one run on three hits to the Mariners in a no decision.
Insight: Axelrod had a 5.47 ERA in 51 big league innings last season but he has posted a 2.58 ERA in 188 1/3 innings at Triple-A over the last two seasons. He also had a strong spring. He'll serve as the fifth starter until John Danks returns to action.
Description: White Sox outfielder Alex Rios has homered in two straight games and picked up a hit in all five games this season.
Insight: Rios (.304, 25 HR, 91 RBI, 23 SB) had one of his best seasons in 2012, primarily out of the fifth hole, and he has batted third in every game this season. Hitting in front of the patient and powerful Adam Dunn should give Rios plenty of chances to steal and score runs.
Description: Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko has only faced Seattle starter Blake Beavan five times, but owns four hits, including a home run and three RBI.
Insight: Konerko was 1-for-12 in the season-opening series. He has gotten off to hot starts in April and May over the last two seasons so there's reason to believe he will come around quickly and this favorable matchup might be the place for him to start.
Description: Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko went 0-for-4 Thursday against the Royals.
Insight: Konerko was 1-for-12 in the season-opening series. He has gotten off to hot starts in April and May over the last two seasons so there's reason to believe he will come around quickly.
Description: Chicago shortstop Alexei Ramirez will have his work cut out for him Thursday against Jeremy Guthrie.
Insight: Ramirez is 3-for-28 lifetime against the Royals righthander. It will be tempting to start Ramirez after he homered on Wednesday but fantasy owners should really look elsewhere for shortstop help today.
Description: White Sox DH Adam Dunn will have to face Royals starter Jeremy Guthrie on Thursday. In the past, that's rendered some disastrous results (2-for-16, eight K's).
Insight: There's no bigger headache in the world of fantasy baseball than Adam Dunn. If you're in a league that counts batting average, his low contact rate will doom you. But if you don't start Dunn, the prodigious power numbers he'll put up on your bench will make you want to kick yourself. You knew what you were getting into on draft day.
Description: White Sox right-hander Jake Peavy won his first start of 2013 by going six innings and holding Kansas City to two runs (one earned) on four hits. He struck out six and walked none.
Insight: In 2012, Peavy put together his best season since winning the Cy Young Award in 2007. In 32 starts, the right-hander went 11-12 with a 3.37 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 194 strikeouts in 219 innings. An injury is the only thing that will prevent him from duplicating that success.
Description: Chicago DH Adam Dunn came in 1-for-10 in his career against Kansas City right-hander Ervin Santana, but he went 2-for-3 with a solo homer Wednesday afternoon.
Insight: Dunn was 0-for-4 in the opener. He finished the 2012 season with 222 strikeouts, one shy of Mark Reynolds' major-league record set back in 2009. Dunn also led the league in walks (105) and finished the year with 41 homers, his highest total since 2004. Look for similar results in 2013.
Description: Chicago DH Adam Dunn has not had any success against Kansas City right-hander Ervin Santana going 1-for-10 over his career, a single, and three strikeouts.
Insight: Dunn was 0-for-4 in the opener. He finished the 2012 season with 222 strikeouts, one shy of Mark Reynolds' major-league record set back in 2009. Dunn also led the league in walks (105) and finished the year with 41 homers, his highest total since 2004.
Description: Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko is just a .171 hitter against Royals starter Ervin Santana without a home run and just a .444 OPS. He's struck out nine times and produced just six hits in 35 career at-bats.
Insight: Konerko didn't have a good matchup history with James Shields in the opener and that proved prophetic as he went 0-for-4. He doesn't have a good matchup on Wednesday either.
Description: White Sox reliever Jesse Crain is expected to be available for Tuesday's game against Kansas City. he's been struggling with a strained right adductor.
Insight: Crain has the ability to strike out batters (60 in 48 IP last season), but unless your fantasy league uses the hold category has very little fantasy value. He was 2-3 last season with a 2.44 ERA and 1.083 WHIP, but Addison Reed (29 saves) and Matt Thornton are ahead of him on the depth chart.
Description: White Sox ace Chris Sale limited the Royals to just seven hits over 7 2/3 shutout frames in Monday's season opener at U.S. Cellular Field.
Insight: Sale faltered late in the season last year (4.03 ERA after the All-Star break) but that's to be expected for a pitcher in his first year as a full-time starter. Now that Sale has that first year out of the way, he should be good to go in 2013. His next start is Sunday against the Mariners.
Description: Chicago DH Adam has not been much of an offensive force against Kansas City right-hander James Shields going 1-for-10 over his career with no homers and five strikeouts.
Insight: Dunn finished the 2012 season with 222 strikeouts, one shy of Mark Reynolds' major-league record set back in 2009. Dunn also led the league in walks (105) and finished the year with 41 homers, his highest total since 2004.
Description: Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko is just a .160 hitter against Royals starter James Shields without a home run and just a .460 OPS.
Insight: There has been some concern about how Konerko has faded in the second half during the past two seasons (.263 with a .771 OPS in the second half of 2012), but overall his season-long numbers have been very good and he's still a solid fantasy first base option.
Description: White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez has been succesful against Kansas City starter James Shields batting .391 (9-for-23) with a 1.157 OPS against the Royals' ace.
Insight: Ramirez has never lived up to the 20/20 potential he flashed in his rookie year, but at least for Opening Day 2013 the signs are for him to get off to a good start.
Description: White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez (shoulder) received negative X-rays on his right shoulder. He was hit by a pitch Wednesday and is day-to-day. SOURCE: Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago
Insight: Ramirez has never lived up to the 20/20 potential he flashed in his rookie year. He's hit in the .260s in each of the last two seasons and had a career-low .651 OPS in 2012. He shouldn't crack rosters in 12-team leagues.
Description: White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez left Wednesday's game after being hit in the right shoulder by a pitch from Indians righty Daisuke Matsuzaka.
Insight: Ramirez has never lived up to the 20/20 potential he flashed in his rookie year. He's hit in the .260s in each of the last two seasons and had a career-low .651 OPS in 2012. We'll have to wait for the team to provide an update regarding his shoulder.
Description: Dylan Axelrod will serve as the fifth starter for the Chicago White Sox until John Danks returns. Hector Santiago will pitch out of the bullpen.
Insight: Axelrod had a 5.47 ERA in 51 big league innings last season but he has posted a 2.58 ERA in 188 1/3 innings at Triple-A over the last two seasons. He also has a 3.21 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 12/2 K/BB in 14 spring innings. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on him.
Description: White Sox left-hander John Danks (shoulder) will start the season on the disabled list, according to Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Insight: Danks has allowed 20 earned runs, five homers and five walks in 11 innings this spring, giving him a 16.36 ERA. "Until he gets everything back and can throw as hard as he wants and has velocity, you're seeing him without a lot of his pitches," Chicago manager Robin Ventura said.
Description: Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko has the most homers in baseball this spring with five.
Insight: There has to be some concern about how Konerko will fare this season after he hit .263 with a .771 OPS in the second half (.329/.932 first half), his second straight second-half decline. Konerko also hasn't played more than 149 games over the past three seasons. If he gets off to another hot start, be prepared to sell high.
Description: According to Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune, White Sox manager Robin Ventura said infielder Jeff Keppinger (shoulder) is in no danger of missing Opening Day.
Insight: Keppinger is expected to be the starting third baseman for Chicago this season after hitting .325 in 385 at-bats last season with Tampa Bay. He's a career .288 hitter but his nine homers last season were a career high and he has never had more than four steals.
Description: White Sox lefthander Chris Sale agreed to a five-year, $32.5 million contract extension on Thursday.
Insight: That's a bargain compared to the coin Los Angeles forked over for Zack Greinke this past offseason. Sale successfully made the transition from the bullpen to the starting rotation in 2012, collecting a team-high 17 wins in 30 appearances. Sale threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings in his last start Friday against Cleveland.
Description: White Sox reliever Jesse Crain is dealing with a strained right shoulder and the Toronto native will miss the WBC, but should be ready for the regular season.
Insight: Crain has the ability to strike out batters (60 in 48 IP last season), but unless your fantasy league uses the hold category has very little fantasy value. He was 2-3 last season with a 2.44 ERA and 1.083 WHIP, but Addison Reed (29 saves) and Matt Thornton are ahead of him on the depth chart.
Description: White Sox left-hander John Danks (shoulder) is scheduled to make his spring training debut Monday.
Insight: Danks is still aiming to start the season on time after having shoulder surgery in August. His rehab is going well but he shouldn't be more than a late-round flier in fantasy leagues since his production seems to have topped out at a high-3 ERA and K/9 around 7.0
Description: White Sox pitcher Hector Santiago, the Opening Day closer last season, is being groomed for a starting role after coming out of the bullpen in 38 of 42 appearances last season.
Insight: In his four starts, Santiago went 2-0 with a 1.86 ERA and 1.190 WHIP. It appears that was enough to convince the team that he could be a full-time starter. Add in 26 Ks in 19 1/3 innings as a starter he he seems to have the talent to be a viable fantasy option.
Description: According to Daryl Van Schouwen, White Sox right fielder Alex Rios will bat in the third hole this season instead of Adam Dunn.
Insight: Rios (.304, 25 HR, 91 RBI, 23 SB) had one of his best seasons in 2012, primarily out of the fifth hole. He could be even more valuable hitting higher in the order if he can repeat last year's statistics.
Description: White Sox reliever Matt Thornton's MRI revealed inflammation in his left elbow. SOURCE: Dan Hayes, CSNChicago.com
Insight: The good news is that Thornton doesn't have structural damage. The hard-throwing left-hander went 4-10 with a 3.45 ERA, three saves and 26 holds last season. He would be one of the options considered if incumbent closer Addison Reed falters.
Description: The White Sox are keeping John Danks' rehab from shoulder surgery at a slow pace. He had a 10-minute session Sunday, mixing in a few more breaking balls than he did in his first session Thursday, according to ESPN.com.
Insight: Danks is still aiming to start the season on time. He said he has been assured by pitching coach Don Cooper, trainer Herm Schneider and doctors that they like where he's at with his rehab. Danks won 40 games with a sub-3.00 ERA from 2008-2010 but struggled with a 4.33 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 2011 and 5.70 ERA and 1.49 WHIP in nine starts last season. He won't be worth more than a late-round flier in fantasy drafts.
Description: Chicago White Sox SP John Danks (left shoulder surgery) threw for the first time in spring training and felt no pain, according to Chicago Tribune beat writer Mark D. Gonzales.
Insight: Danks has struggled over the past two seasons and hasn't had a winning record since 2010 (15-11). He's not a big strikeout guy (6.9 per 9 IP) so even at his best he's a low-end fantasy value.
Description: White Sox catcher Tyler Flowers who missed time at the end of last season due to a hairline fracture in his left hand, has been cleared for offseason workouts, according to a Chicago Tribune report.
