The Detroit Tigers dropped the second of a three-game home series against the American League Central-leading Chicago White Sox on Saturday afternoon, 4-3. Troy Melton’s run of dominance finally came to an end while Eduardo Valencia’s offensive output was not enough to give the home team enough firepower to prevail.
Making his fifth start of the season in the series finale for the Motor City Kitties is right-hander Drew Anderson, who has served more as a long opener than a true starter over his last
two outings. Stretching across 7 2/3 innings, the 32-year-old has posted a microscopic 1.17 ERA but a much less impressive 4.91 FIP, allowing seven hits — including a solo homer for his only run allowed — and three walks against four strikeouts.
Anderson has faced Chicago thrice this summer in relief, getting tagged with a blown save twice at the end of May, allowing a pair of runs in 2/3 inning in both appearances with just one K between the two. The third time saw him vulture a win after tossing 1 1/3 innings of scoreless ball on a hit and three strikeouts.
For the White Sox, fellow righty Sean Burke toes the rubber for his 21st start in 25 appearances in 2026, having thrown quality starts in seven of his last nine outings. Over his last 10 games — which includes a 7 1/3 inning effort in relief — the 26-year-old has put up a sparkling 1.60 ERA along with an impressive 2.47 FIP, allowing 43 hits (six home runs) and 11 walks while striking out 79 over 62 innings of work; he also threw five wild pitches, hit three batters and was called for a balk over that stretch.
Burke saw Detroit earlier this season at Rate Field on May 31, throwing 5 1/3 frames of one-run ball on three hits and two walks while striking out six, not figuring in the decision as the White Sox went on to win, 2-1.
Here is a look at how the two match up on Sunday afternoon in the D as the Tigers try to salvage one win this weekend.
Detroit Tigers (60-63) vs. Chicago White Sox (64-58)
Time (ET): 1:40 p.m.
Place: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
SB Nation Site: South Side Sox
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Game 124: RHP Drew Anderson (4-4, 3.91 ERA) vs. RHP Sean Burke (7-6, 2.99 ERA)
ANDERSON
BURKE
