The Cubs lineup had a bit of a different look Friday, going up against White Sox right-hander Adrian Houser, who is in the midst of the best season of his career. Switch-hitting Vidal Bruján got the start at third base over Matt Shaw, and left-handed hitting Reese McGuire started behind the plate.

White Sox pitcher Adrian Houser might or might not be on the Cubs’ radar. But the idea of Houser facing a Cubs team that possibly could acquire him at the trade deadline added a little spice to Friday’s opener of the City Series at Rate Field.

CHICAGO –– Shane Smith's rookie season hit a road bump just days after pitching in the 2025 MLB All-Star game. He suffered a left ankle sprain while running during the team’s workout day on July 17 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh and was placed on the 15-day injured list.

This affiliate content is not influenced by our advertising relationships, but AP and Data Skrive might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content.

One of the best wins of the year by far,” Chicago White Sox manager Will Venable called Wednesday’s 11-9 defeat of the Tampa Bay Rays.

The rookie infielder recorded the first four-hit game of his major league career on Monday against the Tampa Bay Rays.