Insight: With A.J. Pierzynski signing with Texas, Flowers should become the team's everyday catcher. Whether he can produce at Pierzynski's level, however, is doubtful.
Description: Starting pitcher Francisco Liriano is on the Mets' radar according to Ken Davidoff of the New York Post.
Insight: Liriano (6-12, 5.34 ERA) is like a box of chocolates: you never know what you're gonna get. That's not a good motto to have in fantasy. Stay away.
Description: Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports infielder Jeff Keppinger has joined the White Sox on a three-year, $12 million contract.
Insight: He'll likely fill the team's vacant third base position. Keppinger was a solid utility player for the Rays last season hitting .325 with nine homers and 40 RBI in 115 games.
Description: Catcher A.J. Pierzynski isn't expected to return to the White Sox next season according to Dan Hayes from Comcast Chicago.
Insight: Pierzynski is coming off the finest offensive showing of his career in 2012 (.278, 27 HR, 77 RBI). If Pierzynski leaves town as this report suggests, Tyler Flowers (.213, 7 HR, 13 RBI) would become the everyday catcher for the White Sox next season.
Description: The White Sox have declined their 2013 team option on third baseman Kevin Youkilis.
Insight: Youkilis' .235 batting average this season was the lowest of his career. Youk probably won't be unemployed for long but we're not hopeful about his fantasy prospects heading into next season.
Description: The White Sox have re-signed Jake Peavy to a two-year, $29 million contract with an option for 2015, according to Dan Hayes of CSNChicago.com.
Insight: Peavy put together his best season in 2012 since winning the Cy Young Award in 2007. In 32 starts, the right-hander went 11-12 with a 3.37 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 194 strikeouts in 219 innings.
Description: White Sox catcher Tyler Flowers will be sidelined for the next 4-to-6 weeks because of a hairline fracture in his left hand.
Insight: Flowers suffered the injury at the end of the regular season. He could become the team's everyday catcher next season if starter A.J. Pierzynski leaves in free agency.
Description: Jon Heyman of CBS Sports thinks Cleveland could be a good fit for third baseman Kevin Youkilis if the White Sox decline to pick up his option for next season.
Insight: Youkilis (.235, 19 HR, 60 RBI) has a great relationship with Terry Francona, who was announced as the team's new manager a little over a week ago. Cleveland doesn't have much talent at the corner infield positions either with Casey Kotchman at first and Lonnie Chisenhall at third. Youkilis is a .224 lifetime hitter at Cleveland's Progressive Field.
Description: Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko's left wrist surgery on Thursday was a success.
Insight: Konerko tired near the end of the season but was still able to finish the 2012 campaign with a respectable .298 average and 26 homers. We're not sure how much gas is left in the tank for the 36-year-old but we're guessing Konerko will remain a viable fantasy option for at least one more season as long as he can stay healthy.
Description: Chicago DH Adam Dunn finished the 2012 season with 222 strikeouts, one shy of Mark Reynolds' major-league record set back in 2009.
Insight: Dunn probably would have gotten the record had Robin Ventura put him in the lineup Wednesday against Kansas City. On a more positive note, Dunn also led the league in walks (105) and finished the year with 41 homers, his highest total since 2004.
Description: Chicago first baseman Dan Johnson finished the season in style with three homers and five RBI Wednesday in a win over Cleveland.
Insight: Johnson spent most of the year in Triple-A so these were his first home runs of the season. Ironically, Johnson's last major league home run before tonight came during the final game of the 2011 regular season when he was still a member of the Tampa Bay Rays.
Description: With the White Sox eliminated from playoff contention, manager Robin Ventura has elected to give several of his usual starters the night off.
Insight: Alejandro De Aza, Adam Dunn, A.J. Pierzynski, Alexei Ramirez, Alex Rios and Kevin Youkilis will all be on the sidelines for Wednesday's season finale versus Cleveland. Chicago enters tonight's action having lost 11 out of their last 14 games.
Description: White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko will have hand surgery Thursday, according to Mark D. Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune.
Insight: After hitting .399 with 11 homers and 33 RBIs in his first 45 games this season, Konerko slumped to .254 with 14 homers and 40 RBIs in his final 98. He should be fine for spring training next year.
Description: Chicago catcher A.J. Pierzynski is not in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against Cleveland.
Insight: Pierzynski has set a personal mark for homers (27) and tied his best RBI total with 77. The team was eliminated from postseason on Monday night so there is no reason to play any of the regulars.
Description: White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko is not in Tuesday's starting lineup against Cleveland.
Insight: With the team eliminated from postseason on Monday night there is no reason to play any of the regulars. Konerko had a great first half (.329, 14 HR, 42 RBI, .932 OPS), but stumbled down the stretch batting just .263 in the final 66 games.
Description: White Sox right fielder Alex Rios is not in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game with Cleveland.
Insight: Rios (.304, 25 HR, 91 RBI, 23 SB) is having one of his best seasons, but after playing 157 of 160 games is likely pretty tired and with the team eliminated from postseason on Monday night there is no reason to play any of the regulars.
Description: White Sox starter Jake Peavy said he'll make his scheduled start Tuesday against the Indians even if the Chicago is eliminated from postseason contention on Monday.
Insight: Peavy has put together his best season since winning the Cy Young Award in 2007. In 31 starts, he has 11 wins, four complete games, a 3.37 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 186 strikeouts in 211 innings. Tuesday's start could be his last with the White Sox; the team will decline his $22 million option after the season.
Description: Chicago catcher A.J. Pierzynski is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Tampa Bay. It's just the typical day game rest after a night game.
Insight: Pierzynski has set a personal mark for homers (27) and needs one more RBI to tie his 2004 best of 77. With the White Sox in a tight battle against the Tigers for the division crown, it's probably his last rest of the regular season.
Description: White Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis is only a .103 career hitter against Tampa Bay righthander James Shields.
Insight: Youk's season average has slipped to .232 thanks to his .197 average for the month of September. We're guessing he struggles Thursday in the series opener.
Description: White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko can't be too thrilled to see that James Shields is pitching Thursday night's series opener. Konerko is batting only .174 against Shields for his career.
Insight: Konerko's average dipped below .300 for the first time since April after last night's 0-for-4. Make sure he's not in your lineup on Thursday.
Description: White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez could provide fantasy owners with a huge performance Thursday when the Rays come to town. He's hitting .400 in 20 lifetime at bats against Rays starter James Shields.
Insight: We're betting Thursday will be a big day for the five-year veteran.
Description: White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham has peformed well in his career against Rays starter James Shields, collecting a .417 average in 12 at bats.
Insight: Beckham (.236, 16 HR, 60 RBI) has gone hitless in four our of his last five games but we're looking for a big rebound day Thursday with Shields (15-9, 3.65 ERA) toeing the rubber.
Description: White Sox starter Jake Peavy was slated to start Tuesday but he had his start pushed back to Thursday to get him some extra rest, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Insight: Peavy will oppose Tampa Bay instead of Cleveland. The right-hander has had an excellent season but he's struggled in the second half, posting a 4-7 record with a 4.20 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 83 2/3 innings.
Description: White Sox center fielder Alejandro De Aza is getting the afternoon off Sunday versus the Angels.
Insight: De Aza (.281) has stepped up his home run production with two bombs in his last five games. He had just seven homers in 121 appearances prior to his recent power surge.
Description: Paul Konerko has been brutal versus Angels starter Jered Weaver. The White Sox first baseman has just one hit against Weaver in 20 previous at bats.
Insight: With that kind of miserable track record, Konerko (.302, 24 HR, 70 RBI) is a huge fantasy liability with Weaver pitching on Sunday. Stash Konerko on your bench and wait for a more favorable matchup.
Description: White Sox right fielder Alex Rios can't be trusted Sunday against Angels starter Jered Weaver. In 22 at bats, Rios has just four hits against the Los Angeles righthander.
Insight: Rios (.301, 24 HR, 87 RBI) is coming off of a three-hit performance but we're not expecting him to enjoy that kind of success Sunday with Cy Young candidate Weaver (18-4, 2.79 ERA) on the mound.
Description: Paul Konerko is just a .188 hitter, without a home run, in 32 at-bats against Angels starter Ervin Santana.
Insight: Konerko put up an All-Star first half (.329, 14 HR, 42 RBI, .932 OPS), but his second half has dropped off significantly to .271, 9 HR, 27 RBI and a .775 OPS. Sit him on Friday.
Description: You can forget about starting White Sox DH Adam Dunn Thursday against the Royals. He's hitting a mere .077 in 13 previous at bats against righthander Jeremy Guthrie.
Insight: Dunn is hitless in his last two contests and hitting just .210 for the season. Meanwhile, Guthrie hasn't lost a start for Kansas City in over a month. You know what to do.
Description: Chicago catcher A.J. Pierzynski will take a seat Wednesday against Kansas City.
Insight: The 35-year-old is having the best offensive season of his career having produced a career-high 26 homers in 123 games played. Tyler Flowers (.230, 7 HR, 13 RBI) will take Pierzynski's place behind the plate.
Description: Paul Konerko is only a .220 hitter against Royals starter Bruce Chen (9-for-41), but five of his nine career hits are of the home run variety. The only pitchers he's taken deep more often than Chen are Brad Radke and Cliff Lee (6).
Insight: Konerko was put up an All-Star first half (.329, 14 HR, 42 RBI, .962 OPS), but his second half has dropped off significantly to .272. 10 HR, 29 RBI and a .766 OPS. Despite the low average, Konerko might be worth the chance on Wednesday.
Description: Chicago White Sox outfielder Dayan Viciedo is 9-for-19 (.474) with a pair of homers and a 1.263 OPS against Royals lefty Bruce Chen.
Insight: Vicideo has nice season-long numbers for a 23-year old in his first full-time gig, but most of the production came in an unbelievable May when he batted .351 with eight homers, 24 RBI and a .955 OPS. After three slow months, Viciedo has rebounded to have a solid September posting an .810 OPS. He's worthy of a start on Wednesday against Chen.
Description: White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski is an ugly 2-for-19 (.105) in his career against Royals right-hander Luke Hochevar.
Insight: Pierzynski is 2-for-18 over his last five contests. He has set a career mark for homers (26) and needs four more RBI to post a personal best in that category, but he did most of the damage before the end of August.
Description: White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski is an ugly 1-for-17 (.059) in his career against Detroit right-hander Doug Fister.
Insight: Pierzynski is 1-for-14 over his last four contests and was given Sunday off. He could probably use a second day on the sidelines too. Pierzynski has set a career mark for homers (26) and needs four more RBI to post a personal best in that category, but he did most of the damage before the end of August.
Description: White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez has been worthless against Tigers starter Max Scherzer. He's hitting only .154 against him in 13 career at bats.
Insight: Scherzer has been a stud in the second half (8-1, 2.61 ERA in 12 starts) and figures to have another strong game Sunday against Chicago. You'll leave Ramirez (.272, 9 HR, 69 RBI) on the bench Sunday if you know what's good for you.
