A Divisional Rivalry with Unfinished Business
The Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers are two of the youngest, but most exciting teams in the league. Both teams carry loads of star power. For the White Sox, Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez hold down the outfield while Abreu and Grandal lead the infield. In return, the Detroit Tigers will have a mix of offseason acquisitions as well as the #1 overall pick from the 2020 draft, Spencer Torkelson.
The White Sox and Tigers have had their fair share of issues as a divisional rivalry which is forcing Chicago’s starting shortstop Tim Anderson to serve a suspension to start the season. During the final series last season, tempers flared between Detroit and Chicago that ultimately led to the benches clearing and Tim Anderson making unintentional contact with an umpire. The Las Vegas Odds currently have the White Sox as -130 money line favorites in the season opener.
Let’s check the latest MLB Picks, stats, injury reports, and MLB Odds for White Sox vs Tigers. We’ve plenty of MLB Predictions.
How the White Sox Get Through the Early Injury Bug
The Chicago White Sox are one of, if not the best, teams while fully healthy. During spring training, Garrett Crotchet, the former 11th overall pick in the 2020 draft, was ruled out for the season after undergoing Tommy John Surgery. For a team that is already low on pitching, this is not helping their case.
The White Sox offseason also involved the departure of Craig Kimbrel to the Dodgers in exchange for RF, AJ Pollock, who is expected to start and leadoff opening day. Chicago will also be without Yoan Moncada, the team’s third baseman due to an oblique strain. The starting rotation is a work in progress because of the injury to Lance Lynn, which will force him to miss up to two months.
Lucas Giolito, the opening day starter said “We have a very good team. We have depth despite losing key players.” For a team that had a rough 2021 injury report, 2022 isn’t off to a great start. The best thing for the White Sox is that it is at the beginning of the season and none of the injuries are too severe with the exception of Crochet. In what should be a weak AL Central, Chicago can stay around the top of the standings with their offensive power and guys stepping up on the mound.
Tigers Contending for a Divisional Title
The Detroit Tigers were one of the heavy spending teams this off-season which gives fans something to look forward to, as well as one of the best rookies in baseball. Detroit is a grossly underrated team that will surprise people this season. In the off-season, they signed Javier Baez, Tucker Barnhart, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Austin Meadows in a trade from Tampa Bay. These moves are not the most flashy, but super effective to a team that plays to the final pitch, every game.
The Tigers have filled out their roster quite nicely and are expected to compete for a playoff appearance which hasn’t happened since 2014. With the new acquisitions, the core of the Tigers’ future relies heavily on Spencer Torkelson and center fielder Riley Greene. Torkelson hit .267 with 30 HRs and 91 RBIs, in the minors last season. Greene will not be in the opening day lineup due to a fractured foot, but the two of them aspire to lead Detroit for the foreseeable future.
White Sox vs Tigers Head-to-Head
The White Sox will continue recent success against divisional opponents. Last season, the White Sox were 12-7 against Detroit, which makes them clear favorites to win today’s game. Chicago has had the recent success, but the Tigers are a team that you can never count out.
White Sox vs Tigers Game Information
- Game: White Sox(0-0) vs Tigers(0-0)
- Location: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
- Day/Time: Friday, April 8th, 1:10 p.m. ET
- Live stream: MLB.tv
White Sox vs Tigers Name Betting Lines
| Team | Run Line | Moneyline | Total | Team Total |
| Chicago White Sox L. Giolito -R | -1½ +120 | -134 | 7½-115o | 4½+110o / 4½-140u |
| Detroit Tigers E. Rodriguez -L | +1½ -140 | +124 | 7½-105u | 3½-105o / 3½-125u |
White Sox vs Tigers Prediction
The Chicago White Sox are currently -130 favorites which is a good parlay piece, but not something I’d be willing to take straight. BetOnline currently has the White Sox over/under runs at 4.5 (+120) which is something that is more appealing. At plus money, this is a steal of a bet. Chicago is one of the best teams hitting LHP and how convenient that they drew a lefty in the first game.
Eduardo Rodriguez has proven to be successful against the White Sox and Detroit plays well at home. For this reason, the game outcome is hard to predict, but the White Sox should be able to score runs with this high-powered offense.
With the flurry of right-handed power in the lineup that goes across the board from Jimenez, Grandal, Pollock, and Abreu the Sox will be able to put up runs. Even without Tim Anderson and Yoan Moncada, if there’s a chance to grab the White Sox team total at plus money it will almost certainly be worth it every time.
