CHICAGO – Winning their remaining five games is nearly a must for the White Sox.
At least that’s their mission as far as pitcher Jake Peavy’s concerned. After squandering what once was a three-game lead with just weeks left in the season, the Sox are forced to play catch up as they trail the division-leading Detroit Tigers.
Designated hitter Adam Dunn disagreed with his teammate’s philosophy.
“Those are Jakeisms,” Dunn said. “I’m not going to say we’re going to have to win out every game. We’re going to have to win as many as we can, and if we win three and Detroit loses them all then we don’t have to win them all, so …”
Ramirez struggles: His 2012 numbers are eerily similar to his production the previous four seasons, but shortstop Alexei Ramirez is not satisfied with his performance.
The 31-year-old is batting .267 with a career-low nine homers and 71 RBIs, six shy of tying his career high. Despite the solid numbers hitting predominately out of the No. 8 spot, Ramirez said he is upset with himself because “I know I can do better than what I’m doing.”
Ramirez has noticeably struggled during September, especially the past nine games, driving in only two runs with a .219 average.
“I really can’t speak for the rest of the guys,” Ramirez said through a translator. “For myself, I do say that I get a little bit anxious when I get up to the plate. Then, it’s just trying to help the team, trying to help us in. It’s something I have to control a little bit more.”
Sunday starter announced: Manager Robin Ventura said rookie left-hander Jose Quintana will start Sunday’s home series finale against the Rays in what likely is his last start of the season.
The Sox’s rotation for their final series of the year, three games at Cleveland, has yet to be determined. How their series against Tampa Bay plays out and where they stand in the AL Central will factor into their decision. Should the Sox fall out of contention expect Hector Santiago, Dylan Axelrod and Phil Humber to get a look in Cleveland.
“I'd say from spring training, yeah [Quintana] surprised me because you didn't expect him to really be in the rotation and do the things that we've asked him to do,” Ventura said. “He's had some big spots and I think the rain out game with Detroit [on Sept. 17], one of them that if you're coming out of spring training say you're going to have him go for that game you'd be surprised.”