Description: White Sox lefty Francisco Liriano made his first start since Sept. 7 Saturday against the Twins and he showed why he is one of the most frustrating pitchers in all of baseball by allowing just one hit in seven innings. The lone hit Liriano allowed was a two-run homer to Trevor Plouffe in the bottom of the seventh inning.
Insight: Liriano (6-11, 5.24 ERA) started off the season 0-5 with a 9.45 ERA and didn't pick up his first win until May 30, was quality in five of six starts from May 30 until June 25, struck out 15 batters on July 13 and 10 on July 18 and then allowed 32 runs in his next 43 1/3 innings. Talk about a roller coaster.
Description: White Sox DH Adam Dunn took batting practice Friday and is expected to return to the starting lineup Saturday against the Twins.
Insight: Dunn (.208, 38 HR, 88 RBI) has been sidelined for more than a week because of a sore oblique. When he returns, Dayan Viciedo (.250, 20 HR, 61 RBI) will probably move back to left field with Dewayne Wise (.275, 8 HR, 23 RBI, 16 SB) going to the bench.
Description: Chicago second baseman Gordon Beckham hasn't had much success in his career against Tigers righthander Justin Verlander. He only has five hits against him in 28 lifetime encounters.
Insight: Beckham has actually had a decent series (4-for-6, two homers, three RBI) but all of that goes out the window when you're facing a once-in-a-generation talent like Verlander. We're forecasting a rough day for the White Sox infielder.
Description: Paul Konerko owners better run for the hills Thursday when the White Sox first baseman takes on Tigers ace Justin Verlander. Konerko holds a .164 lifetime average against the 2011 American League MVP.
Insight: Verlander (13-8, 2.91 ERA) has gotten Konerko to strike out in 16 of their 55 previous battles. Our advice is to play it safe by sitting the veteran on Thursday.
Description: White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez is a career .107 hitter (3-for-28) against Detroit right-hander Maz Scherzer.
Insight: Ramirez (.274, 9 HR, 66 RBI, 16 SB) has been much improved in the second half of the season with an OPS 138 points higher than before the break. This matchup, however, is decidedly one-sided in favor of the pitcher.
Description: Chicago DH Adam Dunn took a pain-killing injection on Tuesday and hopes to be able to swing a bat on Wednesday.
Insight: Dunn has been out for almost a week with a strained right oblique. Dayan Viciedo (.253, 20 HR, 60 RBI) has taken over the DH duties in Dunn's absence.
Description: Chicago catcher A.J. Pierzynski is just a .071 hitter (1-for-14) against Detroit right-hander Doug Fister.
Insight: Pierzynski has set a career high for homers (26) and will likely put up his best RBI total in 15 years, however, he's had little success against Fister. Sit him for the day.
Description: White Sox righty Gavin Floyd is expected to return to the starting rotation Wednesday against the Tigers.
Insight: Floyd has been sidelined since late August with a strained right elbow. Floyd (9-9, 4.55 ERA) has pitched well versus Detroit this year, compiling a 1.38 ERA in two starts.
Description: As expected, Chicago third baseman Kevin Youkilis is in the starting lineup for Monday's game against Detroit.
Insight: Youkilis will bat second for the AL Central-leading White Sox. Youkilis (.238, 16 HR, 52 RBI) missed the team's series versus the Royals this past weekend to see the birth of his first child.
Description: Chicago third baseman Kevin Youkilis is probable for Monday's game against Detroit after missing time to attend the birth of his child.
Insight: Youkilis has struggled since the All-Star break batting just .210 with nine homers and 24 RBI. He's beginning to look like the guy the Red Sox couldn't wait to trade away.
Description: Chicago catcher A.J. Pierzynski is just a .211 hitter with only four singles in 19 at-bats versus Detroit right-hander Rick Porcello.
Insight: Pierzynski has set a career high for homers and will likely put up his best RBI total in 15 years, however, he's had little success against this Tigers starter. Sit him for the day.
Description: White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko is a career .385 hitter (10-for-26) against Detroit hurler Rick Porcello with a 1.064 OPS.
Insight: Konerko had an All-Star first half (.329, 14 HR, 42 RBI, .932 OPS), but is having a very pedestrian second half (.279, 8 HR, 24 RBI, .792 OPS).
Description: Thinking about starting Alexei Ramirez on Sunday? Think again. The White Sox shortstop is a miserable 1-for-25 in his career against Royals righthander Jeremy Guthrie.
Insight: Ramirez (.273, 9 HR, 66 RBI, 15 SB) will be hard-pressed to extend his hitting streak to seven games Sunday with Guthrie (7-12, 5.34 ERA) on the mound for Kansas City.
Description: Chicago ace Chris Sale improved to 16-6 with a win over the Royals on Saturday.
Insight: He gave up one run and five hits over six innings. Sale (2.88 ERA) had lost three out of four leading up to his start on Saturday. He'll be on the mound again Thursday versus Detroit.
Description: Chicago White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez is batting .319 with five homers and 15 RBIs in his last 27 games, but Saturday does not present a favorable matchup.
Insight: Ramirez possesses an average of .083 in 24 at-bats against Royals starter Bruce Chen. Though the shortstop has turned around a disappointing season to a degree in the past month, he's not a good option Saturday.
Description: Chicago outfielder Alex Rios is a .205 career hitter against Royals starter Bruce Chen.
Insight: Rios hit two homers and drove in six runs two days ago but he's been otherwise ineffective in the past month. Saturday would be a good day to sit him.
Description: Chicago catcher A.J. Pierzynski is batting .146 in his last 12 games, but he homered Friday and he'll face Royals starter Bruce Chen Saturday.
Insight: Pierzynski is 14-for-33 (.424) with two homers and four RBIs against Chen. Don't be deterred by his recent slump; start him Saturday.
Description: A recurrence of an oblique injury suffered earlier in the week has White Sox DH Adam Dunn sidelined for Friday night's game versus Kansas City.
Insight: Dunn (.208, 38 HR, 88 RBI) has fallen behind Josh Hamilton in the American League home run race, though he has hit safely in seven of his last eight games. Look for him to return to the lineup later this weekend.
Description: Chicago outfielder Dayan Viciedo is just 1-for-13 (.077) in his career against Royals starter Luis Mendoza.
Insight: Vicideo has nice season-long numbers for a 23-year old in his first full-time gig, but most of the production came in an unbelievable May when he batted .351 with eight homers, 24 RBI and a .955 OPS. Since June 1 he's batting just .232 with a .650 OPS. Sit him on Friday.
Description: Chicago outfielder Alex Rios came into Wednesday hitting .217 with two homers and 24 strikeouts in his last 29 games, but he broke out with two homers and six RBIs against the Twins.
Insight: Rios is a streaky player so hopefully this is a sign that he's going to put together another month like June (.346, 6 HRs, 16 RBIs) or July (.333, 6 HRs, 22 RBIs).
Description: White Sox starter Jake Peavy bounced back from one of his worst starts of the season with six strong innings Wednesday against Minnesota.
Insight: Peavy gave up six runs on nine hits, walked four and allowed two homers in six innings his last time out but he was able to grab his first victory since Aug. 1 Wednesday. Peavy held the Twins to one run on five hits, walked one and struck out three to improve to 10-10.
Description: White Sox DH Adam Dunn is in the starting lineup for Monday's game against Minnesota. He has been dealing with a stained right oblique.
Insight: Dunn leads the major leagues with 38 homers, but he is also hitting only .205 with a league-leading 190 strikeouts. He's also walked 94 times for an OBP of .337.
Description: White Sox DH Adam Dunn won't play Sunday night against the Tigers but he's hoping he'll be able to return to action Monday versus the Twins. Dunn was scratched from last night's game beacuse of a sore oblique.
Insight: Dunn leads the major leagues with 38 homers but he is also hitting only .205 with 190 strikeouts. A.J. Pierzynski (.285, 24 HR, 71 RBI) will DH tonight for the Chi Sox.
Description: White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko had a lousy August, hitting .231 with four homers in 20 games, and he is likely not looking forward to Sunday's matchup with Justin Verlander of the Tigers.
Insight: Konerko is 8-for-52 (.154) with 15 strikeouts against Verlander. Avoid him Sunday.
Description: Even if Chicago DH Adam Dunn (oblique) plays Sunday, you don't want to start him against Tigers starter Justin Verlander.
Insight: Dunn was scratched with a minor oblique injury Saturday and he is just 3-for-20 (.150) with 10 whiffs against Verlander. Sit him Sunday even if he's in the lineup.
Description: Chicago catcher A.J. Pierzynski has just two hits in his last 25 at-bats, and he'll face Justin Verlander Sunday.
Insight: Compared to some of his teammates Pierzynski's .268 average (19-for-71) against Verlander doesn't look so bad, but that doesn't mean you should start the catcher Sunday.
Description: Chicago DH Adam Dunn was scratched from Saturday's lineup due to an oblique injury.
Insight: Dunn has provided 38 homers and 88 RBIs to offset his .205 batting average. The injury doesn't sound too serious but you never know with oblique injuries.
Description: Chicago catcher A.J. Pierzynski is hitless in 11 at-bats against Detroit right-hander Doug Fister.
Insight: Although Pierzynski (.285, 23 HR, 70 RBI) is in the middle of a "career year" he's been slumping the past two weeks, batting just .148 without a long ball. Sit him on Friday.
Description: Dylan Axelrod was superb in his return to the White Sox starting rotation on Wednesday, baffling the Orioles over 7 1/3 innings of work.
Insight: Axelrod, who was called up from Triple-A Charlotte on Tuesday, only allowed one run on three hits, walking four and striking out five. He'll be making his next start Monday versus the Twins.
Description: Chicago catcher A.J. Pierzynski is sitting out Wednesday's game against the Orioles.
Insight: Pierzynski (.288, 23 HR, 70 RBI) has encountered a rare cold-streak in his otherwise flawless 2012 campaign. He is now hitless in his last 14 at bats.
Description: Chicago DH Adam Dunn is an ugly 0-for-7 in his matchups with Baltimore lefty Joe Saunders.
Insight: Dunn leads the league in homers (38), walks (90) and strikeouts (184). As long as you can absorb his low batting average (.205) he'll be an asset to your fantasy lineup because he can still hit the ball a long way.
Description: White Sox starter Jake Peavy may not have been able to make his scheduled start Wednesday due to an eye infection, but he was coincidentally moved to Friday to take the place of injured starter Gavin Floyd.
Insight: Peavy is having a phenomenal season, posting a 3.09 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 175 innings, but he only has a 9-9 record to show for it.
Description: White Sox outfielder Alejandro De Aza (bruised ribcage) has been cleared to start a minor league rehab assignment, according to Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune.
Insight: De Aza has been on the DL since Aug. 18 but he'll likely be able to return after the minimum amount of days, putting him on track for the first few days of September.
