Chicago Cubs vs Chicago White Sox – Series Preview (August 17-19): Overview, Game and Broadcast Info, Starting Pitchers, W2W4
The Cubs (72-53) had a disappointing weekend, dropping two of three to the rival Cardinals at Wrigley Field after a successful road trip. The culprit in the two losses was the starting pitching, which has been much improved since June. Craig Counsell‘s squad hopes for a better results when they welcome the crosstown White Sox for a three-game set starting Monday.
The South Siders (65-58) solidified their position atop the American League Central by sweeping the Tigers in Detroit this weekend. The idea that they would have a big division lead in the middle of August was not on many people’s bingo cards before the season, but they have defied expectations.
The Sox offense has been driven by the home run ball with 164 so far in 2026, and their .730 team OPS is the ninth-best in baseball. The lineup is built around three sluggers: Miguel Vargas, Colson Montgomery, and Munetaka Murakami, who each have over 25 homers.
Their pitching staff hasn’t been quite as good, with a 4.11 team ERA that sits 16th in MLB. The starting rotation has been a particular sore spot with a 4.38 ERA, and the Cubs will avoid top starter Sean Burke. The bullpen has been the stronger aspect of the White Sox pitching staff, with a 3.84 ERA that ranks ninth. They don’t really have a set closer, going with a committee approach instead. Sean Newcomb and Grant Taylor have been outstanding at the back end of the ‘pen.
It’s rare when both Chicago baseball teams are on track to make the playoffs in August, which gives this series some extra juice. The Cubs will have to avoid the home run ball if they want to come out ahead and get some bragging rights in the city series.
Game Time and Broadcast Info
- Monday, August 17 at 7:05pm CT on Marquee.
- Tuesday, August 18 at 7:05pm CT on TBS and Marquee.
- Wednesday, August 19 at 1:20pm CT on Marquee.
Starting Pitchers
| Date | Pitcher | Age | T | ERA | W/L | FIP | K/BB |
| 8/17 | Shōta Imanaga | 32 | L | 3.74 | 8-9 | 4.56 | 4.48 |
| Luis Castillo | 33 | R | 4.96 | 4-9 | 4.34 | 2.89 | |
| 8/18 | Kevin Gausman | 35 | R | 4.53 | 6-11 | 3.41 | 3.78 |
| TBA | |||||||
| 8/19 | Clay Holmes | 33 | R | 2. | 5-5 | 3.40 | 2.33 |
| TBA |
What to Watch For
- Dansby Swanson had to leave Sunday’s game with an oblique injury and is headed for the injured list.
- Gausman and Holmes have both had one good start and one bad start since coming to the Cubs.
- The White Sox have yet to name a starter for Tuesday or Wednesday.
- Pedro Ramírez has five hits in his last four games and is likely to get regular playing time at second base with Swanson’s injury.
