Cleveland @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 10, 2011 ) Cleveland 3, Chi. White Sox 7

THE STORY: The Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Indians seem to be taking their battle for second place in the American League Central seriously. The teams finish a four-game series Sunday at U.S. Cellular Field. Alex Rios' walkoff grand slam in the 10th inning gave Chicago a 7-3 win on Saturday. The White Sox are 9-4 against the Indians this season. Chicago is 9 1/2 games behind Detroit while the Indians trail by 11 games. Chicago has won five of seven while Cleveland has lost five of six.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, STO/WKYC (Cleveland), CSN Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Ubaldo Jimenez (8-11, 4.66 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Zach Stewart (2-3, 4.56 ERA)

Jimenez had a brief lapse in the fourth inning Monday against the Tigers, and it cost him the game. He gave up a single to Delmon Young, walked Miguel Cabrera and then allowed a three-run homer to Victor Martinez. Jimenez held Detroit to two hits in seven innings, but fell to 2-2 with Cleveland. He allowed four runs in 4 2/3 innings on Aug. 16 against Chicago, a game the Indians lost in 14 innings.

Stewart nearly made history Monday against the Twins. He retired the first 21 batters before Danny Valencia broke up his bid for a perfect game with a leadoff single in the eighth. That was the only baserunner Stewart allowed in just his eighth career start. The rookie made two relief appearances against the Indians in August, allowing two runs in 4 1/3 innings.

ABOUT THE INDIANS (71-72): Maybe Cleveland's injury woes will stop when the season ends. Right-hander Josh Tomlin, who went on the disabled list last month with a sprained elbow ligament, may not return this season. A decision will be made soon, but if Tomlin's injury is serious, it would be a crippling blow to the Indians heading into the off-season. Tomlin was one of the Indians' most consistent pitchers, going 12-7 with a 4.25 ERA in 26 starts. The Indians learned last week that right-hander Carlos Carrasco will need Tommy John surgery and will likely miss all of next season.

ABOUT THE WHITE SOX (73-71): When the series began, the White Sox were optimistic right fielder Carlos Quentin would be back in the lineup soon. After Quentin didn't progress in batting practice the last three days, manager Ozzie Guillen isn't as hopeful. Quentin hasn't played since hurting his left shoulder making a catch on Aug. 20. Alejandro De Aza has been seeing the majority of playing time in right field. The left-handed hitter is batting .314 with four homers and 17 RBIs.

FINAL PITCH: White Sox righthander Jake Peavy, who has been battling injuries all season, likely won't pitch again in 2011.