The Chicago White Sox host the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, September 17 at Guaranteed Rate Field, with first pitch scheduled for 7:40 PM ET. Erick Fedde gets the ball for the South Siders in a late-season American League Central matchup that carries real divisional weight as September winds down. Detroit sends Framber Valdez to the mound in what shapes up as a compelling pitching duel. Catch it on Chicago Sports Network or locally on ESPN Chicago WMVP 1000 AM.

Pitching Matchup: Fedde vs. Valdez

Erick Fedde draws the start for Chicago, giving the Sox their best chance to control the game early. Fedde has been one of the more reliable arms in the White Sox rotation this season, and his ability to work deep into games is something manager Pedro Grifol will be leaning on Thursday night.

The challenge is significant. Framber Valdez is a proven left-hander with a wicked sinker and one of the better ground-ball profiles in the American League. He punishes hitters who expand the zone and has a track record of keeping lineups off-balance over six or seven innings. The White Sox offense will need to be disciplined and patient if they want to get to the Tigers bullpen.

Keys to the Game

White Sox Offense Must Work the Count

Against a pitcher like Valdez, swing-and-miss hitters are going to have a rough night. Chicago's best approach is to grind at-bats, look for pitches middle-in, and force Valdez to throw strikes. Getting him into the fifth and sixth inning with a pitch count above 90 opens the door to Detroit's relievers.

Fedde Needs to Limit Hard Contact Early

Detroit has the lineup depth to bust a game open quickly if Fedde leaves pitches over the plate. Keeping the ball down and generating weak contact on the ground will be critical, especially in the first three innings when the Tigers figure to have their most dangerous bats at the plate.

Bullpen Management Matters

With September rosters expanded, both teams have options out of the bullpen. How long each manager rides his starter — and when he pulls the trigger on his best relievers — could decide this one late.

Broadcast Information

• TV (Chicago): Chicago Sports Network
• TV (Detroit): Detroit SportsNet
• Radio: ESPN Chicago WMVP 1000 AM
• Radio: WXYT 97.1 FM (Detroit)
• Radio (Spanish): 107.9 La Ley

Prediction

This is a low-scoring game waiting to happen. Valdez is the type of starter who can make a lineup look helpless for stretches, but Fedde is capable of matching zeros and keeping the White Sox in it. Look for a tight, grinding contest where the team that converts its best late-inning opportunity walks away with the win. Give the edge to Detroit given Valdez's track record, but do not sleep on the Sox at home in a game this close. Prediction: Tigers 3, White Sox 2.