First pitch 8:05 p.m. ET
Venue: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
TV/Streaming: TBS, Marquee Sports Network (MARQ), CHSN / Fubo and other options
This is Game 2 of the Crosstown Classic / City Series at Wrigley Field. The Cubs took the opener 7-5 in 10 innings on Monday night behind Pete Crow-Armstrong’s two-homer, four-hit performance (including a walk-off). The season series is tied 2-2. Both teams are in contention: White Sox lead the AL Central; Cubs sit second in the NL Central (with a strong wild-card position).
Starting Pitchers
White Sox: LHP Bryan Hudson (3-4, 3.14 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 50 K in 51.2 IP) — Primarily a reliever/opener. Expected to open and pitch a short stint (likely 1 inning or so) before handing off to a bulk arm (Erick Fedde has been mentioned as a candidate). Solid overall numbers with limited long outings.
Cubs: RHP Kevin Gausman (6-11, 4.53 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 138 K in 139.0 IP) — Acquired from Toronto at the deadline. Veteran with strong strikeout ability; results mixed this season (higher ERA than recent years) but still a reliable innings-eater. First start at Wrigley as a Cub.
Gausman provides more length and experience; Hudson’s role is tactical/short.
Current Weather Forecast (Wrigley Field area)
Mostly cloudy with highs around 80–83°F. Slight chance of showers or thunderstorms in the afternoon/evening (20–50% chance later, rising overnight). Southwest winds 10–15 mph (gusts up to 20–25 mph). Humidity moderate. Conditions should be playable at first pitch, though a delay risk exists later if storms develop.
Injury Reports
White Sox:
Joey Bart (C, 10-day IL – hand), Kyle Teel (C, 10-day IL – ankle), Chris Murphy (RP, 15-day IL – flexor), Davis Martin (SP, 15-day IL – finger), plus multiple 60-day IL arms (Drew Thorpe, Prelander Berroa, Ky Bush, Jordan Leasure, etc.). Catching depth and bullpen/rotation options are affected.
Cubs:
Dansby Swanson (SS, 10-day IL – side/oblique), Matt Shaw (OF/INF, 10-day IL – hand), Hoby Milner / Gavin Hollowell / Phil Maton / Edward Cabrera (various 15-day IL), and several long-term 60-day IL pitchers (Justin Steele, Cade Horton, Hunter Harvey, etc.). Infield and bullpen depth tested.
Current Rosters / Notable Players
White Sox key contributors: Miguel Vargas, Andrew Benintendi, Randal Grichuk, Munetaka Murakami, Colson Montgomery, Chase Meidroth, and various young/developmental pieces. Offense has shown recent power.
Cubs key contributors: Pete Crow-Armstrong (hot – 30 HR range, elite production), Nico Hoerner, Seiya Suzuki, Ian Happ, Alex Bregman, and supporting cast. Strong OBP and home power at Wrigley.
Recent Team Forms
Both roughly 6-4 in their last 10. White Sox had won three straight before Monday’s extra-inning loss. Cubs rebounded from a rough weekend series vs. St. Louis with the walk-off win. Cubs hold a solid home record (~37-26); White Sox are more mixed on the road.
Series History
Season series tied 2-2 entering Tuesday. Monday’s high-scoring, extra-inning affair featured multiple homers and a late rally. Crosstown games often produce competitive, emotionally charged baseball with elevated offense at Wrigley.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Pete Crow-Armstrong / Cubs top of order vs. Hudson + White Sox bullpen: PCA is scorching; early contact against the opener and subsequent arms will be pivotal.
Kevin Gausman vs. White Sox middle of the order (Vargas, Benintendi, Murakami, Grichuk): Gausman’s splitter/fastball mix against lefty-heavy or power bats; length from Gausman could limit White Sox scoring chances.
Bullpen battles: Both sides have thinned relief corps. Whoever gets quality innings from the starter (or bulk arm) gains a major advantage.
Defense/transition: Cubs’ athleticism and OBP edge vs. White Sox power surges.
Game Odds
Chicago White Sox 9
Chicago Cubs – 168
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, August 17, 2026
