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Danks, Lee square off when White Sox meet Indians

Jul 1, 2008 - 3:10 PM Cleveland (37-46) at Chi White Sox (47-35) 8:11 p.m. EDT

CHICAGO (Ticker) -- A battle of two of the best lefthanded pitchers in the American League will take place Tuesday when Cliff Lee and the Cleveland Indians visit John Danks and the Chicago White Sox.

One of the lone bright spots in a disappointing season for the Indians, Lee has emerged as one of the best pitchers in the game and a strong candidate to start for the AL in the All-Star game. The 29-year-old has allowed two runs or less in 11 of his 15 starts.

While the Indians toil in last place in the AL Central just a season removed from a trip to the ALCS, Lee (11-1, 2.34 ERA) may be the only reason the trade deadline fire sale has not already begun in Cleveland.

With Lee and reigning Cy Young winner C.C. Sabathia pitching well and Fausto Carmona due to come off the disabled list soon, the Indians have all the pitching they need to make a run back toward the top of the standings if they can ever get the offense in gear.

That Cleveland offense put a scare into the White Sox in the opener Monday, nearly battling back from an 8-1 deficit before falling short, 9-7. Jhonny Peralta broke out with a 5-for-5 night that included a homer and three doubles.

Peralta and the Indians could have a more difficult go of it Tuesday against Danks (5-4, 2.62). The 23-year-old has allowed two earned runs or less in 13 of his 16 starts and is making his own push for inclusion on the AL All-Star squad.

Danks dominated Cleveland in his first start of the season on April 3, allowing one run and two hits in 6 2/3 innings. He did not factor in the decision.