The Detroit Tigers had a chance to claw back a few wins this week at home against the Los Angeles Angels. Instead, they lost their seventh straight series, taking just one of three from the visitors, and are now back in a tie for last place in the American League with that same Halos squad.
Next up for the Motor City Kitties is a trip to the Windy City to take on the Chicago White Sox, who currently sit in the AL Central’s second-place position behind the Cleveland Guardians at two games over .500.
The Pale Hose are coming off a four-game series win over the Minnesota Twins at home, having taken three of four.
The Tigers will have right-hander Troy Melton on the mound for his second start of the campaign to open things up. The 25-year-old went 5 2/3 innings in his first appearance, allowing one run on two hits and three walks while striking out three en route to a win over the Baltimore Orioles.
Melton faced the ChiSox twice last year, once as a starter and once in relief. In the former role, he tossed five shutout innings on just one hit and no walks en route to a 1-0 victory on Aug. 13.
The home team will send fellow righty Erick Fedde, who has struggled mightily this season, to the bump to do battle. The 33-year-old’s most recent outing in relief on the road against the San Francisco Giants was particularly foul, giving up eight runs on 10 hits (one home run) and two walks while striking out three over 3 1/3 frames.
Fedde’s previous appearance against Detroit last year on May 20 was not particularly impressive either. He gave up four runs on five hits (two home runs) and no walks while striking out two over five innings of work, earning a no-decision in a 5-4 loss.
Take a look at how the two match up on Friday night.
Detroit Tigers (22-35) vs. Chicago White Sox (29-27)
Time (ET): 7:40 p.m.
Place: Rate Field, Chicago, Illinois
SB Nation Site: South Side Sox
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Game 58: RHP Troy Melton (1-0, 1.59 ERA) vs. RHP Erick Fedde (0-5, 5.47 ERA)
MELTON
FEDDE
