Dunning gets Game 3 start for White Sox; Jimenez returns as DH

Dane Dunning is in as the White Sox's starting pitcher this afternoon for the deciding Game 3 of the playoffs against the Athletics at Oakland Coliseum.

In a somewhat surprising development, Eloy Jimenez (sprained right foot) is returning to the Sox's lineup as the designated hitter.

Jimenez missed the past five games after spraining his right foot running the bases at Cleveland one week ago.

The Sox and A's square off at 2 p.m. (ESPN) and the winner advances to the second round against the Astros.

The White Sox didn't post their starting lineup until less than an hour before first pitch as they evaluated Jimenez and made the decision.

"We want to make sure he'll be able to give us a few at-bats if he stays in there, and we've got to use him wisely," manager Rick Renteria said. "He's a big bat for us."

Here is the White Sox's lineup:

Tim Anderson, SS

Yasmani Grandal, C

Jose Abreu, 1B

Eloy Jimenez, DH

Yoan Moncada, 3B

Luis Robert, CF

Nomar Mazara, RF

Adam Engel, LF

Nick Madrigal, 2B

Starting pitcher: Dane Dunning

The White Sox could have gone with an "opener" like rookies Matt Foster or Garrett Crochet for Game 3 today, but they opted for Dunning, who is also in his first major-league season.

"Obviously he's a starter, but by the same token it's a great experience for him and we believe he's capable," Renteria said of Dunning. "I think whoever would have been the individual that started this game, we all know the importance of it and anyone of them could either run long or run short based on where we're at."

Dunning debuted with the White Sox on Aug. 19 and was 2-0 with a 3.97 ERA in 7 starts. Over this last two outings, the 25-year-old righty gave up 9 runs (8 earned) on 9 hits and 3 walks in 7 innings.

Veteran right-hander Mike Fiers (6-3, 4.58 ERA) starts Game 3 for Oakland.