Description: Chicago White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez is having a disappointing season, but he is 4-for-5 with a home run in his career against Baltimore right-hander Chris Tillman.
Insight: Sure the sample size is small, but an .800 batting average and 2.200 OPS is hard to ignore. After averaging 17.25 homers per year over the last four seasons Ramirez only has eight in 2012 with a .655 OPS. Perhaps you can catch lightning in a bottle on Tuesday.
Description: Paul Konerko has had some success against Seattle's Kevin Millwood in the past. In 30 lifetime at bats, the White Sox first baseman is batting .367 with three RBI versus Millwood.
Insight: Konerko is having a solid series (5-for-8, two RBIs) and we'd expect that trend to continue Sunday against the veteran righthander.
Description: Chicago outfielder Alex Rios is hitting an excellent .375 against Mariners starter Kevin Millwood.
Insight: Rios (.303, 20 HR, 73 RBI) has also demonstrated a nice power stroke versus the veteran righthander, exploding for seven RBI in 24 at bats. Make sure Rios is in your lineup on Sunday.
Description: White Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis has destroyed Seattle starter Kevin Millwood throughout his career. In 15 at bats, Youkilis is hitting .467 against the Mariners righthander.
Insight: Youkilis really hasn't fared much better in Chicago (.254) than when he was in Boston (.233) but this looks like a matchup the three-time All-Star can take advantage of.
Description: Chicago DH Adam Dunn is an impressive 9-for-22 with six homers and eight RBI against Seattle righthander Kevin Millwood.
Insight: Dunn's average is barely above .200 but his power stroke is still there as he has smacked five long balls over his last 10 games. There's a good chance he'll be able to go deep again Sunday versus Millwood (4-10, 4.29 ERA).
Description: White Sox outfielder Alex Rios is just 2-for-11 (.182) against Seattle hurler Jason Vargas.
Insight: Rios has been an excellent value this season, batting .301 with 20 HR, 72 RBI and 18 SB, but he's struggled over the past two weeks batting just .192 and this unfavorable matchup isn't likely to help. Sit him on Friday.
Description: Chicago White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko is a career .545 hitter (6-for-11) versus Seattle starter Jason Vargas with a 1.615 OPS.
Insight: Konerko (.313, 21 HR, 58 RBI) has been hot since his return from a concussion, with three homers and a 1.016 in six games. Combined with a favorable matchup makes Konerko a must start on Friday.
Description: White Sox outfielder Alejandro De Aza is on the 15-day disabled list with a bruised left rib cage.
Insight: De Aza's (.281, 6 HR, 44 RBI, 21 SB) spot in the outfield is being taken by DeWayne Wise who is 6-for-10 in the current series with the Yankees and is a viable fantasy option (.299, 6 HR, 17 RBI).
Description: White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham is hitless in 10 at-bats versus Yankees starter Phil Hughes with seven strikeouts.
Insight: Beckham is batting just .183 since the All-Star break and should not be in Wednesday's lineup under any circumstances. For the season he's batting .227 with 12 HR and 44 RBI.
Description: White Sox outfielder Dewayne Wise is batting .361 with three homers and nine RBIs since the team called him up nine games ago.
Insight: The 34-year-old Wise has wreaked havoc on his former team the Yankees in the last two games, hitting a homer Monday and going 4-for-5 Tuesday. Unfortunately for Wise, it's unlikely to last.
Description: Chicago third baseman Kevin Youkilis had one hit Tuesday against New York, but it was a grand slam.
Insight: Youkilis hit a fly ball to right field that just kept carrying until it went out. It was less a sign that Youk is back on track and more a sign that the wind was blowing out in right field.
Description: White Sox DH/1B Adam Dunn is hitless in seven career at-bats against Yankees starter Ivan Nova, including three strikeouts.
Insight: Monday was just another typical day for Dunn - a home run, two walks and a strikeout in five plate appearances. Dunn leads the AL in strikeouts (176) along with homers (36) and walks (88) while batting just .208. If your fantasy team can absorb the low batting average, the rest of his game is an asset worth having.
Description: White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski has faced Yankees starter Ivan Nova 11 times in his career and the best he has to show for it is a walk and a single.
Insight: At 35-years-old, Pierzynski is having the best season of his major league career. He's set a personal mark for homers (23) and should beat his previous bests in runs and RBIs in a short period of time. His .891 OPS is 67 points higher than his previous best (2003). However, Tuesday is an unfavorable matchup.
Description: White Sox outfielder Alejandro De Aza has indicated that he is struggling with an oblique issue in addition to the back injury that has sidelined him since Friday. He's still out for Monday's game against New York.
Insight: Oblique injuries usually go hand in hand with the disabled list so it's unlikely we'll see De Aza (.281, 6 HR, 44 RBI, 21 SB) in uniform against the Yankees this week.
Description: White Sox slugger Adam Dunn is hitless in 11 career at-bats against Yankees starter Freddy Garcia, including six strikeouts.
Insight: Dunn leads the league in strikeouts (175), which is a good thing for a pitcher but not a hitter. He also leads the AL in homers (35) and walks (86) while batting just .207. If your fantasy team can absorb the low batting average, the rest of his game is an asset worth having. Monday, however, you should give him the day off.
Description: Chicago White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko is a career .357 hitter versus Yankees right-hander Freddy Garcia with four homers in 28 at-bats.
Insight: Konerko (.314, 20 HR, 57 RBI) has hit two homers in the four games since his return from a concussion.
Description: Chicago center fielder Alejandro De Aza missed Sunday's series finale against the Royals because of an injured back. His status for the team's upcoming series against New York is uncertain.
Insight: Though he's listed as day-to-day, it doesn't sound like De Aza (.281, 6 HR, 44 RBI) will be ready to play any time in the near future.
Description: White Sox outfielder Alex Rios is just 2-for-26 (.077) in his last six games, but Sunday's matchup might provide the spark to get his bat going. Rios will oppose a pitcher he has always had success against, Jeremy Guthrie of the Royals.
Insight: Guthrie has shockingly thrown 15 straight scoreless innings in winning his last two starts, but Rios is 12-for-38 (.316) with two doubles, two homers and five RBIs against the Royals starter.
Description: In typical Adam Dunn fashion, the White Sox slugger homered Saturday, his fourth in six games. The round-tripper was the 400th of Dunn's career.
Insight: Coming off a 6-for-50 (.120) streak, Dunn is batting .318 (7-for-22) with four homers and seven RBIs in his last six games.
Description: Chicago shortstop Alexei Ramirez is having his worst season and it doesn't look like it's going to get any better Saturday. Ramirez is just 1-for-22 (.045) in his career against Royals lefty Bruce Chen.
Insight: After averaging 17.25 homers per year over the last four seasons Ramirez only has six in 2012, and his OBP has slipped to .283 due to a lousy 60/10 K/BB ratio.
Description: White Sox outfielder Alex Rios may be having a career year, but he may have some trouble contributing Saturday against Royals starter Bruce Chen.
Insight: Rios is contributing in all fantasy categories, hitting .306 with 19 homers, 70 RBIs, 17 steals and 70 runs scored. However, he's just 8-for-36 (.222) in his career against Chen. Still, you shouldn't bench Rios since Chen isn't exactly a dominating presence on the mound and trends could always change against a pitcher like him.
Description: White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski has a good shot to add to his career year Saturday, as he'll oppose Royals starter Bruce Chen. The catcher is 14-for-33 (.424) with two homers against Chen.
Insight: Pierzynski already has exceeded his career high in homers by five and he is 10 RBIs away from tying his career high in that category. Plus, his .890 OPS is 162 points higher than last season and 66 points higher than his career high of .824 in 2003.
Description: Chicago White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko has been activated from the seven-day disabled list.
Insight: Konerko (.316, 18 HR, 54 RBI) should return to first base with Adam Dunn (.207, 34 HR, 81 RBI) resuming his DH role. Konerko hasn't been nearly as good in the second half (.275, 4 HR, 12 RBI .765 OPS) as he was earlier in the season.
Description: Chicago outfielder Dayan Viciedo is just 1-for-11 (.091) in his career against Royals starter Luis Mendoza.
Insight: Vicideo has produced more power than expected this season with 19 HR, but did most of his damage during a hot month of May when he hit eight homers and posted a .995 OPS. Friday is a matchup to be avoided.
Description: Chicago starter Francisco Liriano has been solid in three of his four starts with the White Sox, including Thursday when he held Toronto to two runs on three hits and struck out six in 6 1/3 innings.
Insight: Liriano allowed six runs in 3 1/3 his last time out, but he has thrown five innings or more and held opponents to two runs or less in his other three starts with Chicago.
Description: Chicago shortstop Alexei Ramirez has lacked consistency at the plate this season but it looks like he should still be a strong fantasy play Thursday night against the Blue Jays. Ramirez has hit .400 in 15 lifetime at bats against lefthander Aaron Laffey,
Insight: Ramirez (.260, 5 HR, 51 RBI) has struggled to a .204 average in August but we're guessing he'll be able to bust out of his month-long slide Thursday against Laffey (3-3, 4.72 ERA).
Description: The Chicago Tribune reports that injured first baseman Paul Konerko is set to return to the White Sox lineup when the team plays its series opener against Kansas City on Friday night. Konerko has been sidelined for the last week with a mild concussion.
Insight: When Konerko (.316, 18 HR, 54 RBI) comes back, Adam Dunn (.208, 34 HR, 81 RBI) will likely slide back into his usual DH role while Dayan Viciedo (.255, 18 HR, 55 RBI) will return to his normal post in left field.
Description: White Sox DH Adam Dunn bashed another home run on Wednesday to keep pace with Josh Hamilton for the league-lead.
Insight: Dunn endured a 13-game homerless streak earlier in the month but he seems to have snapped out of that funk, homering for the third time in his last three games Wednesday night. He's now on pace to leave the yard 47 times in 2012. That's one more than his current career-high of 46 dingers set back in 2004 as a member of the Cincinnati Reds.
Description: Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko, who is on the seven-day DL with a mild concussion, has resumed baseball activities and hopes to play on Friday.
Insight: Konerko is batting .316 with 18 HR and 54 RBI, but after a blazing start (he was hitting .381 on May 30) has cooled a bit.
Description: Chicago third baseman Kevin Youkilis is a career .360 hitter (9-for-25) versus Blue Jays lefty Ricky Romero with four homers, nine RBI and a 1.445 OPS.
Insight: Youkilis (.245, 14 HR, 43 RBI) has played much better as a member of the White Sox than with his old club the Red Sox with 10 of his 14 homers and a .847 OPS. Start him on Wednesday.
Description: Chicago DH/1B Adam Dunn is hitless in six at-bats versus Toronto starter Henderson Alvarez with four strikeouts.
Insight: Dunn has 33 HR and 78 RBI this season, but his OPS has dropped 117 points since the All-Star break. He doesn't put the bat on the ball often, 167 strikeouts, 82 walks, but when he does it still goes a long way.
