Chicago @ Baltimore preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 28, 2012 ) Chi. White Sox 0, Baltimore 6

The Baltimore Orioles might not be content with just grabbing a wild card spot in the American League. The Orioles have won four straight and seven of nine to pull into a tie for the lead in the wild card race and draw within 3 1/2 games of the New York Yankees in the American League East. The team currently in the way of the Baltimore surge is the Chicago White Sox, who are trying to claim a playoff berth of their own.

The White Sox had won six straight before dropping the first two of a four-game set to the Orioles and are still two games up on the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central. Chicago suffered a one-run loss in the opener and was held to one hit in seven innings on Tuesday by Chris Tillman, who is one of several players getting another chance and stepping up for Baltimore. Lew Ford is back in the majors for the first time since 2007 and has homered in back-to-back games, while Nate McLouth continues to give the Orioles quality at-bats. The White Sox have lost five in a row on the road.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Dylan Axelrod (1-2, 5.63 ERA) vs. Orioles LH Joe Saunders (0-0, -.--)

Axelrod was recalled to take the spot of Gavin Floyd (elbow), who was placed on the disabled list on Monday. Axelrod has made six starts among 10 appearances in various stints for Chicago this season, last making a start at Boston on July 16, when he allowed one run and seven hits over 6 2/3 innings in a no-decision. The 27-year-old owns a 1-2 record with a 4.99 ERA in nine career starts.

Saunders is another player getting a chance for Baltimore. The Orioles acquired the veteran left-hander from Arizona over the weekend. Saunders went 6-10 with a 4.22 ERA in 21 starts for the Diamondbacks but was knocked around for 14 runs and 19 hits in 9 2/3 innings during his last two turns. The Virginia native has plenty of experience in the AL after beginning his career with the Los Angeles Angels and is 4-3 with a 3.63 ERA in eight career starts against Chicago.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Orioles are expected to add another veteran left-hander in Randy Wolf, who was released by the Milwaukee Brewers. Wolf would be sent to the bullpen if the deal is completed.

2. Chicago RHP Jake Peavy was a candidate to take Wednesday’s start but is battling an eye infection. He is penciled in for Friday.

3. Baltimore CF Adam Jones matched a career high with his 25th home run on Tuesday. It was the 100th blast of his career.