The Detroit Tigers (43-70, 50-63 RL, 40-65-8 O/U) take on the Chicago White Sox (56-56, 48-64 RL, 50-56-6 O/U) as the AL Central foes begin a three-game series on Friday evening. The Tigers will have Daniel Norris starting this one. Chicago will reply with Michael Kopech. The White Sox lead the season series by a 7-3 count.
Daniel Norris will make the spot start in this one. Norris made 27 appearances out of the Cubs bullpen this season and struggled, posting a 6.90 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP in 30 innings pitched. Norris spent many seasons with the Tigers and had a few good years but overall is not a reliable option. He has posted mediocre numbers in his career against the White Sox, logging a 4.33 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP in 54 innings of work. He allowed three runs in 11.2 innings in the Minor Leagues this year.
Detroit will open a seven-game road trip in this one. They have not won a road series since late June and are 19 games below the .500 mark on the road. The Tigers lost three of four to the Rays last weekend and were dealt a home sweep by the Guardians this week.
Javier Baez had success in the previous series against the White Sox, bas hing two homers with five RBIs in the four games. The 29-year-old shortstop is having a disappointing season in his first year with the Tigers, hitting only 11 big flies with 44 RBIs and a .642 OPS. Baez has five RBIs this month.
The Tigers remain last with only 3.20 runs per game. The pitching staff has recorded a 4.45 team ERA, placing them 25th in the big leagues.