Cleveland @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 25, 2012 ) Cleveland 4, Chi. White Sox 3

The Chicago White Sox seem to be doing everything possible to give up their lead in the American League Central. The White Sox have dropped six of their last seven games to fall into a tie for first place in the Central. With the wild card almost certainly not a possibility, Chicago needs to outlast the Detroit Tigers to make the playoffs. The Cleveland Indians own the worst record in the AL but have played the White Sox hard.

Things looked like they were lining up for Chicago with six of their last 10 games against the lowly Indians. But after a comeback win in the series opener, the White Sox could not figure out Corey Kluber in a 4-3 loss on Tuesday. The offense has been the big issue, with Chicago averaging 2.3 runs over the last seven games. Cleveland is trying to catch the Minnesota Twins in order to avoid the worst record in the league. The Indians have been playing better of late, winning two of three and four of their last nine. Cleveland would win only its second series since July if it can find a way to take Wednesday’s rubber game.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), WCIU (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Justin Masterson (11-15, 4.97 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Hector Santiago (3-1, 3.45)

Masterson has lost three straight starts, posting a 6.23 ERA in that span. He has surrendered at least four earned runs in four of his last seven turns. The right-hander made back-to-back starts against Chicago at the beginning of May, going 1-0 while yielding a total of five runs in 12 1/3 innings. Masterson walked eight in those two turns but limited the damage by keeping the ball in the park.

Santiago is getting a spot start, with Jake Peavy pushed back to Thursday to begin the series against Tampa Bay. Santiago has made only two starts out of his 40 appearances this season, going 1-0 with a 1.00 ERA in the role. The rookie left-hander has allowed a total of one run and six hits while striking out 14 in nine innings as a starter. Santiago has made five relief appearances against the Indians, yielding two runs and striking out eight in six innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Indians RHP Roberto Hernandez (right ankle) will throw a simulated game on Wednesday. If that goes well, Hernandez could make another start before the end of the season.

2. White Sox DH Adam Dunn needs one home run to match Jim Thome (42) for the franchise record by a left-handed hitter.

3. Chicago is 5-for-52 (.096) with runners in scoring position over the last eight games.