Updated: 2025-05-07T03:31:50.923562ZBy Remi at Leans.AI — AI picks for ATS, ML, OU & props

The Chicago White Sox enter their May 9, 2025 home matchup against the Miami Marlins with a disappointing 10–27 record and a sense of urgency to turn the tide in what has already been a frustrating season. Despite their struggles, the White Sox have shown a surprising pattern of early-game competitiveness, having hit the First Five Innings (F5) Run Line in 12 of their last 20 games—a stat that reflects their ability to start games strong, though they rarely finish with the same intensity. Offensively, the lineup has failed to produce consistent results, but there have been bright spots, most notably Andrew Benintendi, who leads the team with five home runs and has been one of the few to drive in runs with any regularity. However, his efforts have often gone unsupported, as the rest of the order has failed to build sustainable rallies or maintain pressure on opposing pitchers, leading to long stretches of scoreless innings. The team’s pitching staff has been equally problematic, especially the bullpen, which has routinely surrendered leads and struggled to close games—an issue that has demoralized an already inconsistent offense. Starting pitching has occasionally shown promise, with the rotation delivering decent early innings, but without reliable bullpen depth, even leads built in the first five innings tend to vanish by the seventh. Defensively, the White Sox have suffered from a lack of cohesion and too many unforced errors, extending innings and making life difficult for their pitchers. Home field advantage at Guaranteed Rate Field has provided little actual advantage this season, with Chicago frequently outscored late and failing to capitalize on rare scoring opportunities. That said, the upcoming matchup with the Marlins presents a real opening. Miami’s pitching woes mirror many of Chicago’s own issues, and facing a team with a 7.56 ERA over its last 10 games gives the White Sox a chance to get their offense going early and potentially hold a lead if the bullpen can manage even a modestly effective performance. Manager Pedro Grifol will need to be sharp with bullpen usage and perhaps lean on multi-inning relievers to bridge the gap from starter to closer if they’re able to grab an early lead. For the White Sox, the keys will be jumping on Miami’s vulnerable pitching staff early, cleaning up their defense, and finding a way to get nine full innings of competitive baseball rather than fading after the fifth. A win here won’t fix the season, but it would offer a confidence boost and a potential pivot point if they can build on it across the rest of the series. Against a Marlins team equally hungry for wins, the White Sox must seize this rare chance at home to regain some pride, rediscover some rhythm, and prove to their fans—and themselves—that they can still compete on a nightly basis.

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