Chicago White Sox at Detroit Tigers 9/20/21 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Chicago White Sox will open a divisional series with the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Chicago has held a double-digit lead in the AL Central for a majority of the season, they’re 5-5 in their last ten games but are nearly a lock to be in the playoffs. Detroit has shown signs of competence, but just doesn’t have the talent to make a run, they trail the division by 13.5 games but have won seven of their last ten games. 

Chicago has leaned on their offense this season, and even with injuries, have been one of the best offenses in the MLB this season hitting .255 as a team, ranking fifth in the MLB. The White Sox are seventh in the MLB in scoring offense, averaging 4.94 runs per game, and are led by first baseman Jose Abreu who has driven in 29 homeruns and 113 RBIs. Shortstop Tim Anderson is hitting .301 and quickly establishing himself as one of the best shortstops in baseball.

The left-handed Carlos Rodon will get the ball to start, he’s been one of the best in baseball going 12-5 with a 2.38 ERA and 0.96 WHIP this year. Rodon has an impressive 175 strikeouts in just 124.2 innings of work and is coming off an impressive outing where he allowed a run on three hits in five innings of work, striking out seven without issuing a walk.

Detroit has won seven of their last ten games and is riding a wave of momentum, the offense has struggled at times hitting .240 ranking 16th in the MLB, and is 20th in scoring offense averaging 4.35 runs per contest. Jonathan Schoop is leading the way hitting .275 and a team-high 77 RBIs, he’s third on the team in homeruns with 20.

The right-hander Matt Manning will get the start for Detroit, he’s struggled in his limited action this season going 4-6 with a 5.75 ERA and disappointing 1.53 WHIP. Manning is coming off one of his best starts of the year, allowing a run on two hits in six innings of work in a win over the Brewers. He’s not a strikeout guy, with just 45 in 72 innings this season and has had his issues giving up free base runners.