First off, there is a weather factor. Chicago's U.S. Cellular Field is much more favorable to hitters during the hot muggy summer months. The forecast is for 20 mph winds blowing out to right, too.

The pitching matchup is James Shields versus Jose Quintana.

Let's start with Shields. His opponent average and on-base percentage have climbed from his marks of the previous three seasons. He's given up 16 homers and is off his highest two-game pitch count of the season having thrown 233 pitches during his past two outings. The over is 12-3-1 during his last 16 road starts. He is just a very average pitcher, more of an innings-eater.

Expected back in the lineup today is White Sox slugging first baseman Jose Abreu, who has hit in 30 of his last 31 games and ranks first in the majors in homers and third in RBIs.

Quintana has pitched well this season, but has a bad history against the Royals with an 0-5 record and 4.52 ERA in 10 all-time starts. Quintana's ERA this season versus the Royals is 6.08 in two starts. He has one of the worst bullpens behind him.

Slated home plate umpire Andy Fletcher is neutral in calling balls and strikes.