The Miami Marlins enter this matchup desperate for a win after a rough stretch. They’re 14-22, struggling both offensively and on the mound. However, they face a White Sox team in disarray, sitting at 10-28. We’re desperate for wins on the south side tonight, and the Pope is watching! Below, I’ve got my preview, prediction, and best bet for this Friday night baseball game between the White Sox and the Marlins.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
White Sox vs. Marlins prediction, preview
Miami’s issues lie mostly in their pitching, but the White Sox’s inability to capitalize on offensive opportunities might just give the Marlins a needed boost. Miami’s pitching staff holds a 7.56 ERA in their last 10 games, but Max Meyer offers hope.
Meyer (2-3, 3.92 ERA) will take the ball for Miami. His last two outings were shaky, but his strikeout stuff is elite. Meyer has 47 strikeouts in 39 innings, proving his upside. His slider generates whiffs at an impressive 38% miss rate against right-handed hitters, which is exactly what the White Sox struggle against. Meyer’s electric arm has the ability to dominate when he’s on. Expect Meyer to target the White Sox’s high strikeout rates and keep them off balance.
Despite recent struggles, Meyer’s season stats reflect his promise. He’s allowed 10 home runs, but his command is improving. Meyer’s ERA of 3.92 is respectable, but his ability to generate swings and misses sets him apart. His confidence grows every time he finds his rhythm. Expect Meyer to deliver a statement performance against a struggling White Sox offense.
Bryse Wilson (0-1, 5.56 ERA) is set to start for Chicago, but he’s been far from reliable. His WHIP stands at 1.897, and his two-strike performance has been concerning. Wilson has allowed a .759 OPS with two strikes since last season, a red flag against Miami’s disciplined hitters. The White Sox’s offense has shown little consistency this season. Wilson has to be sharp, but with Chicago’s lineup lacking bite, that feels unlikely. The Marlins should exploit his inability to close at-bats and take advantage of his command issues.
Chicago’s offense ranks near the bottom of the league, hitting just .201 in their last five games. Luis Robert, their brightest star, has a .301 OBP and a 31.1% strikeout rate, reflecting the team’s overall struggles. The White Sox are failing to drive in runs and rely too much on isolated power, something Miami’s pitching can suppress.
Marlins vs. White Sox pick, best bet
The White Sox’s bullpen is no better. Ranked 28th in ERA at 4.83, Chicago’s relief pitchers have failed to protect leads. Miami’s bullpen might be shaky, but they still have a clear advantage here, with Chicago lacking depth and consistency in high-leverage situations.
Both teams have a tendency to stall offensively, but the Marlins have been slightly better overall. Miami averages 4.3 runs per game compared to Chicago’s 3.3. While Miami’s offense is far from elite, it’s been significantly more productive than Chicago’s poor excuse for a lineup. Meyer should have enough support from his bats to keep pace with the White Sox’s lack of scoring pop.
The Marlins have won each of their last seven games against AL Central opponents following a loss, and they have the momentum to start this series strong. Miami has shown resilience in tough spots, while the White Sox have continually underperformed. The Marlins’ pitching advantage, combined with Chicago’s ongoing offensive woes, makes them the play here.
Best bet: Marlins (-150) at White Sox
Meyer’s been my guy for four years now—tail it with me in the DKN Betting Group here!
