White Sox at Tigers
Detroit, the overwhelming preseason favorite in the American League Central, got off to a 10-5 start but has dropped seven of nine since. Though they are also 2-7 over their last nine games, the White Sox were tied for first place before dropping back-to-back home games against division leader Cleveland on Wednesday and Thursday. Those two setbacks dropped Chicago two games back and into third, half a game behind the Tigers.
The White Sox followed up a disappointing 2011 season by losing manager Ozzie Guillen and ace hurler Mark Buehrle to the Miami Marlins, but new skipper Robin Ventura has gotten strong pitching — Chicago leads the majors in opponent batting average. Detroit’s pitching has been underwhelming, with the exception of reigning Cy Young winner Justin Verlander and Friday’s starter, Drew Smyly.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Comcast Sports (Chicago), Fox Sports (Detroit)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Jake Peavy (3-1, ERA 1.67) vs. Tigers LH Drew Smyly (1-0, ERA 1.23)
After a few injury-shortened seasons, Peavy is showing flashes of his former Cy Young-winning self, earning AL Pitcher of the Month honors for April after turning in five strong starts, including back-to-back complete games in his last two starts. He is 3-2 lifetime against Detroit, including a victory in Chicago on Apr. 13 (6 2/3 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 8 K).
Smyly has been excellent thus far in his rookie campaign, giving up just four runs (three earned) in 22 innings. He has demonstrated an ability to overpower hitters, striking out 22 while walking eight, but he has also been susceptible to the long ball — all of his earned runs allowed have come on solo homers. Smyly remains on a short leash — he still has yet to work past the sixth inning.
WALK-OFFS:
1. The Tigers are a combined 22-for-117 (.188) against Peavy, with 3B Miguel Cabrera (4-for-28, 11 K) among those struggling the most.
2. Chicago C A.J. Pierzynski, who was batting .400 through April 19, is 9-for-46 (.196) since, going just 2-for-18 over his last five games to drop his average to .284.
3. The White Sox have won 13 of Peavy’s last 16 starts away from home and five of his last six starts overall.