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2 hours ago
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The Chicago White Sox have been one of baseball's most surprising stories this year. They have blown past their very low expectations to become a division contender right now.
Even with Munetaka Murakami on the IL, they have kept things relatively positive. They've gotten the offense when they needed it, and the pitching staff has been looking the part.
Last week, they took full control of the AL Central for the first time all season. But that would be short-lived, as they had a rough week on the road last week.
MORE: ESPN analyst shares White Sox belief amid surprise power-surge this season
White Sox fall out of the top 10 after a disappointing week on the road
The White Sox faced off against the AL East-leading New York Yankees in the Bronx. They could only muster one win, losing the series 1-2. Later, they would face off against the Detroit Tigers, where they would be swept, 0-3.
A 1-5 week would allow the Cleveland Guardians to take the top spot back in the AL Central, and the White Sox have lost their top 10 spot in the power rankings, according to Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter.
"A week after going 4-1 against the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers, the White Sox crashed back to earth with an ugly showing on the road, including a three-game sweep at the hands of the last-place Tigers. Ups and downs like this are to be expected from a young club exceeding expectations, though a 5.18 ERA from the pitching staff this month is slightly alarming."
Fans shouldn't be too worried, as Reuter explains, these points of struggle should be expected. However, a ballooned team ERA is something that should be on the back of their minds.
Maybe they take care of that ahead of the trade deadline, bringing in some sort of veteran that wouldn't cost them too many prospects in return.
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