John Danks will start the series opener Friday night on normal rest. The choice Saturday is Richard or Javier Vazquez on short rest. If Vazquez pitches, Mark Buerhle would pitch on short rest Sunday and Gavin Floyd would do the same Monday in a potential makeup game against the Tigers. Danks then would be available for a possible playoff Tuesday on — you guessed it — short rest.
Richard held the Yankees to two runs in 6 2/3 innings in his most recent start on Sept. 17; he has made two relief appearances since. By slotting him into the rotation, the White Sox could start Vazquez, Buerhle and Floyd on normal rest in the final three games, if necessary.
More concern for the White Sox: Closer Bobby Jenks and lefty Matt Thornton both were extended in Thursday night's 10-inning loss to the Twins. Jenks threw 34 pitches in 2 1/3 innings, Thornton 19 pitches in 1 2/3 innings.
The Indians are not ruling out that 22-game winner Cliff Lee will pitch against the White Sox on Sunday. Lee missed a scheduled bullpen workout on Thursday with a stiff neck, but is still listed as the scheduled starter against Buehrle."We're going to put the best team we can on the field, pitch the best people we can," Indians GM Mark Shapiro said. "Cliff clearly is our best pitcher. But if his neck injury endangers him in any way long-term, he won't pitch."
