Chicago @ Toronto preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 15, 2013 ) Chi. White Sox 3, Toronto 4

With one struggling ex-Miami Marlins pitcher finally looking settled, the focus will be on another as the Toronto Blue Jays resume their seven-game homestand Tuesday against the Chicago White Sox. Josh Johnson takes the mound for the Blue Jays looking to put two dreadful starts behind him. He could stand to learn from Mark Buehrle, who also struggled in his first two outings with Toronto before throwing 6 1/3 solid innings in Monday's series-opening win.

Johnson has the luxury of facing a White Sox team that has won one of its first seven road games in 2013. After opening the campaign with a promising 4-2 homestand, Chicago is sputtering as it hits the homestretch of a grueling 10-game trek. Saddled with one of the least patient lineups in baseball, the White Sox rank last in the majors with 18 walks through the first 13 games.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet Chicago, SNET (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Dylan Axelrod (0-1, 5.79 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Josh Johnson (0-1, 11.05)

Axelrod has had an up-and-down start to the season, opening with 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball against Seattle before getting torched for six runs over 3 2/3 frames against Washington in his last outing. That also summarizes his two career encounters with Toronto: The 27-year-old shut down the Blue Jays on six shutout innings in their first meeting Sept. 26, 2011, but was charged with seven runs over three innings last July 8. Edwin Encarnacion and Colby Rasmus have both homered off Axelrod.

Johnson is in a contract year, and his first two outings have hindered his future earning potential. After absorbing the loss in his Toronto debut April 5 against Boston, the veteran right-hander lasted four outs against Detroit, tagged for six runs on seven hits. Pitching in cold and windy conditions at Comerica Park, Johnson's fastball clocked in the high-80s - a modest concern for a 29-year-old who routinely throws in the low-to-mid 90s. Johnson is 1-1 with a 3.72 ERA in two starts against the White Sox.

WALK-OFFS

1. Only five Chicago hitters have drawn more than one walk. Rios leads the way with five bases on balls.

2. Toronto RF-3B Jose Bautista missed Monday's game with back spasms and a fever, but is expected to play Tuesday.

3. White Sox slugger Adam Dunn is 4-for-24 with 12 strikeouts against Johnson.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 6, White Sox 4