DETROIT — Andrew Benintendi was not in the Chicago White Sox lineup on Friday against the Detroit Tigers. Facing left-hander Tarik Skubal, manager Will Venable opted to sit Benintendi. This decision was expected, even after Benintendi’s eighth-inning, pinch-hit grand slam on Thursday at Yankee Stadium. The slam contributed to a 5-1 victory over the Yankees and marked Benintendi’s third home run in six games.
Venable has consistently chosen to rest Benintendi against left-handed pitchers. On Friday, he selected Randall Grichuk as the designated hitter. Grichuk rewarded this choice with a first-inning homer off Skubal.
Tigers starter Tarik Skubal points and yells toward the White Sox dugout during the fifth inning Friday, June 19, 2026, in Detroit. (Paul Sancya/AP)
During the fifth inning, Skubal grew emotional. After striking out Colson Montgomery with loaded bases and walking off the mound, he yelled and pointed toward the White Sox dugout. The umpires discussed the incident but did not disclose who upset Skubal or why.
Benintendi has adapted to a limited role, starting just six games against left-handers this season, similar to only 12 starts last season. When he signed a five-year, $75 million contract in 2023, he likely imagined a different role. Nevertheless, Benintendi has embraced his position, prioritizing team success during the rebuild.
Grichuk entered Friday’s game with an impressive .987 OPS against lefties, justifying his playing time. After his grand slam on Thursday, Benintendi commented on sitting out. “I understand kind of my role now,” Benintendi stated. “So I’m just glad to be part of it and contribute.” Benintendi is nearing 32 years old, an age where roles can shift in baseball.
Venable explained how players handle reduced roles differently. “In Beni’s case, he still has an important role,” Venable said. “He’s getting a lot of at-bats, and sometimes he faces lefties, sometimes not. We saw Thursday, whatever the opportunity is, he’s ready to go.” Benintendi, alongside Grichuk, provides veteran leadership in a mostly young roster.
“I’m not too much of a vocal guy,” Benintendi said. “This is kind of their team now. A lot of guys debuted last year, and more have started this year. I’ll say something if needed. We expect to show up and win, which is huge for us.”
Benintendi is playing well in June. Since Munetaka Murakami’s injury, Benintendi has six home runs and 14 RBIs in 46 at-bats, posting a 1.095 OPS. His career June OPS is the highest of any month.
The grand slam against the Yankees was notable; it was the first pinch-hit grand slam by the Sox since 2012. Benintendi became just the second visiting player to hit a pinch grand slam at Yankee Stadium, a rare feat.
Entering the series with the Tigers, the Sox recognized the stakes. Trailing the Sox and Guardians by nine games, the Tigers face uncertainty. Justin Verlander’s injury exacerbated their challenges. Without improvement, a trade deadline sell-off could be in Tigers President Scott Harris’s considerations.
“The future for a lot of people in this room…could look very different in two months,” said Skubal to the Detroit News. “We still control our destiny. We play the team this weekend that’s winning our division.”
Venable did not announce Saturday’s starter, though Davis Martin is set for Sunday. Despite the Tigers’ struggles, they remain a challenge. The Sox recently fared 6-5 against top teams, including the Yankees and Dodgers. Their path to respectability continues, with no room for complacency.