Miami @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( May 23, 2010 ) Florida 13, Chi. White Sox 0

After a slow start, the Chicago White Sox are getting it in gear and begin a very favorable portion of their schedule Friday night when they host the lowly Miami Marlins in the first of three at U.S. Cellular Field. The White Sox begin the stretch with one of their veteran arms returning as left-hander John Danks makes his season debut. Chicago has won six of its last eight games.

Danks has been sidelined for over a year after undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery. He gets to face the perfect opponent for a return from a long layoff, as the Marlins continue to post some paltry offensive numbers. They have dropped nine of their last 11, scoring more than three runs just once in that span. Miami is 5-4 all-time against Chicago. The teams last played in 2010, when the White Sox took two of three at home.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, CSN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RHP Tom Koehler (0-2, 2.82 ERA) vs. White Sox LHP John Danks (2012: 3-4, 5.70)

Koehler has lost his only two starts since being moved into the rotation, but he has not pitched poorly in the new role. The rookie received zero support in a 1-0 loss to Arizona on Saturday, when he surrendered a run on three hits in six solid innings. The only run given up came on a leadoff solo homer for the Diamondbacks. The 26-year-old has limited opponents to a .192 average this season.

Danks was showing signs of turning around a tough start in 2012 before the shoulder injury popped up and eventually ended his season. He is 57-60 with a 4.12 ERA in 159 career starts, all with the White Sox. The 28-year-old made four rehab starts, posting a 3.18 ERA and an unimpressive 15-13 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Danks gave up four runs in four innings in his one start against the Marlins. He has often had a tougher time at home, going 26-33 with a 4.34 ERA in 79 career outings at U.S. Cellular.

WALK-OFFS

1. Marlins OF Giancarlo Stanton took batting practice Wednesday as he attempts to return from a right hamstring strain.

2. White Sox DH Adam Dunn is 1-for-14 with seven strikeouts in his last four games. His average is down to .163.

3. Chicago OF Alex Rios is hitting .377 during a career-long 17-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: White Sox 6, Marlins 3