The Chicago White Sox are shaking up their batting order on Sunday afternoon as they fight to avoid a series sweep at the hands of the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. After dropping the first two games of the weekend set, manager Will Venable has opted for a lefty-heavy and unorthodox lineup to spark an offense that has gone cold at the worst possible time.

Chicago enters the matchup with a 39-36 record, looking to regain their footing in the American League standings. Detroit, sitting at 32-44, has seized momentum in the division rivalry and will send right-hander Keider Montero to the hill in search of a clean sweep.

The first pitch is scheduled for 12:40 p.m. CT, with coverage available on CHSN and ESPN Chicago WMVP 1000 AM.

Venable’s decision to reshuffle the deck comes after a series of offensive struggles that have plagued the Sox over the past week. The most notable change in Sunday’s lineup is the absence of Miguel Vargas, who has been mired in a deep slump. Over his last seven games, Vargas has managed just three hits in 27 at-bats, posting a dismal .111/.111/.148 slash line while striking out six times without drawing a single walk. His recent production drop has prompted the coaching staff to give him a day to reset.

Veteran outfielder Sam Antonacci remains in the leadoff spot, a position he has grown accustomed to over the past month. His ability to work counts and get on base continues to provide a steady presence at the top of the order. Behind him, Andrew Benintendi has been the hottest bat in the lineup and will serve as the designated hitter. Benintendi is slashing .267/.313/.733 over his last seven contests, with two home runs and a renewed sense of confidence at the plate. His recent power surge has been one of the few bright spots for the White Sox offense.

In a surprising move, Colson Montgomery is hitting third despite a rough stretch of his own. The young third baseman has shown flashes of brilliance this season, but his recent at-bats have been less consistent. Venable is clearly banking on Montgomery’s ability to work deep into counts and drive in runs, even as he works through a mechanical adjustment.

The most head-scratching decision in the order comes at the cleanup spot, where Chase Meidroth has been slotted for the first time in his career. Meidroth, who is hitting second base and serving as the designated hitter, has a .392 slugging percentage so far in 2026. While he has shown an ability to handle the bat and get on base, the cleanup role typically demands a power presence. Venable appears to be rewarding Meidroth for his disciplined approach, despite a lack of prototypical run-production metrics. It is a gamble that could pay off if Meidroth can rise to the occasion against Montero’s fastball-heavy approach.

Braden Montgomery will patrol right field and bat fifth, followed by Jacob Gonzalez at first base. Gonzalez is in dire need of a turnaround, as he is currently 0-for-18 in his last seven games. The White Sox need production from the bottom of the order to turn the lineup over and generate rallies. Gonzalez has shown promise in the past, but his recent struggles have been a gaping hole in the middle of the frame.

Edgar Quero draws the start behind the plate, batting seventh, with Tristan Peters in center field and Luisangel Acuña at shortstop rounding out the order. Acuña brings speed and defensive versatility to the lineup, though his offensive consistency remains a work in progress.

On the other side of the diamond, the Tigers are rolling out a familiar look. Shortstop Kevin McGonigle leads off, followed by catcher Dillon Dingler and right fielder Kerry Carpenter. Carpenter is a player to watch, as he has a strong track record against Chicago starter Davis Martin. Carpenter is 3-for-10 with a home run in his career against the right-hander, making him a significant threat in the three-hole.

Riley Greene serves as the designated hitter and bats cleanup, with Spencer Torkelson at first base and Colt Keith at third. James Outman covers center field, while Trei Cruz and Zach McKinstry round out the order in left and second, respectively. Detroit’s lineup leans heavily on its first five hitters, who have provided the bulk of the team's run production this season.

The Tigers will hand the ball to Montero, who has experienced a breakout campaign in 2026. The 25-year-old right-hander has posted a 3.67 ERA across 73.2 innings, showcasing improved command and a sharper breaking ball. However, his recent form has been less reliable, as he carries a 4.24 ERA over his last seven outings. In his most recent appearance on June 16, Montero worked out of the bullpen for 1.1 innings and allowed an earned run. He has been a swingman for Detroit at times, and his workload management could play a factor in Sunday's matinee.

The White Sox will counter with Martin, who is looking to bounce back after a disastrous outing against the New York Yankees. In that start, Martin was tagged for a season-high nine runs over just 3.1 innings, ballooning his ERA to 3.31. Prior to that rough patch, Martin had been one of the more consistent arms in the American League and had even entered the conversation for the Cy Young Award. His ability to command his sinker and induce ground balls will be crucial against a Tigers lineup that ranks among the bottom tier in the league in batting average.

Despite Detroit holding the seventh-worst team batting average in baseball, they have managed to score enough runs to claim the first two games of the series. Martin will need to attack the zone early and avoid the types of mistakes that plagued him against the Yankees. His slider has been a potent weapon when located properly, and he will need that pitch to be effective against Carpenter and Greene in the heart of the order.

For the White Sox, this game represents a critical juncture in their season. A sweep would be a significant blow to their morale and their standing in the division. The unconventional lineup is a clear signal that Venable is willing to think outside the box to generate offense. The decision to omit Vargas and elevate Meidroth to the cleanup spot could be viewed as a gamble, but in the high-stakes environment of a divisional race, aggressive moves are often necessary.

Chicago’s offense has been inconsistent, but there is talent throughout the roster. Benintendi’s recent hot streak provides a reliable anchor, and the potential for Montgomery or Gonzalez to break out of their slumps looms large. The Sox will need contributions from all nine spots in the lineup if they hope to salvage one game against their division rivals.

Detroit, meanwhile, is playing with house money. They have already secured the series victory and are looking to build momentum heading into a stretch of winnable games. Montero’s ability to pitch deep into the game will be essential for a Tigers bullpen that has been taxed in recent days.

As the series finale unfolds, the question remains whether Venable’s bold lineup adjustments will ignite a dormant offense or backfire against a hungry Tigers club. The outcome could have lasting implications for the White Sox as they navigate a competitive AL Central landscape.