How Sox schedule impacted by latest canceled games originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
The White Sox' quest for a third straight postseason berth will begin with a potential October preview.
Well, at least as things currently stand.
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MLB commissioner Rob Manfred canceled another week of regular season games Wednesday after the league and players union failed to reach a new labor deal following two days of extensive negotiations. Opening Day is delayed until April 14.
“Because of the logistical realities of the calendar, another two series are being removed from the schedule, meaning that Opening Day is postponed until April 14th," Manfred said in a statement.
It's the second time in a little over a week Manfred has wiped games off the schedule amid the league-implemented lockout, and it may not be the last. Without a deal in the next week, all of April could be in jeopardy.
The White Sox have now lost 12 games. Their first two series (vs. the Twins, at the Royals) were wiped away last week.
RELATED: Why canceled games won’t hurt Sox as much as you think
Here's what Wednesday's news means for their schedule.
— Six more canceled games, including a chunk of a challenging early-season stretch. The White Sox' series against the up-and-coming Tigers (April 8-10) and Mariners (April 12-14) are canceled.
— An early-season look at a potential postseason foe. The White Sox' opener is now scheduled for April 15, when they welcome the defending AL East champion Rays to town for a three-game series.
— A heavy first glance at the division. Even with the cancelations, the Sox are slated to play 10 straight AL Central games after the Tampa Bay series: at Cleveland (four games) and Minnesota (three), and at home vs. Kansas City (three).
Whether MLB cancels more games as the lockout continues remains to be seen. But the longer this goes on, the closer we could be to an unheard of crosstown Opening Day.
The Cubs host the Sox May 3-4.
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