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The Chicago White Sox don’t have much to play for in the final week of the season as they currently sit at a league worst 38-120. That said, manager Grady Sizemore identified a potential consolation prize in the team’s season ending series.
Chicago wraps up its 2024 campaign with AL Central rival Detroit. If all goes well, they could keep the Tigers out of the playoffs.
It’s a long shot, but still a possibility.
Detroit is currently in sole possession of the final Americal League wildcard spot. They lead the Twins by 2.5 games with three games to play.
Should Minnesota win on Thursday night, that lead would be cut to just two games.
Sizemore is intentionally saving his best for the season ending rivalry.
He’s decided to shift ace starting pitcher Garrett Crochet down one spot in the rotation, setting up a showdown in the Motor City.
The White Sox have pushed back Garrett Crochet’s start JUST so that he can face the Detroit Tigers.
Grady Sizemore (manager) said the Tigers are their rivals and they are fighting for a playoff spot and want to give them their best shot. Said it’s good for baseball.
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/UlFUv2GlJr
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) September 26, 2024
Crochet is just 6-12 on the year, but many of those losses have come due to lack of run support. The lefty boasts a 3.68 ERA, and he had success in his only meeting with Detroit this year.
Crochet started the season opener vs. the Tigers in March, allowing one run in a 1-0 defeat.
Grady Sizemore is plenty familiar with the bad blood in the AL Central having played eight seasons in Cleveland. He’s now seeing it from a different perspective as a manager.
The decision is great for baseball. Everyone’s still got something to play for, even if you’re out of the postseason hunt!
As far as the Tigers’ playoff outlook goes, they’ll need to finish with a better record than Minnesota as the Twins own the tiebreaker. The rivals split their regular season matchups an even 4-4, but the Twins hold a better record against AL Central opponents, which would give them the nod.
Again, it’s a longshot as the White Sox would still need to win at least one game outside of Garrett Crochet’s series opening start, potentially needing a sweep to keep the Tigers out.
Still, there’s a chance – and Grady Sizemore is doing what he can to keep it interesting!