The Pittsburgh Pirates head to Chicago's Rate Field on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, for a 7:40 PM ET matchup against the Chicago White Sox. Bubba Chandler gets the ball for Pittsburgh against White Sox right-hander Sean Burke in what amounts to a late-season regular season contest that could have real implications for how the Bucs finish out 2026. Both pitchers are younger arms still carving out their spots in the big leagues, which makes this one worth watching beyond just the win-loss column.

Pitching Matchup: Bubba Chandler vs. Sean Burke

Chandler has been one of the more intriguing storylines in Pittsburgh this season. The young right-hander represents a significant piece of the Pirates' pitching future, and his development down the stretch of a regular season tells you a lot about where the organization stands heading into the offseason. How he handles a White Sox lineup that mixes veterans and prospects will be telling.

Burke draws the assignment for Chicago. Like Chandler, he's a young arm still establishing himself at the major league level. When two developing starters square off this late in a season, command and pitch mix tend to separate them — and both clubs will be watching closely for signs of what each pitcher can be going forward.

Chicago White Sox Lineup to Watch

The White Sox are sending out a lineup that blends some familiar names with younger talent. Munetaka Murakami hits third at first base — a significant presence in the middle of the order. Andrew Benintendi slides into the cleanup spot as the DH, providing a veteran bat that can do damage against young pitchers. Colson Montgomery bats fifth at shortstop, while Braden Montgomery occupies the six hole in right field.

• Sam Antonacci (LF) — Leading off for Chicago
• Miguel Vargas (3B) — Batting second
• Munetaka Murakami (1B) — The heart-of-the-order threat at third
• Andrew Benintendi (DH) — Cleanup veteran who punishes mistakes
• Colson Montgomery (SS) — Young shortstop with upside batting fifth

Keys to the Game for Pittsburgh

The Pirates haven't released their lineup for this one, so the focus falls squarely on Chandler and what the offense produces around him. A few things Pittsburgh needs to get right:

• Chandler must limit free passes. Against a lineup that has Benintendi and Murakami capable of making pitchers pay, falling behind in counts is a quick way to a short outing.
• The Pittsburgh bullpen's workload management matters this late in September. If Chandler can eat innings — even in a tough spot — it helps the staff.
• The offense, whatever shape the lineup takes, needs to put pressure on Burke early. Young starters can be vulnerable when the opposing club attacks in the first two innings.

Broadcast Information

Pittsburgh fans can catch the game on SportsNet Pittsburgh and Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan. Chicago-side coverage is on Chicago Sports Network and ESPN Chicago WMVP 1000 AM. Spanish-language coverage is available on 107.9 La Ley.

Prediction

This is a game built around two young pitchers, and those matchups are inherently unpredictable. Chandler has the stuff to keep Chicago off-balance, but Benintendi and Murakami in the middle of that lineup represent genuine danger if his command wavers. Expect a competitive, lower-scoring game that could hinge on a single inning. Pirates 4, White Sox 3.