Description: Even an unfavorable matchup against Bartolo Colon couldn't stop A.J. Pierzynski Sunday. The White Sox catcher hit his 23rd homer of the season as part of a 2-for-4 day.
Insight: Pierzynski extended his hitting streak to 13 games Sunday. He has seven homers during the streak and has already exceeded his career high in that category by five.
Description: White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski probably isn't too pleased to be going up against Bartolo Colon on Sunday. He's batting a mere .184 in 38 lifetime appearances against the Oakland righthander.
Insight: Pierzynski (.297, 22 HR, 65 RBI) is on a 12-game hitting streak at the moment but we still don't think he'll be a great fantasy option Sunday with Colon on the hill.
Description: Chicago third baseman Kevin Youkilis isn't available for Sunday's contest versus Oakland. Youkilis injured his wrist after getting hit by a pitch in Saturday night's game.
Insight: It's just a bruise so Youkilis (.242, 14 HR, 43 RBI) should be fine to play again Monday night against Toronto.
Description: Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko has been placed on the seven-day DL with a mild concussion.
Insight: Adam Dunn (.206, 31 HR, 75 RBI) is getting the start at first base Friday for the White Sox and that will probably be the case going forward until Konerko's head starts feeling better.
Description: White Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis is just a .091 hitter (1-for-11) against Oakland starter Brandon McCarthy.
Insight: Youkilis a short spike in performance following the trade, he's reverted to struggling again, batting .195 since the All-Star break. Sit him on Friday.
Description: White Sox outfielder Alex Rios is 1-for-13 (.077) against Oakland starter Brandon McCarthy.
Insight: Rios is having a career season, contributing in all fantasy categories. He's batting .318 with 18 HR, 67 RBI 16 SB and a career high .893 OPS. Avoid this matchup on Friday, but get him back in the lineup for the weekend.
Description: Though it was reported that White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko missed Wednesday's game with a sore back, he actually has a mild concussion and may be placed on the 7-day disabled list, according to Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Insight: Konerko is just 5-for-36 (.139) in his last nine games. He was concussed Tuesday when he took an elbow to the temple area on a play at first base.
Description: White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko has a sore back that will keep him out of the lineup Wednesday, according to Dan Hayes of Comcast SportsNet Chicago.
Insight: Konerko is just 5-for-36 (.139) in his last nine games. The White Sox expect the first baseman to return to the lineup Friday after the team has a day off Thursday.
Description: White Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis is not in the lineup Tuesday due to a sore right knee, according to Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune.
Insight: Youkilis heated up after being traded from Boston to Chicago but a 2-for-21 stretch put a dent in his overall statistics with the team. Still, he's belted three homers in the last three games and nine altogether in 35 games with the White Sox after hitting four in 42 games with the Red Sox. The knee injury shouldn't keep him out of the lineup for more than a few games.
Description: White Sox center fielder Alejandro De Aza is questionable for Tuesday's game against Kansas City with a sore left wrist.
Insight: De Aza (.289, 69 runs, 6 HR, 43 RBI) has gotten his first full season of work and been a solid contributor as the White Sox leadoff hitter. One drawback is his 20 stolen bases also comes with a league-leading eight times caught stealing.
Description: White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham is 1-for-16 (.063) against Royals hurler Bruce Chen with a .174 OPS.
Insight: Beckham (.228, 10 HRs, 39 RBIs) is at best a fantasy fill-in for a short-term injury as his OPS has dropped from .808 as a rookie to .634 this season. He should not be in any lineups on Tuesday.
Description: White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez is just 1-for-19 (.053) in his career against Royals lefty Bruce Chen.
Insight: Ramirez (.267, 4 HRs, 50 RBIs) has never achieved what was expected of him after a 21 HR, 77 RBI rookie season. His power is way down as evidenced by his .644 OPS.
Description: White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski is a career .433 hitter (13-for-30) with a 1.118 OPS against Royals starter Bruce Chen.
Insight: Pierzynski (.293, 21 HR, 62 RBI) is as hot as any player with five homers in his last six games and is a top-five fantasy catcher this season. He's a must start on Tuesday.
Description: White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko went 1-for-4 with a solo homer Monday against the Royals, his 18th of the season.
Insight: Konerko has followed up a 1-for-24 stretch with two straight solid games, going 3-for-4 Sunday and hitting a homer Monday. He appears to be back on track.
Description: White Sox starter Chris Sale started Monday for the first time since July 27 and dominated Kansas City over eight innings to pick up win No. 13.
Insight: Chicago gave Sale an extended rest after he noticed a dip in velocity over his last two starts. It appears to have worked, as the lefty fanned seven Royals and allowed two runs on eight hits in eight innings Monday. White Sox manager Robin Ventura said Monday that Phil Humber will move to the bullpen, which means Sale will start on regular rest going forward.
Description: Chicago DH Adam Dunn is ice cold again, going 3-for-31 with one RBI in has last eight games.
Insight: Dunn has alternated brutal cold streaks with short surges since mid-June. He'll likely follow this up with a few homers over the next week of games before returning to a deep freeze.
Description: White Sox starter Phil Humber will move to the bullpen and the team will go back to a five-man rotation, Chicago manager Robin Ventura said Monday according to ESPN Chicago.
Insight: Humber has allowed 59 runs in 73 2/3 innings since throwing a perfect game on April 21. He can be dropped in all fantasy formats.
Description: White Sox center fielder Alejandro De Aza has been scratched from Monday night's series opener versus the Royals. He's out with a stiff back.
Insight: De Aza (.289, 6 HR, 43 RBI) had been 12 for his last 23 before going 0-for-4 on Sunday. Consider the Chicago outfielder day-to-day.
Description: White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski is a career .333 hitter with a 1.051 OPS against Royals starter Luis Mendoza.
Insight: Pierzynski (.289, 21 HR, 61 RBI) is as hot as any player with homers in his last five games and is a top-five fantasy catcher this season. He's a must start on Monday.
Description: White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski went deep against the Angels Sunday for his fifth homer in his past five games.
Insight: Pierzynski (.289, 21 HR, 61 RBI) hit 17 home runs total between 2010-2011. This season he's on pace to hit 32. We're not sure where this sudden burst of power is coming from but fantasy owners certainly aren't complaining.
Description: Chicago lefthander Francisco Liriano left Sunday's start early because of a right quad contusion.
Insight: Liriano (3-10, 5.03 ERA) had been cruising before he got hurt (5 IP, 4 H, ER, BB, 4 K). There hasn't been any word yet on the severity of Liriano's injury, so stay tuned.
Description: Chicago catcher A.J. Pierzynski is 20-for-49 (.408) with a pair of homers against new Angels right-hander Zack Greinke.
Insight: Pierzynski (.289, 18 HRs, 55 RBIs) has been one of the top fantasy catchers all season and since the All-Star break is batting .317 with a .876 OPS. He's a must-start on Friday.
Description: Jake Peavy's outing Wednesday afternoon against Minnesota was a good one. Seven days after limiting the Twins to one earned run in six innings, the White Sox righthander again surrendered only one earned run but this time it was over eight frames. Peavy also contributed eight strikeouts in the win.
Insight: Peavy (9-7, 3.04 ERA) is now 2-1 versus the Twins in 2012 with a 2.25 ERA. Against the rest of the league, he's 7-6 with a 3.16 ERA.
Description: White Sox center fielder Alejandro De Aza chipped in with three hits and a stolen base Wednesday afternoon in a 3-2 win over the Twins.
Insight: De Aza (.287, 6 HRs, 42 RBIs, 20 SBs) struggled in July (.242, 1 HR, 9 RBIs) but he certainly started August off on the right foot. With his three-hit effort on Wednesday, De Aza was able to finish the series with seven hits in 13 at bats (.538).
Description: White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham is not in the lineup on Wednesday and that's probably for the best. He's hitless in seven career at bats against Minnesota starter Scott Diamond.
Insight: Beckham (.231, 9 HRs, 38 RBIs) hit just .188 with no homers in July and at the risk of starting out on the wrong foot in August, he'll sit Wednesday against the lefthander Diamond (9-4, 2.88 ERA).
Description: Chicago catcher A.J. Pierzynski is receiving the day off Wednesday against Minnesota.
Insight: Pierzynski (.289, 18 HRs, 55 RBIs) is still working his way back from an oblique injury that kept him out most of last week. Since returning to the starting lineup on Monday, the two-time All-Star has already connected on a pair of homers while driving in five runs.
Description: White Sox starter Francisco Liriano tossed six innings and allowed two runs on four hits with four walks and eight strikeouts in his first start with his new team Tuesday against his former team the Minnesota Twins.
Insight: Liriano picked up a no decision Tuesday, but he stands to improve on his 3-10 record now that he's with the White Sox. Liriano is a risky play every time he takes the hill, because every outcome is in play for the talented but erratic left-hander. He is just as likely to strike out 15 as he is to allow six earned runs.
Description: According to CSNChicago.com, White Sox starter Chris Sale will start on 10 days rest next Tuesday against the Royals.
Insight: Sale (12-3, 2.61 ERA) has noticed a dip in velocity over his last two starts and the team is taking action to limit his innings and get him some rest. Fantasy owners should feel comfortable starting him Tuesday.
Description: According to the Chicago Tribune, John Danks (shoulder) has been ruled out for the rest of the 2012 season.
Insight: Danks has pitched since late May due to left shoulder discomfort and he wasn't making enough progress in his rehab. The lefty will undergo surgery Monday. Even if he returns at full strength next season, he'll be nothing more than a late-round fantasy selection at best.
Description: White Sox outfielder Alex Rios is 9-for-26 (.346) with three homers, five RBIs and a 1.178 OPS against Twins starter Nick Blackburn.
Insight: Rios is having a tremendous season while contributing in all fantasy categories. With Blackburn and his 7.99 ERA on the hill Tuesday, get Rios (and all of your other White Sox hitters) in the lineup.
Description: According to Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune, White Sox manager said Monday that starter Chris Sale likely will make his next start in 5-6 days.
Insight: Sale (12-3, 2.61 ERA) has noticed a dip in velocity over his last two starts and the team is taking action to limit his innings. Sale will be working on 7-9 days rest in his next start since he hasn't pitched since July 27.
Description: White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski is back in the lineup Monday after missing five straight games with a right oblique strain.
Insight: Pierzynski was expected to return Sunday against the Rangers but he needed one more day off, He'll be back behind the plate Monday against the Twins.
Description: White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko is 5-for-6 (.833) with two homers in his short history against Twins starter Cole De Vries.
Insight: Konerko went 4-for-4 on July 24 in a game De Vries started and went six innings. In his last eight games, Konerko is batting .433 (13-for-30) with three homers. The White Sox first baseman is also hitting .346 with 14 homers in 257 at-bats against right-handed pitching this season, so Monday is an excellent matchup for him.
