The White Sox are over .500 this late in the season for the first time since 2022. Thus, the Cubs should not underestimate them. They might not be a great team, but they are certainly improved over what they were the last couple of years.
For more on the White Sox, here’s Chrystal O’Keefe, managing editor of our SB Nation White Sox site South Side Sox.
The White Sox have had a surprising start with their young core. As I write this, they sit in second place in the American League Central, just one game back from first place. They have stayed competitive in close games and have been able to come back from behind, especially in later innings. Had you told me the White Sox were down 5-1 in the third inning just last season, I would’ve assumed the game was over. But this year, an at-bat from Munetaka Murakami, Colson Montgomery, or Miguel Vargas can easily put them back in the game.
As far as pitching goes, the Cubs will see all right-handers this series in Sean Burke (3.68 ERA), our ace, Davis Martin (1.62 ERA), and a consistent veteran, Erick Fedde (3.77 ERA). The bullpen can be shaky, but it seems to be coming together as the season progresses.
The aforementioned home run hitters can certainly be a threat, but a few unsuspecting players can also be ones to watch, such as Chase Meidroth, Derek Hill and his clutch late-inning heroics, and rookie catcher Drew Romo.
Fun facts
The Cubs and White Sox have played the most evenly divided of all interleague matchups involving geographic rivals. The Cubs have won 77 games; the White Sox, 75. Oddly, the Cubs are 39-37 on the South Side, while each team has won 38 games at Wrigley Field.
The Cubs have dominated the Sox the past three seasons, winning 11 of 13 games, including both as the visiting team in 2023 and 2024, then two of three last year.
Today’s game will be the 603rd of all kinds between the teams. The Cubs are 283-307-12, a winning percentage of .480.
The Cubs are 2-4 vs. the Sox in the World Series and 204-228-12 in exhibition games, including 60-91-3 in the City Series from 1903-42, 25-26 in pre-season games in Chicago, 103-89-7 in pre-season games elsewhere and 16-22 in exhibition and benefit games played during the regular season.
In all games in Chicago, the Cubs are 180-218-5, .453.
(Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
Probable pitching matchups
Friday: Edward Cabrera, RHP (3-1, 3.88 ERA, 1.317 WHIP, 4.25 FIP) vs. Sean Burke, RHP (2-3, 3.68 ERA, 1.091 WHIP, 3.83 FIP)
Saturday: Jameson Taillon, RHP (2-2, 3.94 ERA, 1.139 WHIP, 5.67 FIP) vs. Davis Martin, RHP (5-1, 1.62 ERA, 1.000 WHIP, 2.33 FIP)
Sunday: Colin Rea, RHP (4-2, 4.68 ERA, 1.417 WHIP, 4.24 FIP) vs. Erick Fedde, RHP (0-4, 3.77 ERA, 1.163 WHIP, 6.04 FIP)
Times & TV channels
Friday: 6:40 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network, also CHSN and WCIU-Ch. 26 (Sox announcers)
Saturday: 6:10 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network, also CHSN and WCIU-Ch. 26 (Sox announcers)
Thursday: 6:15 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network, also CHSN and WCIU-Ch. 26 (Sox announcers)
Prediction
Well. The Cubs have won 13 of the last 15 meetings between these two teams.
But that time frame includes three 100+ loss Sox teams. They are better than that now. However, they are just 4-8 vs. teams currently over .500, and that implies the Cubs can win two of three.
So that’s my prediction. Two of three.
Up next
The Cubs return to Wrigley Field for a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers beginning Monday evening.
