CHICAGO – When reigning American League MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander hands out a compliment to a division rival, take notice.

In the thick of a playoff race, even Verlander could appreciate the special talent that is left-hander Chris Sale. Verlander and Sale were supposed to headline Thursday’s series finale between the Tigers and White Sox, except rain washed out the anticipated showdown with first place in the AL Central up for grabs.

“It’s not easy; he’s making it look easy for the most part,” Verlander said. “Just his ability to make adjustments and pitch an entire season at this level as a [first-year starter] is, like I said, not an easy thing to do.”