Description: Slowly but surely, White Sox starter Gavin Floyd has decreased his ERA to the low fours fantasy owners are accustomed to. Floyd tossed 6 2/3 innings and allowed two runs (1 ER) in a tough-luck loss against the Rangers Sunday.
Insight: Floyd's ERA sat at 5.63 going into his start on June 20, but since then the right-hander has allowed just seven earned runs in 39 innings. However, he may have a difficult time keeping it there if he continues to walk 6.3 batters per nine innings like he has in his last four starts.
Description: White Sox starter Chris Sale has noticed a dip in velocity in his past two starts and will likely be given some time off as the team integrates Francisco Liriano into the rotation, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Insight: Sale (12-3, 2.61 ERA) allowed five runs in each of his last two starts and may be experiencing a dead arm. The White Sox have enough starters with Jake Peavy, Gavin Floyd, Jose Quintana, Phil Humber and Liriano that they can afford to give Sale an extended rest. He'll likely be given a rest similar to the one he received earlier this month, when he didn't start until July 15 after taking the hill on July 3.
Description: Francisco Liriano is headed to Chicago. The White Sox acquired him Saturday in exchange for third baseman Eduardo Escobar and lefthander Pedro Hernandez.
Insight: It will be interesting to see which White Sox starter will drop from the rotation now that Liriano (3-10, 5.31 ERA) is on the team. Philip Humber (5-5, 5.90) and Gavin Floyd (8-8, 4.46) seem like the most likely candidates.
Description: White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez will be on the sidelines for Saturday's matchup against Texas.
Insight: Ramirez (.269, 4 HRs, 48 RBIs) got a little banged up after a collision with teammate Alejandro DeAza during Friday night's game but he should be fine to play again Sunday in the series finale.
Description: White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski is not in the starting nine for Saturday's game but he is expected to return to the lineup on Sunday for the series finale. Pierzynski has been out almost all week while dealing with a mild oblique strain.
Insight: Unfortunately for fantasy owners, he'll be facing Scott Feldman (4-6, 5.37 ERA) upon his return on Sunday. Pierzynski (.287, 16 HRs, 50 RBIs) is only a .167 hitter in his career against the Texas righthander.
Description: Chicago center fielder Alejandro De Aza is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against Texas and he is doubtful for Sunday's game as well. De Aza sprained his wrist after colliding with teammate Alexei Ramirez on a play during Friday night's 9-5 win.
Insight: De Aza (.278) is having his best season as a big leaguer in 2012 and has already established new career highs in homers (six), RBIs (39) and stolen bases (18). For now, consider the 28-year-old day-to-day.
Description: White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko has struggled against Matt Harrison batting just .167 (3-for-18) in their matchups.
Insight: Konerko has broken out of his recent slump, batting .579 this week and .333 over the past four weeks. However, this is a bad matchup which should be avoided.
Description: White Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis is back in the lineup and batting second just two days after spraining his left ankle.
Insight: Youkilis (.250, 9 HRs, 34 RBIs) is hitting .292 this month with five homers and 17 RBIs. He hit only .208 with zero homers and five RBIs last month.
Description: Chicago catcher A.J. Pierzynski will miss Friday's game against Texas with a strained oblique. Pierzynski hasn't appeared in a game since Monday because of the injury.
Insight: Tyler Flowers (.182, 2 HRs, 2 RBIs) will make his third start in a row at catcher for the White Sox.
Description: White Sox starter Jake Peavy easily handled Minnesota Wednesday to earn his eighth win of the season.
Insight: Peavy (8-7, 3.15 ERA) allowed two runs (one earned) on six hits in six innings to pick up just his second victory since May 26. The right-hander has already started his most games since 2008, and his 1.06 WHIP is identical to the one he recorded in his NL Cy Young Award winning season of 2007.
Description: Chicago catcher A.J. Pierzynski (oblique) could return Friday, White Sox manager Robin Ventura said Wednesday.
Insight: Pierzynski (.287, 16 HRs, 50 RBIs) has a minor oblique strain that gives him some pain when he swings a bat. The team is exercising caution so the catcher doesn't further aggravate the injury.
Description: White Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis (ankle) is aiming to return to the lineup Friday. Youkilis left Wednesday's game with a left ankle sprain.
Insight: It's only a minor sprain, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Youkilis came into Wednesday's game hitting .272 with five homers and 19 RBIs in 24 games with the White Sox.
Description: Chicago outfielder Dayan Viciedo hit his 16th homer of the season as part of a three-hit, four-RBI game Wednesday against the Twins.
Insight: Vicideo has cooled dramatically after his homer binge in May, hitting just five homers with 22 RBIs in his last 43 games. He's nothing more than a fourth outfielder in deeper leagues at this point.
Description: White Sox outfielder Alex Rios is a .333 hitter versus Minnesota starter Nick Balckburn with five extra base hits, including a pair of homers and a 1.042 OPS.
Insight: Through 94 games, Rios is on pace for the best season of his career. He's batting .313 with 55 runs scored, 15 HR, 57 RBI and a .876 OPS all on pace for career marks. A huge fantasy bargain for a preseason 14th-round selections (Yahoo ADP 168).
Description: White Sox DH Adam Dunn homered for the second straight day as part of a 3-for-5, four-RBI game against the Twins Tuesday.
Insight: In the past two months, Dunn has alternated home run binges and extended slumps. Don't be surprised if he homers again tomorrow before going 0-for-4 the next three days. He's just that type of player.
Description: White Sox first baseman has busted out of his slump in the past three days, going 9-for-12 with two homers and four RBIs.
Insight: Konerko went 4-for-4 with a solo homer Tuesday against Minnesota and appears to be back on track after hitting .245 with three homers from June 1 to July 20.
Description: Chicago catcher A.J. Pierzynski has a minor right oblique strain, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Insight: Pierzynski (.287, 16 HRs, 50 RBIs) told reporters the strain only affects him when he swings the bat, which means it isn't too severe. The catcher is considered day-to-day.
Description: According to the Chicago Tribune, John Danks (shoulder) threw 40 pitches off a mound Tuesday without any issues.
Insight: Danks isn't expected to return until late August. The lefty has been sidelined since mid-May with a sore left shoulder. He still has a long way to go before he's ready to return, making it a long shot that he can contribute to fantasy teams again this season.
Description: White Sox righthander Gavin Floyd has been activated from the disabled list. He'll be Chicago's starting pitcher Monday night against the Twins. Floyd had been out since July 7 while dealing with elbow tendinitis.
Insight: Floyd (7-8, 4.54 ERA) had been 3-1 with a 1.38 ERA in his last four starts before the injury so you can expect him to be productive upon his return.
Description: White Sox DH Adam Dunn is hitless in seven career at-bats against lefty Francisco Liriano with four strikeouts.
Insight: After batting .230 with power over the first two months, Dunn has hit .172 since June 1 with 12 HR and 28 RBI. He leads the league in home runs (28), walks (75) and strikeouts (144). He's not a good choice for Monday's fantasy lineup.
Description: White Sox outfielder Alex Rios hit his 14th homer of the season Sunday against the Tigers.
Insight: In 93 games, Rios has managed to exceed his 2011 homer total by one, his RBI total by 11 and his stolen base total by three while hitting 87 points higher. It's safe to say Rios has moved past teammate Adam Dunn as fantasy's comeback player as Dunn flirts with the Mendoza Line.
Description: White Sox starter Phil Humber reverted to form Sunday against Detroit, allowing six earned runs on seven hits in three innings.
Insight: Humber held Boston to two runs in six innings his last time out, but he's now allowed four earned runs or more in five of his last seven starts.
Description: White Sox DH Adam Dunn went 0-for-4 again Saturday against the Tigers, extending his hitless streak to 11 at-bats.
Insight: Dunn's average has fallen to .202 and it's getting to the point that he's starting to hurt fantasy teams more than help them. Since June 17, the DH is batting just .140 (14-for-100) with five homers and 13 RBIs in 28 games.
Description: White Sox starter Gavin Floyd (elbow) will be activated from the 15-day disabled list to start Monday against the Twins.
Insight: Floyd has recorded a 1.37 ERA with three scoreless outings in his last four starts after posting a brutal 5.63 ERA in his first 13 turns. The right-hander has gone 25-23 with a 4.06 ERA in the second half in his career, and you can expect numbers along those lines this season.
Description: According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the White Sox have acquired Astros closer Brett Myers.
Insight: Myers (19 saves, 3.52 ERA) has been a near-lock to be traded to a contender since the season started, but it was assumed that he would end up in middle relief. With Chicago, Myers has a chance to assume the closer role as current White Sox closer Addison Reed has blown two saves and allowed three runs in his last five appearances and has a 4.24 ERA on the year.
Description: White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski is a career .188 hitter (3-for-16) versus Detroit hurler Rick Porcello.
Insight: Fantasy owners really can't complain about the way Pierzynski (.286, 16 HRs, 50 RBIs) has produced so far in 2012, but he shouldn't be in your Saturday lineup.
Description: Slumping White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko is a .391 hitter (9-for-23) against Detroit starter Rick Porcello.
Insight: Konerko is batting just .212 over the past two weeks and hasn't hit a home run since June 29. That's a far cry from his production in April and May when he hit 11 HR, knocked in 33 and batted .380. Hopefully this favorable matchup can turn it back around.
Description: White Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis is in the starting lineup for Friday's game against Detroit. He missed the last game due to tightness in left hamstring.
Insight: Youkilis (.260, 8 HRs, 32 RBIs) is on a tear since he joined the White Sox, batting .315 with 18 RBIs and a .941 OPS in 19 games.
Description: White Sox DH Adam Dunn is all or nothing against Detroit ace Justin Verlander - mostly nothing. They have matched up 17 times and Dunn has struck out 10 of them, but two of his three career hits are home runs.
Insight: Dunn leads the AL is home runs (28), walks (74) and strikeouts (142). He's got a low .208 batting average, but a solid .863 OPS.
Description: White Sox rookie starter Jose Quintana shut out Boston over eight innings Thursday but walked away empty-handed as Addison Reed served up a three-run, walk-off homer to Cody Ross in the ninth inning.
Insight: In his last four starts, Quintana has alternated between poor outings and eight-inning gems. Though he had just two strikeouts Thursday, the rookie also didn't walk a batter while scattering five hits. With just 13 walks in 70 1/3 innings, you know the lefty isn't going to beat himself and he clearly has good enough stuff to shut down good offenses.
Description: White Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis is out of the lineup Thursday due to a tight hamstring.
Insight: Youkilis (.260, 8 HRs, 32 RBIs) is on a tear since he joined the White Sox, batting .315 with 18 RBIs and a .941 OPS in 19 games. However, just because he's suceeding in Chicago doesn't mean he's suddenly going to be more durable.
Description: White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski has only faced Boston starter Clay Buchholz nine times in his career but it has usually ended well for him. He's 5-for-9 with two RBIs and no strikeouts against the Red Sox righty.
