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Rogers returns from disabled list to help fading Tigers

Sep 5, 2007 - 3:49 PM Chi White Sox (58-79) at Detroit (73-65) 7:05 pm EDT

DETROIT (Ticker) - Kenny Rogers returns from the disabled list on Wednesday, and will try and inject some life into a struggling Detroit Tigers' rotation in the second game of a three-game series with the Chicago White Sox.

Rogers, who makes his first start since July 25, and will look to help the Tigers avoid fading out of the playoff picture. Detroit is a season-high seven games back of the Cleveland Indians (80-58) in the American League Central, and 3 1/2 games back of the New York Yankees (77-62) in the wild card race.

Rogers (3-2, 5.23 ERA) missed time with a blood clot in his shoulder earlier in the season, and was 0-2 with a 9.88 ERA in his last two starts before landing on the DL July 30 with inflammation in his left elbow.

The 42-year-old lefthander is 13-7 with a 4.29 ERA in 29 career starts against Chicago, but was roughed up for seven runs and seven hits in four innings in his last meeting with the White Sox on July 25 before being sidelined.

The Tigers hope Rogers' return boosts a porous rotation. Detroit is an American League-worst 14-27 since July 24, with its starters going 8-20 with a 6.54 ERA in that span.

On Tuesday, Jon Garland threw seven solid innings and Chicago got homers from rookie Josh Fields and Alex Cintron in a 3-1 win.

Gavin Floyd takes the hill for the White Sox. Floyd (1-2, 6.92), who is winless in his last six starts, beat the Tigers by allowing seven hits in six scoreless innings of a 3-1 win on August 5.