MINNEAPOLIS — Even as the White Sox move closer to elimination in the American League Central, they haven’t exactly backed off despite their slim odds.
For example, Jake Peavy probably will make at least two more starts, Juan Pierre moved closer to the 2,000-hit mark Wednesday night and Paul Konerko continues to play despite a left leg that has been sore for 5 1/2 weeks.
But there were reminders of room for improvement during a 5-4 loss to the Twins that prevented the Sox from their first four-game sweep in Minnesota and dropped them nine games behind the Tigers with 21 games left.
The Sox stranded 13 runners and were 3-for-16 with runners in scoring position.
“We played typical White Sox baseball,” manager Ozzie Guillen said. “I don’t think we lost. We just gave this game away.”
John Danks (6-11) missed any chance of evening his record at .500 this season thanks to a four-run third inning in which he walked .163 hitter Drew Butera to start the rally.
“It has been a (bleeping) year,” Danks said. “No doubt.”
Center fielder Alex Rios took a curious route to rookie Chris Parmelee’s line drive that sailed over his head for two-run double to cap the rally.
And, after preventing a throwing error on a pickoff attempt, Konerko’s throw to second sailed into left field, enabling Luke Hughes to score all the way from first in the sixth.
On the bright side, Dylan Axelrod provided one of the few highlights when he threw two scoreless innings in his major league debut.
“It was just great getting out there for the first time and getting my feet wet, and had a great time doing it,” said Axelrod, who was pitching in an independent league two years ago.
Pierre, meanwhile, helped the Sox rally from a 4-0 deficit when he pulled a double down the right-field line for his 1,999th hit in the sixth. But he and Brent Morel were stranded.
When asked why he’s keeping Peavy in the rotation despite bouts of arm fatigue, Guillen said before the game, “Right now I don’t think I’m going to throw in the towel. If they want to throw in the towel, that’s their problem.”
Pitching coach Don Cooper said Peavy probably would make two starts before they re-evaluate the rotation for the rest of the season. Peavy will receive an extra day of rest before making his next start Monday night against the Tigers.
One day after throwing 6 1/3 shutout innings, Peavy said his arm felt better than the head cold he has endured for the past few days.
“I’m getting an extra day of rest,” Peavy said after a workout. “I’ll do whatever’s asked of me.”
Twitter @MDGonzales
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