Monday night Orioles game thread: at White Sox, 8:10

John Means has long ways to go before we start talking about him like a legitimate, front-of-the-rotation arm. But he sure is a lot of fun to watch, and he is the only Orioles pitcher worth watching at the moment.

The rookie southpaw is yet to allow more than one earned run in any of his seven appearances this season. However, only three of those appearances were starts. So, we still have a lot to learn about the pitcher and his nifty change-up.

Even still, this current run of performances from Means is what it feels like to have an actual ace. His outings are appointment viewing, and every time he takes the mound it feels like the Orioles have a much better chance to win. Of course, that feeling could end at any moment.

This will be the first time he has made a second start against one team as a big leaguer. Last time out, Means tossed five runs and allowed one run on four hits, six strikeouts and one walk versus these same White Sox. How he performs tonight will teach us a lot about his ability to adapt.

Orioles lineup

1. Jonathan Villar, SS
2. Joey Rickard, CF
3. Renato Nunez, DH
4. Dwight Smith Jr.
5. Hanser Alberto, RF
6. Chris Davis, 1B
7. Pedro Severino, C
8. Rio Ruiz, 3B
9. Richie Martin, SS

LHP John Means

White Sox lineup

1. Leury Garcia, LF
2. Tim Anderson, SS
3. Jose Abreu, 1B
4. James McCann, C
5. Yoan Moncada, 3B
6. Jose Rondon, 2B
7. Yonder Alonso, DH
8. Ryan Cordell, RF
9. Adam Engel, CF

LHP Manny Banuelos