The Chicago White Sox return to Guaranteed Rate Field on Thursday, August 13, 2026, for a 2:10 PM CT afternoon matchup against the Cincinnati Reds. Davis Martin gets the ball for Chicago opposite Reds left-hander Andrew Abbott in what shapes up as a pitching-focused contest between two clubs looking to gain ground in the second half of the season. Catch the game on Chicago Sports Network or radio on ESPN Chicago WMVP 1000 AM.
White Sox vs. Reds Starting Pitchers: Davis Martin vs. Andrew Abbott
Davis Martin draws the start for the Sox, and this is exactly the kind of mid-rotation opportunity that defines a pitcher's season. Martin has flashed the ability to work efficiently through a lineup — his pitch mix keeps hitters off-balance when his command is on — but consistency has been the question mark following him throughout his career. Thursday's home start gives him a friendly setting to answer some of those questions.
On the other side, Andrew Abbott comes in as one of the more intriguing young arms in the National League. The Reds lefty generates swing-and-miss with his curveball and can stifle right-handed lineups when he's locating the pitch down and away. Chicago's lineup will need to be patient early and look to work counts if they want to get into Cincinnati's bullpen before the late innings.
Keys to Watch for the White Sox
- Martin's command: The margin for error against a disciplined Reds lineup is thin. Martin needs to stay ahead in counts and limit free passes. Walks are the fastest way this game gets away from him.
- Handling Abbott's curveball: Chicago hitters will see a lot of that breaking ball, especially early in counts. Laying off it early and forcing Abbott to throw his fastball in hitter's counts is the blueprint.
- Bullpen depth: With no current ERA or pitch-count data available, it's worth watching how deep Martin can go. The longer he lasts, the less strain on a bullpen that has to navigate a long second half.
- Rate Field energy: A Thursday afternoon crowd at Guaranteed Rate Field can be a genuine home-field advantage if the Sox give fans something to cheer about early. Momentum matters in day games.
Prediction: White Sox 4, Reds 3
This one figures to be a close, low-scoring game decided by a handful of pitches. Martin settles in after a shaky first inning, works into the fifth or sixth, and the Sox offense does just enough against Abbott to grab a one-run win at home. Pitching matchups like this are won on margins — execution, not explosiveness. Give the edge to Chicago playing at Guaranteed Rate Field.
