First pitch is scheduled for 7:40 p.m. ET
Venue: Guaranteed Rate Field, Chicago, Illinois
TV/Streaming: Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) / Rays.TV; radio on WDAE 95.7 FM / 620 AM (TB) and ESPN Chicago WMVP 1000 AM / 107.9 FM La Ley (CWS)
Series: First of a three-game set (Rays at White Sox April 14-16) — first 2026 matchup between the clubs.
Weather Update
Game-time conditions at Guaranteed Rate Field are forecast to be mostly cloudy and mild, with temperatures in the mid-to-upper 70s°F (around 77-78°F) and light winds. There is a low chance of precipitation (under 20%). The dome-like open-air stadium in these conditions should play neutral-to-slightly hitter-friendly, with no major wind impact expected. Overall, a comfortable night for baseball with the total hovering around 7.5-8 runs.
Team Records & Recent Form
Rays (8-7, 3rd in AL East, 4-5 away): Tampa Bay has heated up lately, winning its last three games (a sweep of the Yankees April 10-12) after dropping two straight to the Cubs. The offense is clicking at 4.67 runs per game with solid contact, while the pitching staff has been reliable overall (team ERA around 4.59). They’ve shown resilience on the road but remain streaky.
White Sox (6-10, 5th in AL Central, 3-3 home): Chicago has struggled mightily out of the gate, posting one of the league’s lowest run totals (3.06 runs per game) and a sub-.400 winning percentage. They’ve been outscored significantly and rank near the bottom in several offensive categories (.196-.255 team BA range in recent snapshots). Recent form shows inconsistency at home, with the pitching staff under pressure.
Injury Report
Rays (depth tested in rotation and bullpen):
Gavin Lux (SS/LF) — 10-day IL (shoulder impingement; also recent ankle tweak in rehab).
Ryan Pepiot (SP) — 15-day IL (right hip inflammation).
Joe Boyle (SP) — 15-day IL (right elbow strain).
Garrett Cleavinger (RP) — 15-day IL (calf).
Others on longer IL: Edwin Uceta (RP, shoulder), Manuel Rodríguez (RP, elbow — 60-day), Steven Wilson (RP, back — 60-day).
White Sox (significant outfield and pitching losses):
Austin Hays (OF) — 10-day IL (hamstring).
Everson Pereira (CF) — 10-day IL (ankle).
Kyle Teel (C) — 10-day IL (hamstring).
Chris Murphy (RP) — 15-day IL (elbow).
Drew Thorpe (SP) — 15-day IL (elbow).
Brooks Baldwin (INF) & Mike Vasil (SP) — 60-day IL (elbow).
Jonathan Cannon (SP) — day-to-day (recent relief outing).
Both clubs are thin in key areas, but Chicago’s absences hit the lineup and rotation harder.
Probable Pitchers & Key Player Matchups
Rays: LHP Shane McClanahan (0-1, 4.15 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 9 K in 8.2 IP)
McClanahan is in his third start of the season. He’s shown strikeout stuff (9.3 K/9) but has battled command at times. This will be his first appearance at Guaranteed Rate Field since 2023. He draws a favorable matchup against a White Sox offense that struggles to score.
White Sox: LHP Noah Schultz (MLB debut; top prospect)
Schultz, Chicago’s No. 2 prospect, is getting the call for his highly anticipated major-league debut. He has electric stuff but zero big-league experience. Facing a Rays lineup that has been scoring well lately could be a tough introduction, especially in a hitter-friendly park.
Key Position Player Matchups/Notes (based on current trends):
Rays threats vs. Schultz: Yandy Díaz (consistent contact hitter), plus power/speed from the middle of the order. Tampa Bay’s lineup has been putting up 4-5 runs regularly.
White Sox threats vs. McClanahan: Young core pieces looking to break out, but the team’s overall offensive woes (low BA, few HR) limit upside against a proven lefty.
Overall edge: Clear pitching and lineup advantage to Tampa Bay. McClanahan’s experience versus a debutant in a tough spot tilts this heavily.
Series History
This is the clubs’ first meeting of 2026. In recent seasons (including 2025), the series have been competitive and often split, with no overwhelming dominance. The White Sox have shown slight home success in some interleague matchups at Guaranteed Rate Field, but the Rays have taken the majority of recent road games against AL Central foes. Home-field edge is minimal early in the season.
Betting Trends
Rays are strong as road favorites with veteran pitching; White Sox are 5-10 as underdogs and have been under in several low-scoring home games. Overs have hit in some Rays contests lately, but the debut matchup and McClanahan’s presence point to value on the favorite and possibly the under.
Game Odds
Tampa Bay Rays – 143
Chicago White Sox 7.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, April 13, 2026
