Jonathan Cannon The Detroit Tigers are poised for a significant opportunity to reach a .500 record for the season as they face the Chicago White Sox on Sunday afternoon at Progressive Field in Chicago. The game is scheduled to begin at 2:10 PM Eastern Time.
This game marks the final matchup in an unusual four-game series that wraps up on Monday. The Tigers, who currently hold a 64-66 record, have already secured victories in two of the previous games against the White Sox, who have struggled throughout the season with a 31-99 record. Winning both games over the weekend would enable Detroit to even their record, a notable achievement for a team in the midst of balancing competitiveness with a transition towards a younger roster and future planning for the 2025 season.
Detroit’s current strategy involves a mix of established pitchers like Tarik Skubal, who secured a win in Saturday’s game, alongside pitchers in more unconventional roles such as relievers acting as openers. For Sunday’s matchup, the Tigers will rely on Beau Brieske, a 26-year-old right-hander who is predominantly used as a reliever. This game will mark Brieske’s seventh start and his 32nd appearance of the season.
Brieske’s last outing was against the Chicago Cubs on Monday, where he pitched two innings, allowed only one hit, and did not give up any runs, while striking out three batters. In his recent blended role, he has demonstrated solid performance, recording a 1-1 record with a 1.69 ERA over his last seven games, which included four starts. During this period, he has pitched 10.2 innings, struck out 15 batters, walked five, and allowed just two earned runs. His recent form should provide a strong start for Detroit on Sunday.
On the opposing side, the White Sox will counter with Jonathan Cannon, a 24-year-old right-hander who is set to make his 15th start of the season. Cannon carries a 2-7 record and a 4.26 ERA into this game, having also recorded a save in two additional relief appearances. In his most recent start against the San Francisco Giants, Cannon struggled, giving up five earned runs and eight hits over six innings, with four strikeouts and one walk. Over his last seven games, Cannon has a 1-5 record with a 4.32 ERA.
The Tigers are also dealing with the recent injury of one of their key players, infielder Javier Báez, who was placed on the 10-day injured list on Friday due to spine and hip inflammation. The duration of Báez’s absence remains uncertain, but it presents an opportunity for Detroit to integrate more young players into the lineup as they look ahead to next season.
In light of Báez’s injury, the Tigers have called up Trey Sweeney and Jace Jung to handle third base and shortstop, respectively, for the remainder of the season. Additionally, catcher Dillon Dingler, one of the organization’s top prospects, has been given ample playing time since his call-up in late July. Dingler is keen to prove himself and secure a role for the upcoming season.
Following the conclusion of this series, the Tigers will return to Comerica Park on Tuesday to begin a new series against the Los Angeles Angels.
