The Detroit Tigers head to Rate Field on Thursday, September 17 for a 7:40 PM ET showdown against the Chicago White Sox. Framber Valdez gets the ball for Detroit against Chicago's Erick Fedde in a late-season regular season matchup that carries real weight in the standings. This is the kind of September game where every half-game matters, and the Tigers need to bring their sharpest baseball to the South Side. Catch it on Detroit SportsNet or WXYT 97.1 FM.

Probable Pitchers: Framber Valdez vs. Erick Fedde

Framber Valdez is Detroit's man on the bump Thursday night. The left-hander is one of the more reliable arms in the rotation, known for his heavy sinker that generates ground balls and keeps lineups from stringing together big innings. When Valdez is on, he limits hard contact and works deep into games — exactly what the Tigers need in a September road start.

Erick Fedde gets the assignment for the White Sox. Fedde has experience eating innings, and Chicago will lean on him to keep Detroit's offense in check. The Tigers will need to be patient and disciplined against Fedde, working counts and creating traffic on the bases rather than waiting for one big swing to do the damage.

White Sox Lineup to Watch

Chicago's lineup presents some legitimate threats that Detroit's defense and Valdez will need to navigate. Munetaka Murakami slots in at first base and bats fifth — the Japanese slugger brings legitimate power to this lineup. Miguel Vargas hits third at third base and gives Chicago a contact option in the heart of the order. Tommy Pham bats second as the designated hitter, and leadoff man Chase Meidroth sets the table from the second base spot.

Brenton Doyle handles center field and bats sixth, while Luisangel Acuña — younger brother of Ronald — mans shortstop and hits eighth. This is a White Sox team that has had its struggles in 2026, but lineups have a way of putting together big nights against you in September if you're not locked in.

Keys to the Game

• Valdez's ground ball rate: If Valdez keeps the ball down and forces weak contact, Detroit limits the damage even when runners reach base. Rate Field's dimensions won't punish mistakes as severely if the ball stays on the ground.
• Early-count discipline against Fedde: Detroit's lineup needs to make Fedde work. Getting him into deep counts early creates opportunities to either drive up his pitch count or put runners in scoring position.
• Neutralizing Murakami: The White Sox first baseman is a legitimate power threat. Valdez will need to be smart with his approach and avoid leaving pitches elevated where Murakami can do damage.
• Bullpen management: With the regular season winding down, how Detroit manages its relief arms after Valdez exits will be critical in protecting any lead.

Prediction

Framber Valdez is the difference-maker here. If he pitches to his capabilities — sinker working, pitch count manageable through six or seven innings — the Tigers have the edge in this matchup. Detroit wins a close one, 4-2, and picks up a valuable road victory heading into the final stretch of the regular season.