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Bullpen hurting White Sox playoff hopes

Sep 16, 2008 - 12:55 PM Chi White Sox (83-66) at NY Yankees (80-70) 7:05 p.m. EDT

BRONX, New York (Ticker) -- The Chicago White Sox bullpen is doing little to help the club gain the upper hand in the American League Central Division.

The White Sox hope starter Gavin Floyd (15-7, 3.77 ERA) can give the bullpen a rest on Tuesday when the team continues a four-game series against the New York Yankees.

Chicago swept a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers on Sunday but its relievers surrendered nine runs in 4 1/3 total innings. The bullpen wasn't any better Monday as relievers Ehren Wassermann and Horacio Ramirez each gave up a run as the White Sox dropped a 4-2 decision against the Yankees.

Monday's performance dropped the bullpen to 2-2 with a 6.44 ERA in 13 games this month as Chicago remained 1 1/2 games in front of the Minnesota Twins (82-68) atop the AL Central.

"I lost my touch the last few weeks," White Sox manger Ozzie Guillen said. "If I got paid every time that I went to the mound, I wouldn't need a salary."

Floyd takes the mound for Chicago after having a five-game personal win streak snapped his last time out. Floyd allowed four runs and seven hits in 7 1/3 innings on Thursday, suffering a 6-4 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays - his first setback since July 19.

Andy Pettitte (13-13, 4.52) counters for New York, which is seeking its fourth consecutive win.