Angels righty Matt Shoemaker opposes a former teammate, White Sox righty Mat Latos, in the second of a four-game series from U.S. Cellular Field on Tuesday night -- but he may hardly recognize him.
The Angels signed Latos out of sheer desperation down the stretch last year. The veteran starter had struggled to a 4.95 ERA with the Marlins and Dodgers and was out of action for a couple of weeks when the Angels took a shot in late September, pitching him in only two relief appearances and watching him give up two runs in 3 2/3 innings.
The White Sox have seen a different guy.
Two starts in, Latos has allowed only one run in 12 innings, giving up four hits and two walks while striking out six. He is only the sixth White Sox pitcher since 1913 to win each of his first two starts with an ERA under 1.00.
Shoemaker was shelled in his first start against the Rangers, giving up six runs and recording only nine outs, but cruised through his second start against the A's, twirling six scoreless innings while allowing only one hit.
Things to know about this game
• The White Sox bullpen figures to be shorthanded Tuesday after absorbing 8 2/3 innings because of Carlos Rodon's short start. Jake Petricka (2 2/3 innings), Zach Putnam (three innings) and Dan Jennings (two innings) each pitched multiple innings, which will force the White Sox to call an extra reliever up from the Minor Leagues before Tuesday's game.
• Andrelton Simmons is 5-for-9 with two doubles in his career against Latos, but Yunel Escobar has only three singles in 12 at-bats. In two starts against the White Sox, Shoemaker has given up 11 runs (10 earned) on 18 hits in 10 2/3 innings.
• Albert Pujols enters Tuesday with 562 home runs, one away from tying Reggie Jackson for 13th on the all-time list. Angels closer Huston Street has 318 saves, one away from tying Todd Jones for 18th on the all-time list.
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