A bizarre double play highlighted the Chicago White Sox's loss to the New York Mets, where confusion reigned on the field following a diving catch attempt that left everyone uncertain about the outcome. Starter Jonathan Cannon described the play as one of the strangest he had ever seen, ultimately resulting in a double play when Juan Soto passed an unaware Brandon Nimmo on the bases.

Despite the chaotic first inning that saw the Mets score four runs, Cannon managed to pitch 5 2/3 innings but let five runs slip past him. After allowing an early two-run homer to Pete Alonso, Cannon noted he needed to adjust quicker to the aggressive Mets lineup. The defeat marked the Sox's record at a dismal 17-38, as they now seek to avoid a sweep in their upcoming game.

Jonathan Cannon of the Chicago White Sox has been scratched from his scheduled start due to lower back tightness, classified as day-to-day. He expressed optimism about making a return soon, noting that the discomfort was unexpected. Despite his absence, the White Sox leveraged a six-run sixth inning, characterized by critical mistakes from the Texas Rangers, to secure a 10-5 victory. Players like Andrew Benintendi and Lenyn Sosa stepped up, contributing crucial hits that propelled the Sox to a series win.

The White Sox's pitching, particularly Sean Burke's performance in a prior victory, has shown promise, but Cannon's health is a concern. He recorded a solid 3.76 ERA over ten outings this season, and the team is hopeful he can avoid the injured list. As the White Sox aim for a sweep in their upcoming match, maintaining key player health will be vital.

This week’s overview of American League free agents focuses on evaluating key players and determining optimal bidding strategies from your fantasy budget. Among the prominent names, Jonathan Cannon has impressed with three consecutive quality starts for the White Sox, showcasing a 3.20 ERA. Meanwhile, Patrick Corbin is rebounding from past struggles with a solid 3.13 ERA as a Ranger, helping elevate his fantasy appeal. Ryan Gusto of the Astros is back in the rotation and presents a streaming option with a 3.79 ERA. Dean Kremer has finally found his footing with the Orioles, cementing his role with two strong outings.

Furthermore, Chris Paddack has shown flashes of his early career form, accumulating a 2.51 ERA in recent outings. Not to be overlooked is Yariel Rodriguez, who is positioning himself for a setup role with the Blue Jays amidst shaky performances from the current bullpen. Other potential adds include Travis d'Arnaud and Freddy Fermin, both stepping up with increased playing time due to injuries on their respective teams.

The Houston Astros commence a six-game road trip kicking off with a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field. Starting on Friday night, the Astros will send left-hander Framber Valdez (1-3, 4.00 ERA) to the mound, while the White Sox will counter with righty Jonathan Cannon (1-3, 4.50).

Recent discussions around the Astros have focused on various topics, including whether Valdez might re-sign with Houston, alongside reflections on underwhelming offensive support during recent games. Additionally, the debut of AJ Blubaugh has created buzz, highlighting the challenges rookies face when stepping into high-pressure situations like that against the Detroit Tigers, where the Astros fell short 7-4. Pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. is set to return to the rotation, making his first start since the 2022 World Series.

In a strategic move, White Sox manager Will Venable deployed Tyler Gilbert as a one-inning opener in the recent series against the Athletics, leading to mixed results from his starters Sean Burke and Jonathan Cannon. While Cannon found success with a strong performance, pitching 7⅔ innings with five strikeouts in a 10-3 win, Burke struggled in his outings, leading to concerns about his slider's location which has been frequently hit hard by opponents.

Burke, who had a promising start on Opening Day, has been working diligently to improve his pitching mechanics and find consistency. His struggles stem mainly from issues with his slider placement, often leaving it over the plate where hitters capitalize. With the absence of veteran starters, he has the chance to refine his skills and tackle challenges head-on, focusing on his off-speed pitches to secure a better performance moving forward.