The Chicago White Sox return to Guaranteed Rate Field to host the Texas Rangers on Tuesday, August 25, with first pitch set for 7:40 PM ET. Anthony Kay gets the ball for the Sox against none other than Jacob deGrom, one of the most decorated pitchers in the game. This is a meaningful regular season home date, and the pitching matchup alone makes it worth watching closely — Kay will be tested, no question about it.
Chicago White Sox vs. Texas Rangers Game Preview: August 25, 2026
Starting Pitchers
The headliner on the mound Tuesday night is deGrom for Texas. When healthy, deGrom operates at a level few starters in baseball can match — elite stuff, pinpoint command, and the kind of presence that can derail an offense before it finds its footing. The Sox lineup will need to be disciplined and opportunistic early, because deGrom has a way of putting hitters away once he settles in.
On the Chicago side, Anthony Kay draws the assignment. Kay has work to do to keep the Sox competitive in this one. How he manages the Rangers lineup — particularly if Texas has any momentum heading into this series — will set the tone for the evening. Kay needs to attack the zone, limit walks, and keep the ball in the ballpark at Rate Field.
Keys to Watch
- Plate discipline against deGrom: The Rangers starter can be hittable when batters work counts and lay off his secondary offerings. The Sox cannot afford to chase early in counts.
- Kay's command: If Kay is sharp and throwing strikes consistently, Chicago has a path to keeping this game close into the middle innings. Falling behind hitters will make a long night longer.
- Bullpen management: Depending on how Kay's night goes, the White Sox bullpen could be called upon early. Having reliable arms ready out of the 'pen is critical when facing an offense like Texas.
- Home-field energy: Guaranteed Rate Field gives the Sox a chance to play in front of their own fans. Generating early offense and feeding off that energy could be a difference-maker.
Broadcast Information
Tuesday's game can be seen on Chicago Sports Network locally, with radio coverage on ESPN Chicago WMVP 1000 AM. Spanish-language listeners can tune in to KFLC 1270 AM or 107.9 La Ley FM.
Prediction
This is a tough ask for the White Sox. DeGrom is one of the game's elite starters, and Kay faces a genuine challenge keeping Chicago in contention through six innings. That said, home games at Rate Field carry weight, and all it takes is one big inning to flip a game on its head. Expect a pitchers' duel early, with Texas holding an edge by the later innings. Rangers 4, White Sox 2 — but don't rule out the Sox finding a way to make deGrom work for every out.
