Tigers vs White Sox Picks and Predictions

Tigers vs White Sox Picks and Predictions September 5th 2025

The Detroit Tigers return home Friday looking to protect their lead in the AL Central as they host the surging Chicago White Sox in the first of a three-game weekend set. With both starting pitchers riding recent momentum, this game sets up as a potential pitching duel.

Flaherty’s Jekyll and Hyde Month

Jack Flaherty has had a rollercoaster ride over his last few starts. In August, he alternated between dominance and disaster, but he enters Friday’s game with renewed confidence after holding the Royals to one run in nearly six innings last week.

“That’s more along the lines of what I want to feel like,” Flaherty said. “I felt in sync and just competed.”

Detroit manager A.J. Hinch praised Flaherty’s fastball and pitch conviction, noting it was one of his sharper outings this season.

Pitcher	Team	Record	ERA	Vs White Sox (2024)
Jack Flaherty	Detroit Tigers	7-13	4.74	2-1, 3.94 ERA in 3 starts

Flaherty is also 3-2 lifetime with a 3.45 ERA against the White Sox.

Rookie Shane Smith Looks to Stay Hot

The White Sox will counter with Shane Smith, a 25-year-old right-hander who’s been dealing since returning from an ankle injury in early August. He’s posted a 2.67 ERA in six starts and has held Detroit scoreless in two starts already this season.

“He’s starting to learn himself, and the catchers are learning him better too,” said catcher Kyle Teel.

Smith’s confidence has grown, and he’s pounding the zone again, avoiding the struggles that led to a rough midseason stretch.

Pitcher	Team	Record	ERA	Vs Tigers (2024)
Shane Smith	Chicago White Sox	4-7	3.81	0 ER in 10.1 IP across 2 starts

Smith’s last two starts have been especially dominant, allowing just one earned run over 13.1 innings.

Tigers Look to Maintain Division Lead

The Tigers are 81-60 and hold a 9.5-game lead in the AL Central. They had a day off Thursday after salvaging the final game of a series vs the Mets with a 6-2 win on Wednesday.

Team	Record	Division Rank	Current Streak
Detroit Tigers	81-60	1st AL Central	W1
Chicago White Sox	53-88	5th AL Central	W5 (season-best)

The White Sox have been eliminated from playoff contention but are riding a season-high five-game win streak after sweeping the Twins.

Player Spotlight: Kyle Teel and the Sox’s Hot Bats

White Sox rookie catcher Kyle Teel had a breakout game Thursday, going 3-for-5 with a home run and four RBIs in a wild 11-8 win over the Twins.

Player	Team	Last Game Stats
Kyle Teel	Chicago White Sox	3-for-5, HR, 4 RBIs
Jack Flaherty	Detroit Tigers	5.2 IP, 1 ER, 4 H vs KC
Shane Smith	Chicago White Sox	6.1 IP, 2 ER, 3 H vs Yankees

The Tigers will need to quiet Teel and company to start the series on the right foot.

Game Prediction and Best Bet

The Tigers have the edge in experience and motivation, but the White Sox are playing loose and hot. With both starters in form, expect a tight, low-scoring battle.

Pick: Under 8.5 Runs
Prediction: Tigers 4, White Sox 3

Get more betting insights in the MLB expert betting guide for this weekend’s matchups.

Explore the Teams

Track news, injury updates, and stats throughout the series:

FAQs

Who is starting for the Tigers vs White Sox?

Jack Flaherty starts for Detroit. Shane Smith takes the mound for Chicago.

How have the White Sox performed lately?

They’re on a season-high five-game win streak, including a sweep of the Twins.

How has Flaherty pitched vs the White Sox?

He’s 2-1 against them this season and 3-2 in his career.

What’s Shane Smith’s ERA since returning from injury?

Smith has posted a 2.67 ERA in six starts since returning in early August.

Who had a big game last time out?

White Sox catcher Kyle Teel hit a home run and drove in four runs on Thursday.

Where can I find more MLB picks and predictions?

Visit the MLB picks and predictions page for expert advice.

Detroit Tigers vs Chicago White Sox Picks and Predictions September 5th 2025