Chicago @ New York preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 4, 2011 ) NY Yankees 7, Chi. White Sox 2

The Yankees are riding a five-game winning streak heading into their four-game series against the White Sox, but they’re also dealing with the loss of two left-handed starters. Andy Pettitte (ankle) was struck by a Casey Kotchman comebacker on Wednesday and will likely be out two months, while CC Sabathia was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a left groin strain. Adam Warren will make his major league debut Friday in place of Sabathia, who could return right after the All-Star break.

Chicago stands 2 1/2 games ahead in the AL Central after an impressive 12-5 win over the Twins on Wednesday. After scoring a total of five runs in their previous three games, the White Sox exploded for a season-high 21 hits in the series finale. Third baseman Kevin Youkilis went 3-for-4 with two RBIs in the win, and he’s 5-for-12 in three games since being traded from Boston. White Sox RF Alex Rios is hitting .341 with nine homers and 25 RBIs in his last 32 games, and SS Alexei Ramirez is hitting .367 in his last 16 contests.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Dylan Axelrod (0-1, 5.54 ERA) at Yankees RH Ivan Nova (9-2, 4.25)

Axelrod has been filling in with both with John Danks and Phil Humber on the disabled list, but he likely needs a strong outing to remain in the rotation. He allowed five runs (four earned) over 5 1/3 innings in his last start against the Brewers, and he’s 1-1 with a 4.44 ERA in five career starts.

Nova is 2-0 with a 1.37 ERA in three career starts against the White Sox, allowing exactly one run in each of those appearances. Nova has allowed two earned runs or less in each of his last three starts, and he’s undefeated over his last six starts, going 5-0 with a 2.57 ERA during that span.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago DH Adam Dunn snapped an 0-for-24 skid on Wednesday with a home run, the 389th of his career.

2. Yankees 2B Robinson Cano has homered in seven of his last 10 games and is batting .345 with 10 home runs and 18 RBIs in June.

3. The White Sox designated reliever Will Ohman for assignment after he gave up three earned runs in two innings of relief on Wednesday.