Rate Field (Guaranteed Rate Field) in Chicago, Illinois.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:40 p.m. ET.
TV coverage includes CHSN (Chicago Sports Network) and SportsNet PT; streaming available via Fubo and similar services.
Starting Pitchers
Pirates: RHP Lake Bachar (1-3, 3.59 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 80 K in 77.2 IP). Serving as the opener in what is expected to be a bullpen game (third consecutive such outing). He has been effective in limited recent work, including scoreless innings in his last appearance. Low WHIP and solid strikeout rate make him a viable short starter.
White Sox: RHP Davis Martin (9-6, 4.13 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 114 K in 130.2 IP). Seeking his first win since mid-June after a stronger first half. Higher second-half ERA reflects inconsistency, but he provides length and strikeouts. Has not faced the Pirates previously.
Bachar’s efficiency in a short role gives Pittsburgh an early edge, while Martin offers more innings but carries recent form concerns.
Venue and Weather
Rate Field (Chicago, IL). Forecast: Cloudy with a chance of residual showers earlier, becoming partly cloudy by evening. Highs near 76–78°F, with game-time temperatures in the low-to-mid 70s. West-southwest winds around 5–10 mph. Precipitation risk is low for the night game (mainly earlier activity); conditions should allow a full contest.
Injury Reports
Pirates:
Ryan O’Hearn (OF): 10-day IL (quad; rehab assignment underway).
Kirby Yates (RP): 15-day IL (shoulder).
Isaac Mattson (RP): 15-day IL (hip/undisclosed).
Mitch Keller (SP): 60-day IL (arm).
Endy Rodríguez (C): 60-day IL (hip).
White Sox:
Joey Bart (C): 10-day IL (hand).
Tommy Pham (OF): 10-day IL (calf).
Huascar Brazoban (RP): 15-day IL (lat; possible return window).
Longer-term: Drew Thorpe, Ky Bush, Prelander Berroa, Tanner Murray, Jordan Leasure, Brooks Baldwin, Mike Vasil (mostly elbow/shoulder, 60-day IL).
Projected/recent lineups
Pirates: Bryan Reynolds (OF, hot vs. White Sox historically), Nick Gonzales (INF, high average), Brandon Lowe (power), Spencer Horwitz (recent multi-hit/RBI), Oneil Cruz, and supporting cast.
White Sox: Chase Meidroth (high average), Miguel Vargas (power), Kyle Teel (recent homer streak if available), Colson Montgomery, Braden Montgomery, and available pieces.
Key bats: Pirates — Reynolds, Lowe (~29 HR), Gonzales (~.306), Horwitz (hot). White Sox — Meidroth, Vargas (power), Teel (if active).
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Bachar (RHP opener) vs. White Sox contact/power (Meidroth, Vargas, Teel). His low WHIP suggests early success is possible before the bullpen takes over.
Martin (RHP) vs. Pirates (Reynolds has strong career numbers vs. White Sox pitching, Lowe power, Gonzales contact).
Rate Field can play neutrally; recent Pirates offense has been explosive (18 hits in Tuesday’s win). Both bullpens will be heavily involved.
Recent Team Forms
Pirates (last 10: 7-3): .269 team AVG, 3.50 ERA, positive run differential. On a three-game road win streak (including 9-3 thrashing of White Sox on Tuesday with balanced attack). Third in NL Central; lingering wild-card hopes. Road mark 34-39.
White Sox (last 10: 4-6): .191 team AVG, 3.98 ERA. Lost Tuesday 9-3, seeing their AL Central lead shrink. Strong home record (43-29) and first in the division. Motivated to stabilize.
Series History
Current series: Pirates lead 1-0 (won Tuesday 9-3). Second meeting of 2026. Pittsburgh’s recent offensive outburst gives them momentum in the set.
Betting Trends
Pirates hot and covering as road underdogs recently.
White Sox strong at home but struggling offensively of late.
Bullpen games can lead to varied scoring; recent series game went over.
Game Odds
Pittsburgh Pirates 8.5
Chicago White Sox – 130
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, September 8, 2026
