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Game Thread: Tigers at White Sox — Delayed

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Seattle Mariners v Chicago White Sox
Tim Elko’s back, baby! The Captain makes his return to Chicago, and for the first time in almost two weeks, the Sox have a legitimate first baseman. | Michael Reaves/Getty Images

It’s a bullpen bonanza so prepare for another unpredictable night at the ballpark

First pitch slated for 8:15 p.m.

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Ah, yes, another day, another whirlwind of clarity and strategic brilliance from the Chicago White Sox front office.

In their latest masterpiece of roster maneuvering, Lenyn Sosa hits the IL with a hip flexor strain — and it’s not from carrying the offense, in case you were wondering. Additionally, Chicago quietly shelves Miguel Castro for the long haul, and Tim Elko gets the call from AAA to return to Chicago (wonder if he’s flying United). At least now we can answer the question, “Who’s on first?” Finally, ironically, the Sox also claimed righthander Ryan Cusick off waivers from the Detroit Tigers while playing said team, only to option him to Charlotte.

Not only did Detroit steal our beloved announcer, but they also still own the best record in the majors at 40-22, even after last night’s 8-1 loss to the AL’s worst team.

After kicking the Tigers’ tail in yesterday’s contest, we will have ourselves a bullpen game tonight. The Good Guys send Jared Shuster to the bump on this hump day as they attempt to win two in a row for only the fifth time this season.

The 26-year-old lefty has not been good in 2025, with a 6.14 ERA and 1.77 WHIP in 14 2⁄3 innings. He doesn’t have any saves, holds, or blow saves this year over 11 appearances, which basically tells you Chicago’s used him primarily for mop-up duty. Opponents are slashing .333/.384/.424 against the southpaw.

The offense looks to stay hot and maybe even add in a little more pop with the help of Elko. With the arm barn in charge of the evening, they’ll need every hit they can get. Mike Tauchman, who is trying to play himself to a contender at the deadline, leads off.

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Sawyer Gipson-Long makes his season debut after not pitching for 615 days due to Tommy John and hip surgeries. He’s thrown just 16 innings so far in the minors but has been impressive in that small sample with a 2.20 ERA and 0.98 WHIP. The Tigers’ No. 29 prospect has a five-pitch mix, with his changeup being his primary weapon, although he has been known to surrender some long balls.

Detroit’s offense doesn’t overly impress as far as statistics go. While they’re certainly much better than the South Siders, they’re only 11th in the league in batting average at .251. One of the things they are good at, though, is scoring runs and finding ways to get on base, ranking fourth with a .733 OPS.

Here’s how A.J. Hinch lines them up tonight.

There is rain in the area, so if the weather cooperates, you can watch the broadcast on CHSN at 6:40 p.m. CST. Don’t have CHSN or the antenna? Tune in to Len Kasper and Darin Jackson on the radio call at ESPN 1000.