The Chicago White Sox head to Oakland for their first West Coast swing of the season, desperately needing to strike gold. The South Siders, sitting at 6-13, face a tall order against a surprisingly hot Athletics squad that has gone 9-4 in its last 13 games. If the Sox can channel the energy from their recent sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays, this series could be the spark to turn their season around.

Ahead of the opener, the White Sox shuffled their bullpen, recalling left-hander Doug Nikhazy from Triple-A Charlotte. The 2021 second-round pick, with just two big-league appearances to his name, will step into a bulk-innings role as the Sox look for stability.

Providing that stability tonight will be starter Davis Martin, a genuine bright spot in a tough start for Chicago. He's the only Sox pitcher to complete seven innings this season and, despite some underlying metrics suggesting he's been fortunate, his 2.50 ERA has helped manufacture a couple of crucial wins. The Sox will need his luck and skill to hold against a familiar foe on the mound for Oakland.

Opposing Martin will be Aaron Civale, the longtime AL Central adversary who made 13 starts for the White Sox last season. Now with the A's, Civale has been brilliant early, sporting a 1.72 ERA and coming off a shutout performance. This pitching duel sets the stage for a critical series as the White Sox look to mine a few wins in Oakland.