The White Sox have already put themselves in position to make a real statement against Detroit, and Sunday gives them a shot to turn that into a sweep. After winning the first two games, Chicago can finish the job at Comerica Park and push its lead atop the AL Central to 5.5 games.
Will Venable is sticking with a lineup that looks almost identical to the one he’s used the last two days. The lone change comes behind the plate, where Drew Romo replaces newcomer Jake Rogers. Rogers’ first game in a White Sox uniform didn’t amount to much, as he went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.
Chicago’s order for the finale is Sam Antonacci leading off in left, followed by Munetaka Murakami at first, Miguel Vargas at first, Andrew Benintendi at designated hitter, Braden Montgomery in right, Colson Montgomery at third, Chase Meidroth at second, Tristan Peters in center, and Romo catching.
Peters is one of the more interesting names to watch again today. He’s worked through a long slump that cost him some playing time in the outfield, but he’s come alive in this series with five hits in the first two games against the Tigers. If Chicago is going to keep rolling, another strong showing from him would go a long way.
Detroit’s lineup brings Gleyber Torres up top, with Kevin McGonigle, Dillon Dingler, Colt Keith, Zach McKinstry, Spencer Torkelson, Brett Callahan, Max Clark, and Javier Báez filling out the rest of the order.
The pitching matchup leans heavily on Sean Burke, and he’s been dealing. Burke owns a 2.99 ERA across 24 appearances this season, and he’s been the White Sox’ ace in the stretch run. He’s held opponents to two runs or fewer in 10 straight games, and he’s racked up at least eight strikeouts in three of his last four outings.
Burke’s four-seamer has been a problem for hitters, and his knuckle curve has been even nastier. What stands out most is that he hasn’t needed to lean on one single knockout pitch. He’s mixed his weapons depending on the situation and kept finding answers.
Chicago has already shown it can get to some quality Detroit pitching in this series, but it may need to do it again against Drew Anderson. Anderson has a 3.91 ERA in 42 games, and while most of his work has come out of the bullpen, the Tigers have recently given him two starts. In those outings, he allowed just one run and seven hits over 7.2 innings combined.
Anderson probably won’t work deep, but he does bring a solid mix: a mid-90s four-seamer, a low-90s change-up, and a low-80s curve. If the White Sox want to keep the pressure on, they’ll need to stay disciplined and avoid chasing the breaking stuff.
In Other News...
Josue Briceo Is Giving Tigers Fans A New Reason To Trust Scott Harris
Scott Harris has spent most of his time as the Tigers president of baseball operations sending the same message in a few different ways: patience matters, and the best young talent is not going anywhere unless the deal is overwhelming. Since taking over in 2022, he has generally avoided moving top prospects, including at the 2023 trade deadline and beyond, preferring to let the organizations own players grow into the core of the next contender. That approach has become a defining part of how Detroit has rebuilt its roster, and it is one reason fans have been willing to buy into the long game.
Josue Briceo is starting to make that patience look a little more justified. After a recent promotion to Triple-A, the young hitter has made an immediate impression, adding another reminder that the Tigers may have real homegrown impact talent on the way. Harris has resisted the temptation to cash in those kinds of players for short-term help, and Briceos emergence only sharpens the stakes around that philosophy. If Detroit keeps holding onto its best prospects, the payoff may come from within rather than from a splashy trade. [Read more 🡒]
Tigers Already Have A Worrying Skubal Trade Problem
The Tarik Skubal trade already carried the kind of long-term scrutiny that comes with sending away a frontline arm, and one of the young pieces Detroit received is now adding another layer of uncertainty. Brady Smith, a recent addition to the Tigers organization, has barely had a professional track record since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024, and the development path was always going to be slow even before any new hiccups.
What makes it more frustrating is that Smith is not the only name from the deal dealing with setbacks. River Ryan and Zyhir Hope have also run into injuries or performance issues this season, which leaves the trade looking murkier by the week from Detroits side. For a front office that was hoping to restock the system with upside, the early returns have become more about survival than progress. [Read more 🡒]
Kerry Carpenter Update Leaves Tigers Facing A Brutal Stretch Run
Kerry Carpenters absence has quickly become one of the more significant developments in the Tigers stretch run, with the left-handed bat landing on the 10-day injured list July 27 because of left foot plantar fasciitis. For a Detroit lineup that has leaned on Carpenter for impact at key spots, the injury shifts the burden to a group of players who now have to absorb his at-bats and keep the offense moving while the club tries to stay on course.
A.J. Hinch said Carpenter has been sent to see a foot specialist, adding another layer of uncertainty to a situation that already carried plenty of concern. The Tigers do have options to cover his role, but the bigger question is how long theyll need to do it, and whether Detroit can navigate a difficult finish without one of its more dangerous bats back in the fold. [Read more 🡒]