Insight: Fantasy owners really can't complain about the way Pierzynski (.289, 16 HRs, 50 RBIs) has produced so far in 2012 and we'd expect him to have another strong game tonight against Buchholz.
Description: You might want to stash White Sox outfielder Alex Rios on your bench Thursday night against Boston. He's just 2-for-11 in his career against Red Sox righthander Clay Buchholz.
Insight: Buchholz (8-3, 5.54 ERA) has struggled this season but history tells us he'll do well against Rios (.316, 13 HRs, 51 RBIs) when he faces him tonight at Fenway Park.
Description: White Sox starter Phil Humber returned from the disabled list with a strong performance Tuesday against Boston.
Insight: Humber held Boston to two runs on six hits in six innings Tuesday. More importantly, he walked none, the first time he's accomplished that since his perfect game on April 21.
Description: One night after torching his former team with three hits, White Sox second baseman Kevin Youkilis blasted a massive three-run shot over the Green Monster in left field as Chicago defeated the Red Sox by a score of 7-5. The homer was Youkilis' eighth of the season.
Insight: Youkilis (.260, 8 HRs, 32 RBIs) only had one hit Tuesday night but it was a big one. So far, he's enjoying a 4-8 series with three RBIs and three runs scored.
Description: The White Sox will promote pitching prospect Pedro Hernandez to start Wednesday against Boston, according to Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune.
Insight: Hernandez was acquired from the Padres during the offseason for Carlos Quentin. The lefty went 7-2 with a 2.75 ERA in 12 starts for Double-A Birmingham before getting promoted to Triple-A Charlotte, where he has allowed five runs in 12 innings. Hernandez doesn't present much of a fantasy option at this point as he'll likely be sent down when Gavin Floyd returns from the DL.
Description: White Sox starter Gavin Floyd will be placed on the 15-day disabled list. Fortunately for fantasy owners, it's retroactive to June 8, so this could just be a short stay.
Insight: Fantasy owners who suffered through his bad start (4-7 with a 5.63 ERA through his first 13 starts were just beginning to reap rewards for their patience. This is a bad time for the injury as he was 3-1 with a 1.38 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in his last four outings..
Description: Slumping White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko may have the favorable matchup to pull him out of his doldrums. He's 9-for-21 (.429) in his career versus Boston lefty Jon Lester with three home runs and a 1.452 OPS.
Insight: Konerko is batting just .205 over the past four weeks with a single home run and four RBI. That's a far cry from his production in April and May when he hit 11 HR, knocked in 33 and batted .380.
Description: White Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis returned to Fenway Park for the first time with his new team Monday, and he greeted his former squad with three hits in four at-bats.
Insight: Youkilis has been a different player with Chicago, batting .323 with 15 RBIs and a 13/10 K/BB ratio in 17 games with the White Sox compared to .233 with 14 RBIs and a 39/14 K/BB ratio in 42 games with the Red Sox.
Description: White Sox starter Gavin Floyd will miss Monday's scheduled start against Boston with right elbow tendinitis/forearm.
Insight: Fantasy owners who suffered through his bad start (4-7 with a 5.63 ERA through his first 13 starts were just beginning to reap rewards for their patience. This is a bad time for the injury as he was 3-1 with a 1.38 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in his last four outings. Dylan Axelrod will replace Floyd, but has yet to show he is fantasy-worthy.
Description: White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski is just an .083 hitter (1-for-12) against Red Sox starter Aaron Cook.
Insight: Pierzynski is having a "career" season, with 16 homers (two off his personal high), 50 RBI and a career-best .872 OPS. He's played like a top-five fantasy catcher.
Description: Chicago infielder Orlando Hudson is a career .274 hitter and batting just .197 this season, but against Aaron Cook he is a .415 hitter (.17-for-41).
Insight: Hudson doesn't play every day, but if you see that manager Robin Ventura has installed him in the White Sox lineup its an opportunity to play Hudson.
Description: White Sox DH Adam Dunn homered again on Saturday. That gives the former Nationals and Reds slugger 27 dingers on the season, tying him with Toronto's Jose Bautista and the Rangers' Josh Hamilton for the major league lead.
Insight: Despite his success in the home run department, Dunn is still hitting an abysmal .213 for the season (amazingly, that's still a 54 point improvement from the average he finished with last season). The last time a player led the majors in homers while batting under .230 was in 2009 when Carlos Pena hit 39 bombs and batted .227.
Description: White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Kansas City. He is just a .105 hitter (2-for-19) against Royals right-hander Luke Hochevar.
Insight: Pierzynski is having a "career" season, with 16 homers (two off his career high), 50 RBI and a career-best .875 OPS. He's played like a top-five fantasy catcher.
Description: White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski is a .105 hitter (2-for-19) against Royals right-hander Luke Hochevar.
Insight: Pierzynski is having a "career" season, with 16 homers (two off his career high), 50 RBI and a career-best .875 OPS. He's played like a top-five fantasy catcher. Saturday, however, you shouldn't set your sights too high.
Description: Chicago White Sox outfielder Alex Rios is just a career .150 hitter (3-for-20) against Royals starter Luke Hochevar without an extra base hit.
Insight: The 31-year-old Rios has been on fire of late, batting .412 over the past two weeks, with a 1.282 OPS. Hopefully, this bad matchup won't cool his hot bat.
Description: White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham is just 1-for-15 (.067) against Kansas City starter Bruce Chen with no extra base hits and five strikeouts.
Insight: Beckham batted .275 over the past four weeks, but has average power for his position and almost no speed. He should be on your bench this Friday.
Description: White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski is a .407 hitter (11-for-27) against Royals lefty Bruce Chen with a pair of homers.
Insight: Pierzynski continues to post top-five fantasy catcher numbers this season. He's batting .285 with 16 HR, 49 RBI and a .865 OPS. He's a must start today.
Description: Chicago White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez is hitless in 17 at-bats against Royals starter Bruce Chen.
Insight: Ramirez (.266, 32 runs, 2 HR, 44 RBI, 10 SB) has never reached the heights of his rookie year in 2008 (.290, 21 HR, 77 RBI, 13 SB). At this point his only real fantasy value is stolen bases, but that's not enough to keep him in lineups or for that matter on fantasy rosters.
Description: White Sox rookie starter Jose Quintana should be added for his start Friday against the Kansas City Royals. The left-hander is owned in just 37 percent of Yahoo! leagues despite possessing a 2.04 ERA in 57 1/3 innings.
Insight: Quintana will face Kansas City on the road, where he is 2-0 with a 2.51 ERA. The Royals also have several key hitters who struggle against lefty pitchers, such as Alex Gordon (.216 vs. LHP), Eric Hosmer (.216), Mike Moustakas (.221) and Jeff Francoeur (.235).
Description: According to the Chicago Tribune, White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper said that John Danks (shoulder) is not close to returning.
Insight: It is looking like Danks won't be back until mid-August at the earliest, which means Dylan Axelrod will continue to start. Axelrod is not a good fantasy option at this time.
Description: According to the Chicago Tribune, White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper said that John Danks (shoulder) is not close to returning.
Insight: It is looking like Danks won't be back until mid-August at the earliest, which means Dylan Axelrod will continue to start. Axelrod is not a good fantasy option at this time.
Description: White Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis was named the American League Player of the Week.
Insight: Those struggles with Boston early on in the year seem like a distant memory now. Youkilis finished the week hitting .478 with three homers and 10 RBIs. He's hitting .262 for the season with seven homers and 28 RBIs in 55 games.
Description: Chicago outfielder Alex Rios's three hits and four RBIs weren't enough to propel the White Sox to victory Sunday afternoon against Toronto.
Insight: The last two months have been very kind to Rios fantasy owners. The 31-year-old slugger is batting .358 since June 1 with eight homers and 24 RBIs. He hit .283 with four homers and 25 RBIs in April and May.
Description: White Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis clubbed three hits Sunday in Chicago's 11-9 defeat against Toronto.
Insight: He's hitting .444 with three homers and 11 RBIs during his seven-game hitting streak and overall since joining the White Sox on June 25, Youkilis has hit .347 with 14 RBIs. He's raised his batting average from .233 to .262 during that span.
Description: White Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis drove in a run for the sixth straight game Saturday when he hit a two-run homer off Blue Jays starter Ricky Romero.
Insight: Looks like all Youkilis needed to do was change his socks to get back to fantasy relevance. The third baseman had four homers and 14 RBIs in 42 games with Boston. He has three round-trippers and 13 RBIs in 12 games with Chicago.
Description: White Sox starter Gavin held an opponent scoreless Saturday for the third time in his last four starts.
Insight: Floyd (7-8, 4.54) was 4-7 with a 5.63 ERA through his first 13 starts this season, but he's rebounded to go 3-1 with a 1.38 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in his last four turns. Floyd has a 4.06 ERA after the All-Star break in his career, so go grab the Chicago right-hander if another owner cast him aside.
Description: White Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis is a career .348 hitter (8-for-23) versus Blue Jays hurler Ricky Romero with three homers and a 1.336 OPS.
Insight: Youkilis is batting .310 since coming to the White Sox with a pair of homers and 11 RBI in 11 games. He should flourish in the White Sox lineup with Paul Konerko and Adam Dunn behind him for protection.
Description: The White Sox Friday starter Jake Peavy is 0-3 over his last three starts, but with a solid 3.13 ERA and 1.09 WHIP. Blame for the losses goes to his teammates for lack of support (two runs in four games).
Insight: Peavy (6-5, 2.96 ERA, 0.994 WHIP ) has yielded two runs or less in 10 of 16 starts this season. Continue to start him with the knowledge that he'll pitch well and the high-scoring White Sox should get him a few more runs.
Description: White Sox rookie starter Jose Quintana bounced back from his worst start of the season last week at New York with another eight-inning gem against Texas Thursday afternoon.
Insight: Quintana (4-1, 2.04) struck out eight and allowed one run on just two hits in eight innings, his third eight-inning start in his last four turns. The lefty now has a 37/10 K/BB ratio in 57 1/3 innings.
Description: White Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis delivered his biggest hit with his new team Wednesday when he lined a walk-off single to left-center field after a nine pitch at-bat in the 10th inning against Rangers reliever Mike Adams.
Insight: Youkilis is batting .306 in his first nine games with the White Sox, though he didn't walk for the first time with Chicago until Wednesday.
Description: White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko is 2-for-14 (.143) against Rangers starter Matt Harrison.
Insight: The star first baseman has a .333 average and a .954 OPS this season, but Thursday does not present a favorable matchup. You might want to remove Konerko from the lineup, but only if you have another first base option.
Description: White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski is just a .188 hitter (3-for-16) against Texas starter Scott Feldman.
Insight: Pierzynski continues to post top-five fantasy catcher numbers this season. He's batting .291 with 15 HR, 48 RBI and a .866 OPS. Wednesday, however, is a poor matchup for him.
Description: White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko is a career .353 hitter versus Texas starter Scott Feldman with a pair of homers and a 1.224 OPS.
