Chicago @ Toronto preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 13, 2012 ) Chi. White Sox 2, Toronto 3

The Chicago White Sox wasted a pair of solid performances in a series-opening loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. They'll look to bounce back Tuesday as they resume their three-game set with the Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre. Despite getting eight strong innings from Jake Peavy and a pair of home runs from Adam Dunn, the White Sox couldn't complete the comeback as they dropped a 3-2 decision in 11 innings. Toronto has won two straight despite having two-thirds of its starting lineup on the shelf.

Tuesday's loss didn't cost the White Sox in the American League Central race, with Detroit's loss to Minnesota keeping Chicago two games up. The White Sox send rookie left-hander Jose Quintana to the hill hoping he'll rediscover his winning touch. Quintana hasn't picked up a victory since July 5 and has already lost to the Blue Jays once this season. He'll be opposed by Toronto right-hander Henderson Alvarez, who has struggled for most of the year and could be in tough against an imposing Chicago lineup.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, WCIU (Chicago), RSN (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Jose Quintana (4-2, 2.78 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Henderson Alvarez (7-9, 4.58)

Quintana hasn't been as solid over the past month as he was in the first half of the season, but he hasn't been terrible, either. The 23-year-old limited Kansas City to two runs over seven solid innings last time out but was outdueled by Jeremy Guthrie in a 2-1 loss to the Royals. Home runs have been an issue, with Quintana being taken deep six times in the last five games. He's 2-0 with a 3.14 ERA in eight road appearances, including seven starts.

The White Sox struck out a whopping 16 times in Monday's series opener, but shouldn't have the same problem against Alvarez. The 22-year-old Venezuelan has one of the lowest strikeout rates in the majors, whiffing just 51 hitters over 135 2/3 innings. His inability to generate swings and misses is just one of the problems Alvarez has faced in his second season. He's just 3-6 at home and has surrendered a team-high 21 homers in 22 starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Blue Jays reliever Brandon Lyon has racked up 20 strikeouts in just 10 innings since returning to Toronto in a trade with the Houston Astros last month. Alvarez didn't record his 20th strikeout of the season until his 11th start.

2. Dunn hadn't homered in 13 games before going deep twice in Monday's loss. He's 0-for-6 with four strikeouts lifetime against Alvarez.

3. White Sox OF Alex Rios, drafted by Toronto in 1999, is hitting .313 (25-for-80) in his career against his former team.