The Chicago White Sox (45–78) visit Truist Park to take on the Atlanta Braves (69–54) on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. First pitch is scheduled for 7:20 PM ET. The scheduled pitching matchup features veteran left-hander Martín Pérez (3–9, 5.66 ERA, 1.61 WHIP) for the White Sox against rookie right-hander Hurston Waldrep (4–3, 4.08 ERA, 1.29 WHIP) for the Braves. Atlanta opens as a strong home favorite, listed around –225, with the total set at 9 runs.
Team Analysis
Chicago White Sox
It’s been a long season for the White Sox, who sit near the bottom of the AL Central and rank in the bottom three in most offensive categories. The lineup is led by Luis Robert Jr. (.263 AVG, 25 HR, 64 RBI), while Andrew Vaughn (17 HR, 61 RBI) provides some protection in the middle. Still, the Sox average just 3.8 runs per game.
On the mound, Martín Pérez has had a tough campaign. Opponents are hitting .294 against him, and he’s surrendered 18 home runs across 108 innings. His struggles against right-handed power make this a daunting matchup in Atlanta. The Chicago bullpen also ranks bottom-five in ERA, making late-game comebacks unlikely.
Atlanta Braves
The Braves remain one of the NL’s most dangerous teams despite a few injury setbacks earlier this season. Ronald Acuña Jr. has reestablished himself with 21 HR, 34 SB, and a .289 AVG, while Matt Olson (31 HR, 89 RBI) and Austin Riley (27 HR, .276 AVG) provide plenty of thunder in the middle. The Braves average 5.1 runs per game, ranking among the NL’s best.
Hurston Waldrep, the 2023 first-round pick, has been a bright spot in the rotation since being called up. Across 13 starts, he’s posted a 4.08 ERA with 67 strikeouts in 70.2 innings. His split-change has been particularly effective, and he has pitched well at Truist Park, where he holds a 3.62 ERA.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Martín Pérez vs. Braves’ right-handed bats – Olson may hit lefties, but Pérez’s real problem has been keeping Acuña and Riley quiet.
- Hurston Waldrep vs. Luis Robert Jr. – Robert is Chicago’s only real threat to change the game with one swing. If Waldrep neutralizes him, Atlanta should coast.
- Atlanta bullpen vs. Chicago’s late-inning opportunities – If the Braves’ relievers continue their solid stretch, the Sox won’t have many comeback windows.
Prediction
The Braves’ power bats against a struggling Pérez looks like a mismatch. Waldrep should be able to navigate a weak Chicago lineup, giving Atlanta a comfortable win at home.
Final Score Prediction: Braves 7, White Sox 2
Best Bets
- Braves –1.5 Run Line (-120) – Strong value with Atlanta’s lineup against Pérez.
- Over 9 Runs – Pérez’s struggles could help push the total over even if Chicago contributes little.
- Ronald Acuña Jr. Anytime HR (+350) – Elite matchup against a lefty giving up plenty of long balls.
