Preview for Thursday, September 17, 2026. Schedule and player information can change.
Detroit Tigers at Chicago White Sox
The Tigers head to Chicago for a matchup against the White Sox, with Framber Valdez scheduled to start for Detroit and Erick Fedde on the mound for the White Sox, according to the schedule feed. Valdez brings a 4.01 ERA and a WP-calculated FIP of 4.24 across approximately 163.7 innings pitched this season, while Fedde carries a 3.97 ERA but a considerably higher WP-calculated FIP of 5.19 over about 133.7 innings. Valdez's FIP is notably better than Fedde's, suggesting his underlying performance may be somewhat stronger than the raw ERA gap between the two indicates.
Looking at the team-level numbers, the White Sox hold a slight offensive edge with a WP-estimated wOBA of 0.315 compared to Detroit's 0.311. On the run-prevention side, the Tigers look stronger as a staff, posting a team ERA of 3.64 and a WP-estimated FIP of 4.09, both better than Chicago's team ERA of 4.12 and WP-estimated FIP of 4.34. That combination gives Detroit the more well-rounded overall statistical profile heading into this one, even with the White Sox showing a marginally better wOBA.
On the injury front, the White Sox have Brooks Baldwin and Aldrin Batista listed on the 60-Day IL and Joey Bart listed on the 10-Day IL, while the Tigers have Paul DeJong listed on the 60-Day IL, Jack Flaherty listed on the 15-Day IL, and Kerry Carpenter listed on the 10-Day IL. Taking the pitching matchup and team statistics together, Detroit's better team ERA and FIP figures, paired with Valdez's stronger FIP compared to Fedde's, tilt the available numbers toward the Tigers in this contest.
Statistical scope: MLB Stats API; 2026 regular season season-to-date; exact statistical through-date not supplied.
WP selection: Tigers moneyline. Confidence: Confident.
The selection is supplied separately by WP. The comparisons above do not establish why the model made this selection.
WP home-run candidate for Tigers: Eduardo Valencia. The selection uses roster and season-stat inputs; it does not establish a confirmed batting lineup or favourable betting odds.
WP home-run candidate for White Sox: Randal Grichuk. The selection uses roster and season-stat inputs; it does not establish a confirmed batting lineup or favourable betting odds.
Predictions are uncertain; no outcome is guaranteed. Check the picks page for the latest available selections.