The Chicago White Sox return to Guaranteed Rate Field on Tuesday, August 11, to host the Cincinnati Reds in a 7:40 PM ET first pitch. Right-hander Sean Burke gets the nod for Chicago, squaring off against Cincinnati lefty Nick Lodolo in what shapes up as an intriguing pitching matchup between two clubs looking to make their marks in the second half of the 2026 season. With a lineup that blends international star power and emerging homegrown talent, the Sox have reasons to feel good about this one at home.

Starting Pitching: Burke vs. Lodolo

Sean Burke draws the start for the White Sox. The young right-hander has been part of Chicago's rotation conversation all season, and a strong outing here against a Cincinnati lineup that carries legitimate offensive threats would go a long way toward cementing his role. Burke will need his stuff to be sharp from the first inning — the Reds are not a lineup you can cruise against early.

Nick Lodolo takes the ball for Cincinnati. The left-hander is a polished arm who can make life difficult for right-handed hitters with his angle and extension. Chicago's lineup will need to be disciplined and patient against Lodolo's ability to work the zone.

Chicago White Sox Lineup

• Brenton Doyle, CF
• Munetaka Murakami, 1B
• Miguel Vargas, 3B
• Randal Grichuk, LF
• Braden Montgomery, RF
• Colson Montgomery, DH
• Edgar Quero, C
• Sam Antonacci, 2B
• Luisangel Acuña, SS

Cincinnati Reds Lineup

• Elly De La Cruz, SS
• Sal Stewart, 1B
• JJ Bleday, LF
• Tyler Stephenson, C
• Eugenio Suárez, DH
• Héctor Rodríguez, RF
• Dane Myers, CF
• Matt McLain, 2B
• Ke'Bryan Hayes, 3B

Keys to Watch

Murakami in the Middle of the Order

Munetaka Murakami batting second is the story every time he steps into the box at Rate Field. A three-time NPB MVP, Murakami brings elite power potential to a lineup spot that gives him premium plate appearances. How he handles Lodolo's lefty stuff will be one of the game's central storylines.

Elly De La Cruz at the Top for Cincinnati

Elly De La Cruz leading off for the Reds is a matchup problem every pitcher faces. His combination of speed and raw power means Burke cannot afford to put him on base cheaply — De La Cruz can turn a walk into a run in a hurry, and the Sox defense will need to stay sharp the moment he reaches.

The Bottom of Chicago's Order

Edgar Quero, Sam Antonacci, and Luisangel Acuña batting seventh through ninth give the Sox a bottom third that can generate pressure. If those three can work counts and get on base in front of Doyle and Murakami, Chicago's lineup has legitimate run-scoring upside in the early innings.

Broadcast Information

Tuesday's game can be seen on Chicago Sports Network and Reds.TV. Radio coverage is available on ESPN Chicago WMVP 1000 AM and WLW 700 AM, with Spanish-language radio on 107.9 La Ley.

Prediction

This game hinges on Burke. If he can keep De La Cruz off the bases and neutralize the middle of Cincinnati's order — Stephenson and Suárez are legitimate threats — the Sox have the lineup depth to scratch out enough runs against Lodolo. Chicago's home crowd at Rate Field gives them an edge in a tight game. Sox win, 4-2.