The Detroit Tigers enter Friday’s game with a record of 85-74, three games ahead of the Minnesota Twins, and need just a Twins win or loss to secure a spot in the postseason.

The road into October couldn’t be easier for the Tigers as they begin a three-game series this weekend against the Chicago White Sox, the worst team in MLB history.

On the mound for Detroit will be young righty Brenan Hanifee (1-1, 1.98 ERA).

Hanifee has been used primarily as a reliever, but has served as an opener twice since joining the Major League roster on August 1.

He pitched well during this time and was one of the catalysts in the club’s rise to the playoffs late in the season.

The Tigers will be hoping for another strong performance from Hanifee before leaving it to their pursuers.

Here is Detroit’s lineup on Friday:

1.) 2B Andy Ibanez
2.) 3B Matt Vierling
3.) LF Riley Greene
4.) DH Justyn-Henry Malloy
5.) RF Wenceel Perez
6.) 1B Spencer Torkelson
7.) SS Trey Sweeney
8.) C Jake Rogers
9.) CF Parker Meadows

RHP Brenan Hanifee

The White Sox will counter with left-hander Garrett Crochet (6-12, 3.68 ERA).

In his last start, Crochet allowed no earned runs on one hit and no walks while posting eight strikeouts in four innings.

2024 was Crochet’s first season as a starter and it was a roller coaster ride for the young lefty.

He’s taken an ERA from just 0.93 to as high as 6.91 in a single month, something he’s done twice this year.

He almost certainly ruined his chances of being traded to a contender at the deadline when reports surfaced that he would refuse to pitch in the postseason without a long-term extension, and has been on the hunt for Chicago ever since Losses in a 162-game season in the modern era.

Here’s how the White Sox will line up on Friday:

1.) SS Nicky Lopez
2.) RF Zach DeLoach
3.) LF Andrew Benintendi
4.) DH Andrew Vaughn
5.) 1B Gavin leaves
6.) 2B Lenyn Sosa
7.) 3B Bryan Ramos
8.) C Korey Lee
9.) CF Dominic Fletcher

SP Garrett Crochet

First pitch for Friday’s game is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. EST.

The game will be broadcast on Bally Sports Detroit and NBC Sports Chicago.

Tigers fans can listen to the game on 97.1 The Ticket or Audacy DETSP.

You can also watch it on fuboTV with a free trial by signing up here!