Free MLB Picks Today: Chicago White Sox vs Detroit Tigers 6/4/23

The Chicago White Sox (25-35) host the Detroit Tigers (26-30) at Guaranteed Rate Field on Sunday with the home team in position for a sweep of the three-game series.

The White Sox lead the series 2-0 after winning 2-1 in 10 innings on Saturday, their third head-to-head victory in six games this season. Reliever Reynaldo Lopez threw one scoreless inning to get the win.

Andrew Benintendi went 2 for 4 with one run in the win. Zach McKinstry was 1 for 4 with a triple and one run for the Tigers.

ON THE MOUND

Matthew Boyd (3-4, 5.96 ERA) is set to get the start for Detroit. The LHP allowed five runs over six innings in his last start, a 5-0 home defeat against the Rangers on Monday. He took the loss, giving up five hits while striking out five and walking four.

For Chicago, right-hander Michael Kopech (3-5, 4.52 ERA) gets the start. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Tigers. Kopech made three appearances against the Tigers in 2022, all as the starter, striking out 18 and walking eight over 15.1 innings (0-0, 1.76).

In his last start on Monday, Kopech took the loss at home against the Angels. He threw 4.1 innings and gave up four runs on five hits, striking out 10 and walking two in the 6-4 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Detroit has averaged only 2.0 runs a game, down from their season average of 3.7, while performing worse across the board (.201/.276/.287). Against right-handed pitchers like Kopech this season, the Tigers have a .650 OPS, the third lowest in the league.

Riley Greene is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a .834 OPS in 155 at-bats. Chicago is averaging only 4.2 runs per game in the last five, consistent with their season average.

The Sox have a .770 OPS against lefties in 2023. With a 1.186 OPS over 41 at-bats, Luis Robert Jr. has been their best hitter against left-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Detroit is 12-17 away from home in 2023, scoring 3.4 runs per game while allowing 4.6 runs. Chicago has gone 15-15 at Guaranteed Rate Field this season, averaging 4.3 runs per game while surrendering 5.2. Chicago is 7-3 in the last 10 games between the AL Central rivals at Guaranteed Rate Field with an average scoreline of 3.6-2.6.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Tigers are second in the AL Central, three games behind the division-leading Twins. The White Sox are fourth in the AL Central, seven games behind the Twins.