Reflecting on his beloved White Sox, “Hawk” Harrelson is squawking, “You caaaaaaan put ’em on the… trash heap.”

The White Sox come calling tonight and are 38-54 on the season. Just two years ago, the Sox were 93-69 and seemed poised for success. That hasn’t happened in Chicagoland, but success has come to Atlanta.

The Hammers are on a different trajectory, owners of 11 straight series wins and a shiny 60-29 record. As the second half of the season begins, the Braves are looking for a perfect dozen series victories as they host to the White Sox.

Michael Kopech will toe the rubber for the Sox. He is 3-7 on the season with a 4.08 ERA. He has a 1.36 WHIP and has struck out 97 in 86 innings pitched. Kopech is 1-3 in his last seven starts and hasn’t toed the rubber since a loss the Angels where he walked seven in four innings. Kopech hasn’t pitched since that outing in late June.

Morton to open series

Veteran Charlie Morton will look to get the second half started on the right foot Friday night, as the Braves host the Chicago White Sox.

Atlanta will send good ol’ Charlie Morton to the mound. Morton is 9-6 with a 3.43 ERA and 1.41 WHIP. He has struck out 111 in 97 innings. His last start was one of his best of the summer, working 6.1 innings, allowing just 1 run on four hits to the Rays. As I have written here recently, as long as Charlie keeps the ball in the yard and isn’t hitting ankles, he is still effective at 39.

Game two will pit Lance Lynn (5-8, 6.03) against Spencer Strider (11-2, 3.44) at 7:15 ET. Sunday’s series finale will feature Dylan Cease (3-3, 4.30) against Kolby Allard (9-0, 4.22).

As the trade deadline nears, one can wonder if any of the bullpen arms in Chicago might just stay in Atlanta…or at least return very soon. When Frenchy hears about a Joe Kelly deal, or a trade for some other arm, maybe he’ll say, “You caaaaaan put ’em in our ‘pen!”

Let’s get the second half started on the right foot Friday night, Charlie, by not hitting any back feet with that bendy one!