Insight: Konerko has turned around the slump of a week ago, batting .381 over the past seven days. Combined with a favorable matchup makes him a must start on Wednesday.
Description: White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against New York. A rest day.
Insight: Given his two-homer game on Friday night, fantasy owners would like to have Pierzynski's bat in their lineup on Saturday, but an early afternoon day game after a night game is almost always a recipe for a day of rest. Pierzynski is a top-five fantasy catcher this season.
Description: White Sox starter Jake Peavy is 0-3 over his last three starts, but with a solid 2.05 ERA and 1.05 WHIP. Blame for the losses goes to his teammates for lack of support (two runs in three games).
Insight: Peavy (6-4, 2.84 ERA, 0.944 WHIP ) has yielded two runs or less in 10 of 15 starts this season. Continue to start him with the knowledge that he'll pitch well and the high-scoring White Sox will start getting him a few more runs.
Description: White Sox DH Adam Dunn has faced Yankees starter Hiroki Kuroda 14 times and reached base on nine occasions (three hits, six walks) for a 1.643 OPS.
Insight: Dunn has been struggling since mid-June, batting just .149 with one homer and six RBI in his last 13 games. Despite the late-June swoon, Dunn's 24 HR and 58 RBI are among the league leaders. He's got a favorable matchup on Saturday.
Description: White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski had his first multi-hit game since June 12 Friday against the Yankees. Pierzynski drove in three runs on three hits, including two homers.
Insight: Pierzynski (.285, 14 HR) has cooled off since his last multi-hit effort, going 8-for-42 (.190), but he's on pace to shatter his career high of 18 homers in 2005.
Description: Chicago outfielder Dayan Viciedo won the game for the White Sox Thursday night with his ninth inning three-run homer off of Yankees reliever David Robertson.
Insight: Vicideo's batting average isn't where it was earlier in the season (.254) but he can still hit for power. His 14 homers this season are already a career high and if he keeps raking at this rate, he could finish the 2012 campaign with 30 jacks.
Description: White Sox outfielder Alejandro De Aza is back on track after a rough patch in the middle of this month. De Aza's four-hit night Thursday against the Yankees gives him seven in the past two games.
Insight: De Aza went 5-for-37 from June 15 to June 26, but he's 7-for-11 with a homer in the last two contests.
Description: Chicago third baseman Kevin Youkilis is 5-for-12 with two RBIs since joining the White Sox.
Insight: Youkilis went 3-for-4 Wednesday while batting third in his third game with Chicago. However, we're not going to get too excited just yet, as Youkilis is still batting just .247 with a 40/14 K/BB ratio.
Description: White Sox DH Adam Dunn busted out of an 0-for-19 slump with three hits, a homer and four RBIs Wednesday afternoon against the Twins.
Insight: Dunn came in just 2-for-33 since June 17. Get him back in the lineup, as he has the ability to reel off five homers in six games, as he did prior to this extended slump.
Description: White Sox young outfielder Dayan Viciedo is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against Minnesota. No injury, just a rest day.
Insight: Fantasy owners had their chance to "sell high" on Viciedo in May when he batted .351 with eight homers and 24 RBI. In June he's batting just .162 with a .480 OPS and his fantasy value has plummeted. If he's still on your roster, you have to hope he adjusts to what pitchers are now doing to him and gets hot again. Or cut him.
Description: White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against Minnesota. Kevin Youkilis will get the start at first base.
Insight: There is no injury that we know of and Konerko is 0-for-9 in his last three games, so this is likely just a day of rest for the slugger who is batting .333 with 13 HR and 39 RBI this season.
Description: Outfielder Kosuke Fukudome has been released by the White Sox after failing to draw any interest on waivers. Fukudome was designated for assignment on Friday.
Insight: Fukudome has been Mr. April in his career, batting .327 with nine homers and 43 RBIs in 99 games in that month while batting .257 in the other five months combined. He hit .171 with one extra-base hit in limited duty with the White Sox this season, so even if he latches on with another club it's doubtful he'll have any fantasy value this season, even in the deepest AL- or NL-only leagues.
Description: Chicago third baseman Orlando Hudson will not be a part of the White Sox starting lineup Monday against the Twins.
Insight: Hudson (.194, 2 HRs, 22 RBIs) won't be seeing much playing time anymore now that the White Sox have acquired Kevin Youkilis so it's probably best to drop Hudson if you still have him.
Description: Chicago third baseman Kevin Youkilis will start at third base and bat second Monday night against the Twins.
Insight: Youkilis has had a poor season so far (.233, 4 HRs, 14 RBIs) but he does have six hits over his last 14 at bats. He'll try to build off that recent success Monday in his White Sox debut.
Description: White Sox starter Jake Peavy is 0-2 over his last three starts, but that doesn't mean he's pitched poorly. In fact, he's got a 1.64 ERA and 1.00 WHIP over the three-game span, but the White Sox have scored just four total runs to support him.
Insight: Peavy (6-3, 2.74 ERA, 0.943 WHIP ) has yielded two runs or less in 10 of 14 starts this season. Continue to start him with confidence that he'll pitch well and the high-scoring White Sox will start getting him a few more runs.
Description: White Sox young outfielder Dayan Viciedo is still seeking his first hit against Minnesota starter Francisco Liriano (0-for-7).
Insight: Fantasy owners had their chance to "sell high" on Viciedo in May when he batted .351 with eight homers and 24 RBI. In June he's batting just .180 with a .521 OPS and his fantasy value has plummeted. If he's still on your roster, you have to hope he adjusts to what pitchers are now doing to him and gets hot again. Or cut him.
Description: White Sox outfielder Alex Rios is just a .167 hitter (4-for-24) versus Minnesota lefty Francisco Liriano.
Insight: Rios has bounced back from a weak 2011 season, batting .291 with 8 HR, 36 RBI and a .795 OPS which is 36 points above his career OPS. However, he could only produce five singles last week for an OPS of .594 and an unfavorable matchup on Monday means he should be on the bench.
Description: White Sox DH Adam Dunn went 0-for-4 with a walk and a strikeout Sunday against Milwaukee.
Insight: Dunn (.215, 23 HR, 53 RBI) is 0-for-11 in his last three games and 3-for-28 with 15 strikeouts since June 16. Nobody ever said owning him was easy, but this is what you put up with in order to benefit when he blasts five homers in seven games, like he did earlier this month.
Description: White Sox rookie starter Jose Quintana spun another gem Sunday, this one against Milwaukee. Quintana shut out the Brewers on six hits in eight innings in a no decision. He walked none and struck out four.
Insight: Quintana (2-1, 1.25) has thrown consecutive eight-inning shutout performances. The lefty has walked just six batters in 43 1/3 innings this season. He's a must-start until he proves otherwise.
Description: Third baseman Kevin Youkilis has been traded to the Chicago White Sox. Other terms of the deal have yet to be announced.
Insight: Youkilis (.233, 4 HRs, 14 RBIs) was taken out of the game in the seventh inning Sunday and received a lengthy standing ovation when he came out so we knew something was up. He went 2-4 with an RBI triple in his final game with the Red Sox.
Description: White Sox outfielder Alejandro De Aza went 2-for-5 with two doubles Sunday against Milwaukee.
Insight: De Aza came in with four hits in his last 28 at-bats. Keep him on the bench one more game to see if he can put together another multi-hit effort.
Description: White Sox outfielder Alex Rios went 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored Saturday against Milwaukee.
Insight: Rios has worked his way back onto the fantasy radar with a .325 average, four homers, 11 RBIs and five steals this month. He's worth an add, as he looks much closer to the player who hit .284 with 21 home runs and 34 stolen bases in 2010 than the one who hit .227 with 13 and 11 last year.
Description: White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham went 3-for-5 with a double, and RBI and a stolen base Saturday against Milwaukee.
Insight: Beckham is worth consideration in deeper leagues, as he's batting .274 with nine homers and 30 RBIs since May 1 after hitting just .153 in April.
Description: White Sox outfielder Dayan Viciedo went 3-for-4 with a homer and four RBIs Saturday against the Brewers.
Insight: Viciedo came in batting .132 with a .396 OPS in 17 games in June. Watch out for him, as he showed in May he is capable of reeling off eight homers in 15 games.
Description: White Sox DH Adam Dunn has had very little past success against Milwaukee lefty Randy Wolf, going 8-for-35 (.229) with 12 strikeouts.
Insight: After a year in the fantasy dumpster, Dunn has emerged as the player we remember from 2004-10. He's batting just .222, but with a league-leading 23 homers. Interestingly, he also leads the league in walks (56) and strikeouts (111). He doesn't make a lot of contact, but when he does, the ball goes a long way.
Description: White Sox starter Chris Sale bounced back from his worst start of the season his last time out with eight shutout innings Friday against Milwaukee. He allowed just three hits but had to take a no decision against Zack Greinke.
Insight: Sale (8-2, 2.24) gave up five runs against the Dodgers in his last start, the only time this season he's allowed more than three runs in a start. He got back to business Friday. The only thing that can seemingly stop Sale now is if his elbow tenderness becomes an issue again as his inning total climbs.
Description: White Sox pitcher Dylan Axelrod will join Chicago's rotation in place of the injured Philip Humber, according to Scott Merkin of MLB.com.
Insight: Axelrod is someone to target in deeper mixed leagues. The right-hander is 5-4 with a 3.18 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 68 innings in 11 starts for Triple-A Charlotte this season. He gave up two runs on six hits in 4 1/3 innings in his only start this year, a May 6 outing at Detroit.
Description: White Sox starter Phil Humber has been placed on the disabled list Friday with a right elbow flexor strain.
Insight: Humber was awful after throwing a perfect game in April, going 2-4 with a 7.47 ERA in 10 starts. He won't be back anytime soon, so you can go ahead and drop him in all formats.
Description: Chicago White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez is just 3-for-23 (.130) against Milwaukee starter Zack Greinke.
Insight: Ramirez (.235, 1 HR, 31 RBI) has never reached the heights of his rookie year in 2008 (.290, 21 HR, 77 RBI, 13 SB). At this point his only fantasy value is stolen bases (9), but that's not enough to keep him in lineups or for that matter on fantasy rosters.
Description: White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko is just a .153 batter (9-for-59) versus Milwaukee starter Zack Greinke with 17 strikeouts in 59 at-bats.
Insight: Konerko continues to lead the American League in batting (.354) and OBP (.426), but his numbers are down significantly over the past four weeks (.297/.358). Pitchers are being much more careful of late and forcing someone else in the White Sox lineup to beat them. Sit him against Greinke on Friday.
Description: White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski has only faced Cubs starter Randy Wells six times, but he's come away with five hits (.833).
Insight: Pierzynski has struggled of late batting just .194 over the past two weeks, but this matchup could get him started again. He's been one of the best fantasy catchers this season (.285, 12 HR, 41 RBI) .
