Kansas City @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 17, 2015 ) Kansas City 4, Chi. White Sox 2

The Chicago White Sox believe they're still playoff contenders and they'll get a chance to prove it when they host the American League Central-leading Kansas City Royals for a doubleheader Friday. The Royals, who own the best record in the AL, hope to pick up where they left off after winning eight of 10 prior to the All-Star break.

Despite being tied for last place in the AL Central, the White Sox view themselves as potential contenders — they're only 5 1/2 games out of the wild card — after winning nine of 12 going into the break. "We've put ourselves in a situation where you have to just continue to play well," Chicago manager Robin Ventura told the club's website. "We're playing better baseball and that's really where you focus." Many of Kansas City's top players didn't get much of a rest as six Royals made the trip to the All-Star game in Cincinnati, and they begin the second half without All-Star left fielder Alex Gordon, who will miss several weeks with a groin injury. The Royals swept Chicago over three games to begin the season, but the White Sox took two of three when Kansas City visited the Windy City in late April.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Chris Young (7-5, 3.00 ERA) vs. White Sox LH John Danks (4-8, 5.30)

Young has allowed one or no runs in seven of his 13 starts since moving from the bullpen, but he's winless in his last three turns. The 36-year-old took a tough-luck loss on Saturday, allowing three runs over six innings against Toronto. Young pitched 1 2/3 scoreless frames in relief against the White Sox on April 24, his first appearance against them since 2005.

Danks snapped a four-start losing streak with seven scoreless innings against Baltimore on July 3, he was hit hard again in his final outing before the break. The 30-year-old gave up six runs in 4 1/3 innings against Toronto on July 8 and has allowed four or more runs in six of his last nine starts. Danks split a pair of starts against the Royals in April and is 8-1 with a 2.73 ERA in 18 career outings against them.

WALK-OFFS

1. White Sox RHP Frankie Montas is expected to be added as the team's 26th man for the doubleheader; the hard-throwing 22-year-old prospect is 2-1 with a 2.47 ERA in 15 starts at Double-A Birmingham.

2. Chicago DH/1B Jose Abreu has hit safely in 13 straight games, the longest active streak in the majors.

3. Kansas City SS Alcides Escobar is batting .405 over a 10-game hitting streak and went 1-for-2 as a starter in the All-Star Game.

PREDICTION: White Sox 5, Royals 4