Chicago White Sox: Makeup game vs Detroit is important

The Chicago White Sox don’t have much regular season baseball left to play. They already clinched the American League Central Division title which means it is time to get ready for the playoffs. They are so close but they need to have everything perfect by the time that first series rolls around.

They were supposed to have a scheduled off day today but some unfortunate weather last week forced a game against the Detroit Tigers to be canceled. The MLB decided that the game would be made up today back in Detroit. The two teams play again next weekend at Guaranteed Rate Field so it is a curious decision but it’s the decision nonetheless.

This is a meaningless game for the Detroit Tigers but they want to play their guys the right way before heading into a very important offseason for them. This is an organization that is on the come up and should be good very soon. The White Sox are going to have a problem with them starting next year. Having their young pitchers working well is a big part of finishing the year.

For the White Sox, it is a meaningless series in terms of the standings. They are three games behind the Houston Astros for home-field advantage in the playoffs but it seems like that is close to being out of reach. The most important part of these games is making sure that everyone on the active roster is healthy and playing well.

Dallas Keuchel’s start this week is very important for the Chicago White Sox.

Against Detroit, there is one person to keep an eye on. The final score is irrelevant but they would like to see Dallas Keuchel pitch a good game. They are probably going to have him on a decent leash considering that they are already clinched. The White Sox wants to see if he is capable of pitching in high leverage situations late in the season.

He should probably make the playoff roster but he should not be a pitcher in the current starting rotation. Dylan Cease, Carlos Rodon, Lucas Giolito, and Lance Lynn are all ahead of him on the depth chart at this point if they are healthy because they have been much better. If Keuchel wants a postseason roster spot, it may have to be in the bullpen.

Keuchel is starting this makeup game against Detroit and it is huge for him. He has been getting a little bit better but that isn’t good enough for the postseason. The White Sox believe that can win the World Series so only the best players at the top of their games will make it.

This start for Dallas Keuchel could make or break that. It would be nice to see the offense give him some support in the meantime. It is easier to pitch when you have a lead. Nobody should be rooting against Keuchel. He could prove to be a very good middle relief guy in the postseason. Hopefully, he shuts down this interesting Tigers lineup.