Game 61 Preview: Tigers Open Up 4-Game Road Set at the White Sox

Series Background

After a gritty seven-game road trip that included a nail-biting 1-0 victory in the final game against the Kansas City Royals, the Tigers now set their sights on another American League Central rival – the Chicago White Sox. The White Sox, currently struggling at 18-41, will host the Motor City Kitties in a four-game series at Guaranteed Rate Field. Notably, AJ Hinch and company have swept all three matchups against Detroit in 2025, including winning an early-April series in Detroit.

As the Tigers continue to lead the MLB standings, they not only hold a 1.5-game edge over the Cubs and Mets for the best record in baseball but also sport a six-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians. With the stakes high, every run and every pitch will count.

Team & Player Stats

Offensive Snapshot – Detroit Tigers

• Batting Average: .249 (ninth in the league)

• On-Base Percentage: .321 (10th in the league)

• Slugging: .404 (ninth in the league)

• OPS: .725
  Over recent weeks, the Tigers' offensive production has dipped compared to earlier stretches, making timely hitting even more crucial against a tough White Sox pitching staff.

Pitching Excellence – Detroit Tigers

• Team ERA: 3.17 (fifth in the league)

• WHIP: 1.16 (third in the league)

• Opponent BA: .226 (fifth in the league)
  These numbers highlight how the Tigers’ pitching continues to be a major strength, with improvements seen all over the staff.

Pitching Duel: Flaherty vs. Cannon

The anticipated pitching matchup is set to be a key storyline:

• Jack Flaherty (Detroit): With a 3-6 record and a 3.94 ERA this season, Flaherty comes off strong recent outings, especially his Quality Starts over the last two games. His blend of power and finesse, centered on an excellent knuckle curve combined with his four-seam fastball, makes him a linchpin in the Tigers’ rotation.

• Jonathan Cannon (Chicago): The White Sox starter, coming into his 12th start of 2025, sports a 4.15 ERA. Cannon’s five-pitch arsenal – encompassing a slider, four-seam fastball, changeup, sinker, and sweeper – will be tested by a Tigers lineup that has shown both resilience and vulnerability.

For further insights into the matchup, check out ESPN’s Game Preview: Tigers vs. White Sox and MLB’s analysis on upcoming AL Central clashes.

Game Day Details

• Date & Time (ET): Monday, June 2 at 7:40 p.m.

• Location: Guaranteed Rate Field, Chicago, Illinois

• Broadcast: Available on FanDuel Sports Detroit, MLB.TV, and the Tigers Radio Network.

• SB Nation Coverage: Follow along with the Southside Sox for live commentary.

Final Thoughts

As the Tigers open up their road set against the White Sox, the pitching duel between Jack Flaherty and Jonathan Cannon is set to influence the outcome of Game 61. With the Tigers holding a substantial lead in the standings, maintaining consistent offensive output and capitalizing on their solid pitching performance will be the key to extending their lead further.

What’s your prediction for tonight’s outcome? Can Flaherty dominate yet again, or will Cannon find a way to turn the tide for Chicago? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation!

For live updates during the game, bookmark our live blog and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

For more game previews and in-depth MLB analysis, subscribe to our newsletter and never miss a beat in the world of baseball.