After a losing start to the season, the Chicago White Sox are making strategic changes in Miami (a familiar feeling, perhaps?). Today, several players, including key prospect Colson Montgomery, will be playing different positions. Manager Will Venable has also decided to maintain the top of the batting order from Sunday, which was instrumental in the White Sox scoring a season-best seven runs in Milwaukee.
Will they finally secure their first victory of the season?
Match Details
Teams: Chicago White Sox (0-3) vs. Miami Marlins (3-0)
Location: LoanDepot Park
Time: 5:40 PM CT
Broadcast: Chicago Sports NetworkMLB.TV
Radio: ESPN 1000
1. Miguel Vargas, First Baseman
2. Munetaka Murakami, Designated Hitter
3. Austin Hays, Left Fielder
4. Colson Montgomery, Third Baseman
5. Lenyn Sosa, Second Baseman
6. Tristan Peters, Center Fielder
7. Everson Pereira, Right Fielder
8. Edgar Quero, Catcher
9. Luisangel Acuña, Shortstop
Munetaka Murakami is slated to bat second for the second consecutive game. He began the year in the sixth spot before advancing to the clean-up position. Seeking an offensive boost in the series finale against the Brewers, Murakami was then placed immediately after the leadoff hitter. He capitalized on this opportunity by hitting a record-setting third straight home run and drawing a walk.
However, a notable adjustment for the slugger is that he will serve as the designated hitter for the first time in his burgeoning MLB career. Murakami has consistently played first base in all previous outings, displaying competent defense. Despite this, Venable has chosen Miguel Vargas for first base, who has appeared at third in two of the team’s initial three games. Vargas has also been elevated to the leadoff position, replacing Chase Meidroth, who is taking a day off after going hitless on Sunday.
On that note, with Vargas at first base, Colson Montgomery has made the shift to third base for the second time this season. The White Sox’ rising star has delivered strong performances at shortstop and only played third base a dozen times during his rookie year. Nonetheless, it always seemed plausible that he would see more action at the hot corner, especially following the acquisition of Luisangel Acuña this winter. Acuña, a former Mets utility player, is now making his second infield start in just four games, despite being brought onto the roster as an outfielder.
It’s also worth noting that the White Sox have Sam Antonacci and William Bergolla Jr. developing in their minor league system, and are likely to add UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky in the upcoming summer draft. This implies that testing Montgomery’s adaptability might be beneficial for the team, given the abundance of other infield talent available in the minors. However, it’s crucial to ensure Montgomery maintains his current excellent form, especially after hitting a grand slam and tallying three hits in his last two appearances.
Regarding Tristan Peters, he is slated to make his third consecutive start in center field and will hit sixth for the second time this season. While he has reached base in both of his last two games, he has not yet scored a run or recorded an RBI.
Miami Marlins Starting Roster
1. Jacob Marsee, Center Fielder
2. Xavier Edwards, Second Baseman
3. Agustín Ramírez, Designated Hitter
4. Liam Hicks, Catcher
5. Otto Lopez, Shortstop
6. Owen Caissie, Right Fielder
7. Connor Norby, First Baseman
8. Griffin Conine, Left Fielder
9. Graham Pauley, Third Baseman
Pitchers on the Mound
White Sox – Davis Martin, Right-Handed Pitcher
Davis Martin stood out as one of the White Sox’ leading pitchers during spring training. The right-hander participated in five games, achieving a 3.24 ERA over 16.2 innings pitched, with 13 strikeouts. While Martin may not be considered flashy, he has consistently been one of the team’s most reliable starters in recent seasons. He boasts a diverse pitch repertoire, primarily featuring a fastball, change-up, and slider. Although Martin may not rack up numerous strikeouts, he demonstrates an ability to challenge a variety of batters and maintains an impressive groundball rate for 2025. Facing this youthful and less experienced Marlins lineup, he could certainly have the advantage.
Miami Marlins – Chris Paddack, Right-Handed Pitcher
Chris Paddack is scheduled to make his first appearance for the Marlins this Monday. After concluding the 2025 season with the Detroit Tigers, Paddack’s career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Despite possessing a pitching arsenal as extensive as Martin’s, Paddack has been less effective at preventing runs. Last season, he recorded a 5.35 ERA across 33 games, alongside a strikeout rate of only 16.7 percent. Nevertheless, he consistently throws strikes and rarely issues walks.