Pregame notes: A charged atmosphere

DETROIT -- The Tigers clinch a playoff spot with a victory Friday night, which would also give the White Sox the all-time record for losses in a season. The Tigers, who are running a rookie reliever as an opener for this game and would love to not need Tarik Skubal for Sunday, also clinch a playoff spot with a mere Twins loss, which have readily available in recent weeks.

If you offered a dream scenario where the Sox find a way to win over a Tigers team that doesn't actually need Friday's game, before rain wipes out two irrelevant games over the weekend that don't need to be made up, freezing their record at a historically non-unique 40-120, it might get some traction in the visitor's clubhouse.

But in reality, most players are actually looking forward to playing in a playoff atmosphere. A capacity crowd locks you into the sort of intensity level that keeps competitive-minded people coming back to this physically grueling sport, wanting more. And it's not like they're going to get another opportunity to experience that any time soon.

"It will be a good atmosphere," said Grady Sizemore. "These guys are playing really good baseball so tonight’s a good test, will be a fun game. We’re looking to come out and play our best baseball and we know this team has been hot, hotter than anybody right now so it’s going to be a tough test."

Luis Robert Jr. is out of the lineup with soreness in the area of his ribs.

"At this point of the year, I want to make sure we try to get everybody finishing healthy and not aggravate anything that might be bothering them," Sizemore said. "Should be good to go tomorrow, but definitely want to be mindful of something sore."

Drew Thorpe says he already has full range of motion back in his surgically repaired right elbow, even though he's not throwing yet.

"Just a slow build-up, no reason to rush it," Thorpe said. "Start playing catch late-October, mid-November-ish and we'll go from there."

This is the first time Garrett Crochet is facing the Tigers since throwing six innings of one-run ball on opening day. Pitching in front of what is expected to be a capacity crowd, everyone is expecting/worrying that he will try to empty the clip through his four innings.

"Gosh, I just want him to be himself: stay under control, be poised and try not to get too big in the moment," Sizemore said. "He wanted to make every start, he wanted to finish this year on the best possible physically, mentally. Knowing where he’s at and seeing how he’s pitched the last couple of games, the stuff is still there. He’s not tailing off. He’s not looking fatigued. It’s got to feel good for him."