White Sox @ Astros

Who will WIN this matchup?

Chicago White Sox (22-26)

@ Houston Astros (33-17)

Starting Pitchers:

Giolito (CHW): 5-1; 3.35 ERA

Martin (HOU) 1-0; 3.86 ERA

Last 10 Games Played:

Chicago White Sox: 5-5

Houston Astros: 8-2

Current odds:

Chicago White Sox: (+170)

Houston Astros: (-190)

• Eloy Jimenez is coming off the second two-homer game of his promising career and he will look to help the Chicago White Sox gain a four-game split against the host Houston Astros on Thursday. The rookie outfielder clubbed two solo blasts on Wednesday as Chicago rolled to a 9-4 win. Jimenez returned Monday after a layoff of three-plus weeks due to an ankle injury and was 0-for-7 with four strikeouts in the first two games of the series before fueling Wednesday’s victory. Charlie Tilson hit a grand slam and Jose Abreu belted a solo shot as the White Sox halted a three-game slide.

• The setback was just the second in the past 14 games for Houston, which also became the first team to hit into a triple play this season when Jake Marisnick bounced into one in the third inning. Astros standout Alex Bregman smacked his 10th homer of the month and has 15 on the season.

• Giolito has won three straight starts and pitched well in each as he gave up two runs and 10 hits over 19 1/3 innings combined. The 24-year-old has struck out 20 batters during the stretch to raise his total to 50 in 43 innings. Giolito has struggled against the Astros, going 0-3 with a 7.31 ERA in three career starts and has served up two homers to Michael Brantley (3-for-6) and one to Josh Reddick (3-for-7).

• Martin is making his third start since recently being recalled from Triple-A Round Rock. The 23-year-old beat the Texas Rangers in his first start when he struck out nine, walked one and gave up two runs on three hits over 5 1/3 innings on May 12. Things didn’t go so smoothly in a no-decision against the Boston Red Sox six days later as he gave up three runs (two earned) and five hits over four innings while issuing four walks without notching a strikeout.

• Astros 2B Jose Altuve (hamstring) will start a minor league rehab stint either Thursday or Friday and should rejoin the team early next week.

• Chicago recalled Thyago Vieira from Triple-A Charlotte and optioned fellow RHP Jose Ruiz to the same affiliate.

• Houston OF George Springer (back) took indoor batting practice on Wednesday, his first time swinging the bat since leaving Sunday’s game against the Boston Red Sox.