The Detroit Tigers are the comeback story of the year. Two weeks ago, they had about a 12% shot of making the MLB playoffs. After winning their fifth straight game on Thursday and sweeping the Rays, those playoff odds are well over 90%.
It's quite simple for the Tigers entering their Friday series opener against the Chicago White Sox: Win and they clinch an AL wild-card spot. The Tigers can also get in via a Twins loss to the Orioles. Can Detroit complete its unlikely run to the MLB postseason on Friday night at Comerica Park? Find my White Sox vs Tigers predictions and picks below.
Editor's Note: This White Sox-Tigers preview was published before Detroit announced Brenan Hanifee as its opening pitcher.
White Sox vs Tigers Prediction
- White Sox vs Tigers pick: Under 7.5 (-120) | Play to Under 7
My White Sox vs Tigers best bet for Friday is on the under, where I see value at 7.5. The best line is available at DraftKings — make sure to find the best odds by checking our live MLB odds page.
White Sox at Tigers Odds, Prediction
| Chicago White Sox Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Over/Under | Run Line |
+165 | 7 -125o / +105u | +1.5 -130 |
| Detroit Tigers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Over/Under | Run Line |
-200 | 7 -125o / +105u | -1.5 +110 |
- White Sox-Tigers Moneyline: White Sox +165 | Tigers -200
- White Sox-Tigers Total: Over/Under 7 (-125o / +105u)
- White Sox-Tigers Spread: White Sox +1.5 (-130) | Tigers -1.5 (+110)
White Sox vs Tigers Probable Starting Pitchers
| LHP Garrett Crochet (CWS) | Stat | RHP Brenan Hanifee (DET opener) |
|---|---|---|
| 6-12 | W-L | 1-1 |
| 4.4 | fWAR (FanGraphs) | 0.4 |
| 3.68/2.86 | ERA /xERA | 1.98/2.90 |
| 2.73/2.40 | FIP / xFIP | 3.09/3.47 |
| 1.06 | WHIP | 1.17 |
| 29.5% | K-BB% | 15% |
| 45.1% | GB% | 54.8% |
| 102 | Stuff+ | 92 |
| 103 | Location+ | 105 |
Chicago White Sox at Detroit Tigers Preview
White Sox Betting Preview: Can Crochet Play Spoiler?
Crochet owns a 3.68 ERA and a 2.86 xERA. His Average Exit Velocity is a touch above 88 mph and his Hard-Hit Rate is in the 51st percentile. However, he boasts a 35.1% strikeout rate and a walk rate a touch above 5%. He can get hitters to chase, and since Detroit hasn't fared well against lefties lately, we could see Crochet pitch the four innings he has been accustomed to in September.
The White Sox can't hit. They have a 76 wRC+, a 8.4% walk rate and a 24.2% strikeout rate against lefties in the past month and a 64 wRC+, a 5.5% walk rate and a 24.9% strikeout rate against righties in the past month.
Against lefties, they have four bats above a .320 xwOBA in the last month. Against righties, they only have one active bat above a .320 xwOBA. This lineup isn't deep, so don't expect an offensive explosion against Detroit.
In relief, the White Sox have a 4.32 xFIP, a 11.9% walk rate and a 24% strikeout rate. They still have five arms under a 4.00 xFIP in the bullpen, so when Crochet exits, the White Sox have backup.
Tigers Betting Preview: Who's Pitching for Detroit?
The Tigers have yet to announce a starting pitcher/opener for this game, so I will give a brief run down of possible routes they go.
Tyler Holton has been electric in relief and if he opens the game Friday, expect the ball to be on the ground often. He can also limit hard contact and rarely walks anyone. He should be able to throw more than one inning with a low pitch count, especially if he gets hitters to chase.
Meanwhile, Jackson Jobe was a top pick in 2021 and will pitch meaningful innings down the stretch. He flew through the minor leagues this year, so expect him to boast his arsenal against a weak opponent, if he gets a chance to throw Friday.
Otherwise, the Tigers have a 3.49 xFIP, a 5.8% walk rate and a 23.3% strikeout rate in relief over the past month.
The Tigers’ bats have been quiet against lefties in the past month. They have a 64 wRC+, a 9.6% walk rate and a 33% strikeout rate against southpaws in that timeframe. Against righties, they are walking a tad less, but also striking out less with a 110 wRC+.
Kerry Carpenter and Zach McKinstry are the only players who have hit lefties well, so expect a quiet day for this offense.
White Sox vs Tigers Prediction, Betting Analysis
Neither of these teams has hit the cover off of the ball. However, Detroit’s bullpen has been the key to this sustained run. The White Sox will start their ace and have plenty of depth behind him in relief.
The under is certainly in play here. Bet it from 7.5 to 7.
Pick: Under 7.5 (-120) | Play to 7
Moneyline
I'm going to pass on the White Sox vs. Tigers moneyline.
Run Line (Spread)
I'm passing on the White Sox vs. Tigers run line.
Over/Under
I'm betting the White Sox vs. Tigers under at 7.5 and would play it down to 7.
White Sox-Tigers Betting Trends
White Sox Betting Trends
White Sox are 2-3 in their last 5 games.
White Sox are 3-2 in their last 5 games against the spread
White Sox are 32-46 in their road games against the spread
The totals have gone OVER in 0 of White Sox's last 5 games
Tigers Betting Trends
Tigers are 4-1 in their last 5 games.
Tigers are 3-2 in their last 5 games against the spread
The totals have gone OVER in 2 of Tigers' last 5 games
The totals have gone OVER in 35 of Tigers' 77 last games at home
