The Texas Rangers head to Rate Field in Chicago on Monday, August 24, for a 7:40 PM ET showdown with the Chicago White Sox. Kumar Rocker gets the ball for Texas in what is a straightforward regular-season road opportunity against a White Sox club that has yet to name a starter. The Rangers are carrying their season fortunes into the South Side, and how Rocker handles a White Sox lineup will go a long way toward determining whether Texas comes away with a win. Coverage is available on Rangers Sports Network, presented by Progressive, as well as 105.3 The Fan and 107.9 La Ley.

Texas Rangers at Chicago White Sox: Monday, August 24 Preview

Starting Pitchers

Rocker is the known quantity for the Rangers in this one. The hard-throwing right-hander draws the start in what figures to be a pivotal regular-season road game for Texas. No ERA, win-loss record, or White Sox starter has been confirmed for this matchup, so we'll take stock of what we know: Rocker on the mound is a legitimate reason to feel good about Texas's chances.

Chicago has not announced a probable pitcher for this game. That uncertainty alone tilts the pre-game calculus in the Rangers' favor. Texas knows what it's sending out there; the White Sox situation is still unsettled.

Keys to Watch

• Rocker's command: Without confirmed game-by-game stats available in this preview, the focus is on execution. Rocker needs to attack the strike zone early in counts and limit traffic on the bases to keep Texas in a strong position through the middle innings.
• Chicago's mystery starter: Until the White Sox name their arm, the Rangers' lineup should be preparing for a range of options. Staying disciplined at the plate regardless of who takes the ball for Chicago is essential.
• Road performance: Rate Field can be a tricky environment. The Rangers need to impose their game early, get on the board, and not let a home crowd — however modest — fuel a White Sox rally.
• Bullpen management: With a starter situation in flux on Chicago's side, Rangers manager Bruce Bochy will want Rocker to eat innings and reduce the workload on the 'pen, especially in the middle of a regular-season stretch run.

Broadcast Information

• TV: Rangers Sports Network, presented by Progressive
• TV: Chicago Sports Network
• Radio (English): 105.3 The Fan
• Radio (English): ESPN Chicago WMVP 1000 AM
• Radio (Spanish): KFLC 1270 / 107.9 La Ley

Prediction

Rocker on the mound versus a White Sox team that hasn't locked in a starter — Texas has a real edge here. Give the Rangers the edge in this one, 5-3. Get the run support early, let Rocker work deep into the game, and the bullpen closes it out on the South Side.