Chicago White Sox: Top three games on 2020 Schedule

2. Three-game series against San Diego Padres

When: May 11th-13th

Where: Petco Park

This three games series in the middle of May in San Diego might seem like an ordinary interleague set, but in reality, this one has no shortage of storylines.

For starters, the White Sox and San Diego Padres are two images of rebuilding. The White Sox and Padres have been closely related in terms of farm systems and the two teams will likely begin winning next season. Both teams expect to field exciting and youthful rosters next season with the intention of competing for the postseason.

However, on a more sour note, this series will be highlighted for two more reasons.

The first of which is Manny Machado. The infamous third baseman showed all signs pointing to him signing with the White Sox last offseason before heading to San Diego on a record contract. While Machado hasn’t had an amazing season, he is still one of the premier talents in baseball and will get to showcase what the White Sox are missing out on.

The second reason is Fernando Tatis Jr. The Padres phenom was acquired from the White Sox in the famed James Shields trade of 2016, blossoming from an unknown throw-in to one of the top players in baseball. Next season will be the sophomore season of the 2019 NL Rookie of the Year frontrunner and he’ll have every opportunity for revenge during these three games.

The White Sox will have a legitimate opportunity to quiet the noise around the Padres with a sweep in this series. Big games from players starting in place of Tatis and Machado would be even sweeter, but the real focus will be on the prominence of the Padres over the White Sox leading up to the series.