Detroit @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 2, 2012 ) Chi. White Sox 2, Detroit 4

It was only a week ago that the Detroit Tigers appeared poised to overtake the Chicago White Sox in the American League Central. Then came a stretch of five losses in six games that stalled Detroit's momentum, but the Tigers will get another chance to reel in the White Sox when the teams open a four-game series Monday in Chicago. Detroit's offense continued to wilt in a weekend sweep by the Los Angeles Angels and has been limited to two runs or fewer in five of its last six.

Chicago has not been able to fully take advantage of the Tigers' swoon, losing two of three in Kansas City to carry a two-game edge into the series. The White Sox have been dominated by the Tigers, who have won 10 of 14 meetings overall and seven straight against Chicago, including a pair of three-game sweeps in Detroit. The White Sox will get third baseman Kevin Youkilis back from paternity leave, but slugger Adam Dunn missed the Kansas City series with a strained right oblique.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Detroit, WCIU (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Rick Porcello (9-11, 4.58 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Jose Quintana (5-3, 3.68)

Porcello has lost five consecutive starts and has not pitched beyond six innings in any of them. The sinkerballer has not surrendered more than three runs in each of his last four outings and has not been helped by his teammates, who have provided only nine runs during the five-game skid. He has beaten the White Sox three times this season, allowing a combined three runs and 14 hits in 22 innings.

Quintana has unraveled in his last two starts, giving up 12 runs and 12 hits in a combined five innings. He was rocked for seven runs in only 1 1/3 innings last time out against Minnesota to extend his winless streak to four starts. The 23-year-old Colombian has won just once in 10 starts since the All-Star break, although he permitted three runs or fewer six times in that span.

WALK-OFFS

1. The White Sox play 12 of their next 19 games away from U.S. Cellular Field, including a nine-game road trip at the conclusion of the series with the Tigers.

2. Detroit has taken the past 23 of 32 meetings against the White Sox.

3. Chicago 1B Paul Konerko is batting .385 (10-for-26) with one homer, three doubles and five RBIs against Porcello.