Game Thread: White Sox at Dodgers

Chicago enacts the ‘build-a-start’ strategy with Brandon Eisert and Sean Burke vs. veteran Clayton Kershaw

Looking to switch things up tonight, Chicago is using the opener approach against the Boys in Blue. Brandon Eisert gets the nod, and this will be his third time kicking off a contest this year. The lefty is 2-1 with a 4.33 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP. He last performed as an opener on May 13 against the Cincinnati Reds, where he was perfect through one inning of work. Eisert will probably toss one or two frames before handing things over to Sean Burke.

So far in 2025, Burke holds a record of 4-7 with an ERA of 4.22 and a WHIP of 1.42 across 16 games and 14 starts, with 68 Ks in 81 innings pitched. His most recent outing on June 25 against the Diamondbacks offered a glimpse of better things as Burke pitched five innings, allowing two runs (no earned) on five hits and two walks while fanning seven and earning him the win.

Baseball Savant

Here’s the Dodgers’ lineup facing Eisert and Burke today.

Slated to start for Los Angeles, Clayton Kershaw takes the mound for the ninth time this season. So far in 2025, the veteran has compiled a solid 4-0 record with a 3.03 ERA across 38 2⁄3 innings pitched in eight starts. He has accumulated 29 strikeouts and a 1.19 WHIP. Chicago’s offense can expect a mix of Kershaw’s signature pitches. He primarily relies on his slider and four-seam fastball, while also incorporating a curveball and occasionally a splitter. Historically, his slider has a short glove-side cut and less depth than usual, while his fastball is known for being relatively straight. His curveball, however, boasts an exceptional bite. The White Sox as a team are hitting .234 against southpaws this season.

Baseball Savant

Will Venable sets the South Side offense up like this against Kershaw, hoping to capture a W.

You can watch the broadcast on CHSN at 9:10 p.m. CST, now carried on Comcast, Fubo, and DIRECTV. Don’t have any of those options? Tune in to Len Kasper and Darin Jackson on the radio call at ESPN 1000.

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