Game 136 Preview: Tigers at White Sox

Detroit Tigers (74-61) at Chicago White Sox (61-75)

Time/Place: 2:10 p.m. E.T.,U.S. Cellular Field

SB Nation blog: South Side Sox

Media: Fox Sports Detroit, ESPN, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network

Pitching Matchup: RHP  Rick Porcello (15-8, 3.06 ERA) vs. LHP Jose Quintana (6-10, 3.48 ERA)

Jose Quintana has been quietly having a fine season for the White Sox, although he has struggled recently, allowing 14 earned runs over his last three starts, with a total of 21 hits, including a six run outing in his last start against the Cleveland Indians. Otherwise, Quintana has been a very solid number two starter for the White Sox this season.

Quintana ranks in the top ten qualified pitchers in the American league in fWAR and FIP. His ERA is inflated, and of course his won- loss record is a reflection of his supporting cast. He has eleven no decisions in his 27 starts.

Rick Porcello is having his finest season since his rookie year. He has already set a career high in wins and is about to eclipse his highest total of innings pitched, probably in his next start. While Porcello's K/9 rate went from 5.5 in 2012 to 7.1 in 2013, a huge 31% increase, he is back down to 5.3 strikeouts per nine this season. Meanwhile, he has cut down on the walks even more, and his batting average allowed to left handed hitters is down by almost 50 points.

When things are going well for Porcello, base runners are getting erased on double play balls. When things are not going well, seeing eye singles on balls that get through the infield follow each other in succession. He leads the American League with 28 double play balls this season, and his .287 on base percentage allowed is best on the Tigers. He holds a  9- 6 career record against the White Sox (.600 win pct) and is 5- 3 at US Cellular field.

Hitter to fear: Paul Konerko has a line of .350/ .422/ .500/ .922 against Porcello

Hitter to fail: Alexei Ramirez is just 8 for 50 with a line of .160/ .160/ .220/ .380

Outlook:

This is the last game for the Tigers in Chicago this season. They have one three game series remaining against the White Sox at Comerica Park, starting September 22nd. The Tigers will play 16 of their 26 games in September in Detroit to finish the season.Chicago has seven games remaining against the Royals. They are 4- 8 on the season against Kansas City.

Prediction

Porcello gets his 16th victory, going eight innings. Robin Ventura will use eight pitchers.