Tigers vs White Sox Preview: Week 62 Showdown on the Windy City

The Tigers roll into Chicago with one of baseball's most talented pitching staffs. Tarik Skubal, a two-time Cy Young winner, anchors this rotation with devastating stuff. Framber Valdez and Jack Flaherty add serious firepower. Even Justin Verlander—one of the game's all-time greats—is part of this squad. Troy Melton takes the mound Friday. Detroit's bullpen includes Kenley Jansen, another future Hall of Famer. This pitching staff is built to win championships. But right now, the Tigers sit at 22-35. They've dropped their last game. They need wins badly on this road trip.

Chicago comes in hot at 29-27 with two straight wins. The White Sox own the home field advantage here at Rate Field, sitting 17-11 at home. Erick Fedde takes the mound for Chicago. He's been shaky this season with a 5.4 ERA and a 1-0 record. The White Sox are rebuilding their pitching staff with younger arms. Shane Smith anchors their rotation. Seranthony Domínguez handles closing duties. Chicago isn't built to compete for playoffs yet. But this team is building something. They need every win to keep growing.

The Tigers are banged up. Tarik Skubal threw a simulated game but isn't ready yet. Kerry Carpenter and Gleyber Torres are both on rehab assignments, working their way back. Parker Meadows had surgery and is out for months. Javier Baez needs specialist evaluation on his ankle. Detroit lost their last game and has only won two of their last ten. That's tough. Chicago won their last two and sits above .500. The White Sox are hungry at home. The Tigers need to find their rhythm fast or this season spirals further.