The Detroit Tigers travel to Chicago this Friday night for a three-game series against the White Sox in the AL Central Division. The Tigers are striving to achieve a .500 record this season, while the White Sox are facing a challenging year, inching closer to 100 losses well before September. The opening game will feature Tigers’ right-hander Keider Montero (4-5, 5.28 ERA) against White Sox righty Chris Flexen (2-12, 5.46 ERA). The first pitch is set for 8:10 pm EST.
Tigers Aim for Redemption in Chicago
The Detroit Tigers are eager to regain their footing as a competitive force in Major League Baseball after a prolonged absence from the playoffs since 2014. This season, they find themselves once again outside the playoff picture, prompting management to consider roster improvements during the upcoming offseason. Recently, the Tigers faced the Chicago Cubs in a three-game series, managing to split the first two games but ultimately losing the finale 10-2. Their struggles were evident, with only five hits and 13 strikeouts in that game.
For the series opener against the White Sox, the Tigers will rely on rookie right-hander Keider Montero. Montero has pitched 11 games this season, showing promise with a record of 4-5 and three quality starts. His ERA stands at 5.28, having permitted 59 hits over 59.2 innings. Notably, he impressed in his last outing against the Yankees, where he allowed just two hits and no runs over five innings of work.
Key Injuries: SP Casey Mize, SP Reese Olson, RF Wenceel Perez, and RP Angel De Jesus are currently sidelined.
White Sox Struggle Continues with Flexen
The Chicago White Sox are having a season to forget as they welcome the Tigers for this three-game series. Facing a potential for 100 losses before August ends, they are also at risk of breaking the 1962 Mets’ record for most losses in a single season. However, the White Sox managed to snap a four-game losing streak with a 6-2 victory over the San Francisco Giants, rallying for four runs in the ninth inning to secure the win.
Chris Flexen will take the mound for the White Sox in the series opener. Flexen’s season has been tough, as evidenced by his 2-12 record and a 5.46 ERA. He has allowed 134 hits in 122 innings, including 19 home runs, and has struggled with command, walking 51 batters while striking out only 85. In his most recent start, Flexen pitched four innings, giving up seven hits and four runs in a 6-1 loss to Houston.
Key Injuries: C Edgar Quero, RP Lane Ramsey, RP Steve Wilson, RP Jordan Leasure, and 3B Yoan Moncada are out.
Betting Insights for Tigers vs. White Sox
The Tigers have shown signs of improvement this season, building a foundation with young talents like outfielder Riley Greene and second baseman Colt Keith. They are keen to enhance their pitching depth, and Montero may play a key role in that future. His strong performance against the Yankees indicates he could perform well against the White Sox, who have struggled offensively, hitting just over .200 this season.
As the White Sox continue to falter, they have lost five of their last six matchups against the Tigers. Given Flexen’s tendency to allow home runs and the White Sox’s offensive shortcomings, taking Detroit on the money line appears to be a wise choice.
