The Detroit Tigers wrap up their series against the Chicago White Sox on Sunday, August 16, 2026, with first pitch set for 1:40 PM ET at Comerica Park. Drew Anderson gets the ball for Detroit, squaring off against Chicago right-hander Sean Burke in what shapes up as a divisional afternoon game worth watching. These AL Central matchups carry weight no matter where the standings sit — every game against a division opponent is a chance to gain ground or give it back, and the Tigers will want to take care of business in front of their home crowd.
Detroit Tigers vs. Chicago White Sox: Starting Pitchers
Drew Anderson draws the Sunday start for the Tigers. Anderson has been a part of Detroit's pitching mix and gets a chance here to build on his role in the rotation. There isn't a ton of external noise around this matchup on the pitching side, which puts the focus squarely on execution — command, pitch mix, and keeping Chicago's lineup off the basepaths early.
For the White Sox, Sean Burke gets the nod. Burke is a young arm that Chicago has been developing, and Sunday will be another test of where he stands against a Tigers lineup that can make things uncomfortable when it gets rolling. Comerica Park's spacious outfield can suppress some run totals, but it doesn't forgive mistakes over the middle of the plate.
Keys to Watch for Detroit
- Anderson's efficiency: The Tigers need length from their starter on a Sunday afternoon. If Anderson can work deep into the game and minimize walks, it keeps the bullpen fresh heading into the next series.
- Early offense against Burke: Young pitchers can be vulnerable when lineups see them for the second and third time through the order. Detroit's offense needs to be patient early and aggressive when Burke leaves pitches in the zone.
- Comerica Park crowd factor: A Sunday afternoon home game has energy. The Tigers play better when they feed off their crowd, and closing out a series win at home sends a message within the division.
How to Watch Tigers vs. White Sox on Sunday
Sunday's game broadcasts on Detroit SportsNet locally, with Chicago Sports Network carrying the game for White Sox fans. Radio listeners in Detroit can tune in to WXYT 97.1 FM, while Chicago fans can catch the action on ESPN Chicago WMVP 1000 AM. Spanish-language coverage is available on LaZ WDTW 1310 AM / 107.9 FM.
Prediction
This is a winnable game for Detroit at home. Anderson has the opportunity to give the Tigers a quality outing, and if the lineup does its job against a developing pitcher in Burke, the Tigers take this one. Expect a competitive seven or eight innings, but Detroit's home-field advantage and the motivation of a divisional result tips this in the Tigers' favor. Tigers 5, White Sox 3.
