Chicago @ Detroit preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 7, 2015 ) Detroit 6, Chi. White Sox 4

The Detroit Tigers found some success toward the end of their road trip and hope to keep the momentum up when they return for the beginning of a 10-game homestand on Thursday. The Tigers found their offense in the last four games and will take on the light-hitting Chicago White Sox to start the homestand.

Detroit put up 27 runs in a three-game winning streak that lifted the club back above .500 before settling for an 8-2 loss in the finale at Cleveland on Wednesday. That result can be brushed aside for the offense as star slugger Miguel Cabrera sat on the bench for a rare day off. Cabrera will be back on Thursday to face White Sox rookie Carlos Rodon for the first time when he opposes Alfredo Simon. Rodon needs some support from an offense that has been held to three or fewer runs 10 times in the last 11 games.

TV: 1:08 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FSN Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Carlos Rodon (3-1, 3.75 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Alfredo Simon (7-4, 3.29)

Rodon posted a quality start in five of his last six turns, including a six-inning stint against Texas on Saturday in which he allowed two runs and earned the win. The 22-year old has yet to pitch more than 6 1/3 innings this season, due in part to 28 walks in 50 1/3 innings. Rodon is 0-1 with a 5.25 ERA in six road games – four starts.

Simon endured his worst start of the season at New York on Saturday, when he was rocked for seven runs on eight hits and three walks in 2 2/3 innings. The Dominican Republic native surrendered a pair of home runs in that start – matching his total from the previous six outings. Simon pitched at Chicago on June 7 and picked up the win while allowing four runs (one earned) and five hits in eight innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. White Sox 1B Adam LaRoche is 6-for-11 with a home run and three RBIs in the last three games.

2. Cabrera is just 7-for-31 with one home run against Chicago this season.

3. Detroit RF J.D. Martinez has four home runs and eight RBIs in the last three games.

PREDICTION: Tigers 5, White Sox 2