Venue and first pitch:
Rate Field (Guaranteed Rate Field), Chicago, Illinois.
First pitch is scheduled for 2:10 p.m. ET.
TV/streaming options include CHSN, Reds.TV, and platforms such as Fubo.
This is the rubber match of a three-game series (tied 1-1 after the White Sox’s 5-0 win on August 12).
Weather forecast: Unsettled conditions in Chicago with a moderate risk of showers and thunderstorms (precipitation chances around 50% or higher near/after first pitch). Temperatures in the mid-to-upper 70s°F (around 75–78°F), cloudy to mostly cloudy skies, and light east winds (around 5–7 mph). Potential for game delays or interruptions due to storms; monitor closely as this has been flagged as one of the higher weather-risk games of the day.
Probable starters:
Reds: LHP Andrew Abbott (6-7, 3.92 ERA, ≈1.39 WHIP, 99 K in 128.2 IP). The left-hander has been solid overall with a lower ERA than his counterpart; career numbers vs. White Sox are strong (1-0, 1.38 ERA in limited sample). Recent outings include quality efforts.
White Sox: RHP Davis Martin (9-6, 4.17 ERA, ≈1.33 WHIP, 108 K in 123 IP). Reliable innings-eater with good control (low BB rate); has a prior win vs. Reds in his career. Looking for his first win since mid-June in some reports.
Current key roster notes / top performers:
Reds feature Elly De La Cruz (power/speed, high OPS), Sal Stewart (power ≈25 HR, RBI production), JJ Bleday, Eugenio Suárez, Matt McLain, and others. Team AVG is low (≈.227, near bottom of MLB) but they generate power (≈155 HR) and some speed.
White Sox lineup includes power threats and contact options contributing to a slightly better AVG (≈.237) and strong home production. Team has solid power (≈157 HR) and a better overall ERA (≈4.07 vs. Reds’ ≈4.48). White Sox lead the AL Central.
Injury reports (latest available):
Reds: Spencer Steer (10-day IL, wrist); Tony Santillan (15-day IL, oblique); 60-day IL includes Hunter
Greene (elbow), Graham Ashcraft (forearm), Brandon Williamson (shoulder), Blake Dunn (elbow).
White Sox: Joey Bart (10-day IL, hand); Kyle Teel (10-day IL, ankle); Chris Murphy (15-day IL, flexor); extensive 60-day IL list including Drew Thorpe, Prelander Berroa, Ky Bush, Jordan Leasure, Tanner Murray, Brooks Baldwin, Mike Vasil (mostly elbows/shoulders).
Key player vs. player / matchup notes:
Abbott’s left-handed stuff and strong prior results vs. Chicago will challenge a White Sox lineup that has shown power at home. Martin’s control and ability to go deep into games face a Reds offense that struggles with consistency (low team AVG) but can explode via De La Cruz and Stewart. Series so far has featured a Reds extra-inning win and a White Sox shutout (Luis Castillo strong on Aug. 12). Weather could shorten starters’ outings and elevate bullpen importance.
Recent team forms:
Reds: Mixed-to-poor (around 5-5 last 10; 1-4 in last 5 including the series split; struggles on the road recently). Fourth in the NL Central.
White Sox: Solid overall and at home (strong home record ≈37-23); 3-2 or similar last 5, with the shutout win evening the series. Leading the AL Central in a competitive division.
Series history: Series tied 1-1 in the current set (Reds won Game 1 in 10 innings 5-4; White Sox won Game 2 5-0). Broader recent head-to-head has been competitive; White Sox hold home advantage.
Game Odds
Cincinnati Reds 8.5
Chicago White Sox – 130
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, August 12, 2026
