We’ve got an inter-league rubber match on deck for Sunday afternoon, when the Philadelphia Phillies host the Chicago White Sox at Citizens Bank Park.
The Phillies (34–30, 2nd NL East) took Friday’s opener, 8–6, before the White Sox (34–30, 2nd AL Central) responded with a 6–3 win on Saturday.
Looking at the pitching probables, right-hander Aaron Nola (3–4, 5.55 ERA) gets the start for Philadelphia. Southpaw Tyler Gilbert (0–0, 20.25 ERA) will open for Chicago, with righty David Sandlin (1–1, 8.10 ERA) — originally tabbed to start — potentially handling bulk relief.
First pitch is at 1:35 p.m. ET. The Phillies enter as 1.5-run road favorites with -163 moneyline odds on DraftKings Sportsbook. The White Sox are +135 underdogs, with the game total set at O/U 9.5 runs.
White Sox vs. Phillies Preview
Chicago White Sox
The White Sox finished the 2024 season with a modern-day record 121 losses. Two years later, the storm clouds over the South Side of Chicago finally appear to be parting.
Their turnaround has been one of the league’s most compelling storylines this season, driven by a high-octane offense that continues to surge. Even without Munetaka Murakami, who’s on the 10-day IL with a hamstring injury, the Colson Montgomery- and Miguel Vargas-led lineup leads the American League in wRC+ (119) over the last 30 days, while also pacing the majors in home runs.
Still, Chicago’s run prevention remains a work in progress. And on Sunday, it’ll roll with an opener in Tyler Gilbert. The 32-year-old southpaw has coughed up six earned runs in his first 2.2 innings of work this year, allowing two home runs and three walks. Rookie right-hander David Sandlin — who surrendered eight earned runs on eight hits (including a grand slam) over four frames in his last start against the Twins — was initially scheduled to start, and it’s possible that he handles bulk relief for Sunday.
Philadelphia Phillies
With “Donnie Baseball” at the helm, the Phillies have reclaimed their status as one of the most formidable teams in the National League. Before Saturday’s loss, they had won eight of their last 10 games, highlighted by a pair of sweeps of the Padres on each coast.
While Philadelphia’s offense has largely sat dormant, ranking 27th league-wide in wRC+, it’s capable of shifting the course of a game with one swing of the bat. Bryce Harper and Brandon Marsh both own an OPS north of .860, and Kyle Schwarber leads MLB with 23 home runs.
As the lineup searches for consistency, the Phillies’ pitching staff — spearheaded by NL Cy Young candidate Cristopher Sanchez — has been holding down the fort, sitting fourth in ERA (3.35) over the last 30 days. However, they’d still like to see more out of Aaron Nola. The veteran right-hander, 33, heads into his 13th start of 2026 with a 5.55 ERA (4.32 xERA) and a 1.39 WHIP over 61.2 innings of work.
White Sox vs. Phillies Pick, Best Bet
Philadelphia and Chicago combined for at least nine runs in each of the first two games of the series, and the forecast seemingly calls for another high-scoring affair in Sunday’s finale. The White Sox offense is firing on all cylinders, and the Phillies are built around one of MLB’s most imposing sluggers. With a pair of struggling starters on the mound, expect fireworks from Citizens Bank Park.
