White Sox-Tigers Preview

If Edwin Jackson hadn't struggled in recent weeks, the Detroit Tigers might not still be worrying about securing a playoff spot heading into the final weekend of the season.

After missing an opportunity to clinch the AL Central, the Tigers send the right-hander to the mound to face the Chicago White Sox on Friday night.

Detroit (85-74) failed to secure the division title Thursday, losing 8-3 at home to Minnesota. The Tigers are two games ahead of the Twins with three games remaining for both teams.

Minnesota hosts last-place Kansas City this weekend.

"We're in the driver's seat," Detroit catcher Gerald Laird said. "We just have to play good baseball like we have at home, take it to the White Sox and we'll be celebrating."

If Detroit beats Chicago (77-82) twice, it would win the division. Otherwise, the Tigers would need help from the Royals.

If a one-game playoff is necessary, Detroit would travel to Minnesota because the Twins won the season series. That game would likely be Tuesday because the Vikings are playing Monday night at the Metrodome.

Strong early season pitching from Jackson (13-8, 3.36 ERA) has helped put the Tigers in position to earn their first division title since 1987, but he has thrown a career-high 209 innings and appears to be tiring.

Jackson gave up four runs or more in five of his last seven starts, going 3-3 in that span. The right-hander faced the White Sox in his last outing, surrendering five runs in seven innings of an 8-4 loss Sunday.

That dropped him to 1/3 with a 5.66 ERA in seven starts versus Chicago.

The White Sox will counter with Jake Peavy (8-6, 3.75), who was outstanding against Detroit last Friday night, striking out eight in seven innings to earn a 2-0 victory.

The veteran right-hander lost his only outing against the Tigers, giving up five runs in six innings for San Diego in an 8-4 defeat June 14, 2005.

Peavy has won his two starts since coming off the disabled list Sept. 19. The 2007 NL Cy Young winner missed three months with an ankle injury.

"My arm strength is not anywhere close to where I want it to be and to maintain it through the season, but I enjoy getting to go out there to compete," Peavy told the team's official Web site.

Chicago has gotten solid efforts from its pitchers in winning three of four, posting a 2.57 ERA during that stretch.

The White Sox split a doubleheader at Cleveland on Wednesday, losing the opener 5-1 before bouncing back with a 1-0 victory.

Chicago has won three of four versus Detroit, but trails 7-8 in the season series.