Chicago @ Detroit preview
Comerica Park
Last Meeting ( Aug 2, 2013 ) Chi. White Sox 1, Detroit 2
Jose Iglesias has played only one game for the Detroit Tigers, but his versatility has already paid off as his new team continues their three-game home series against the Chicago White Sox on Saturday. Iglesias – a natural shortstop – was slotted to play second base in Friday’s series opener before he slid over to play third when Miguel Cabrera was scratched from the lineup due to injury. The former Boston Red Sox went 1-for-3 with an RBI in the Tigers’ 2-1 victory.
While Detroit has won six straight and 10 of 11 to establish a three-game lead in the American League Central over the second-place Cleveland Indians, the White Sox suffered their eight consecutive defeat Friday. As a result, Chicago fell 27 games under .500 (40-67) for the first time since 1976 and finds itself in last place in the division – 22 games behind Detroit. The White Sox appear unlikely to end their slide Saturday against Max Scherzer, who leads the majors in victories.
TV: 7:08 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FSN Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH John Danks (2-8, 4.57 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Max Scherzer (15-1, 3.01)
Danks threw 55 of his 101 pitches for strikes in his last turn, but permitted only two runs (one earned) and two hits over six frames in a no-decision during Monday’s 3-2 setback against the Cleveland Indians. The left-hander – who walked a season-high four – has issued only 13 free passes in 82 2/3 innings but given up 17 home runs. Danks surrendered six runs in a home loss to Detroit on July 24 and is 0-3 with a 4.86 ERA over his last five starts.
Becoming only the fourth pitcher since 1979 to win at least 15 of his first 16 decisions, Scherzer allowed one hit and struck out seven over six scoreless innings in last Saturday’s 10-0 rout of the Philadelphia Phillies. The 29-year-old has given up a total of two runs and five hits with no walks over 14 frames since suffering his only loss on July 13. Scherzer held Chicago to two runs and four hits in a win on July 22 and is 6-4 with a 2.49 ERA in 14 outings against the White Sox.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cabrera has missed six of Detroit’s last nine games, but the team is 8-1 over that stretch.
2. Chicago 1B Adam Dunn collected two hits Friday, giving him 1,500 for his career.
3. Tigers RHP Joaquin Benoit is 11-for-11 in save chances and hasn’t allowed a run over his last 14 outings.
PREDICTION: Tigers 5, White Sox 1