Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jake Peavy delivers during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers

The White Sox are mathematically eliminated from this year’s postseason, but it may not stop them from playing spoiler. The Sox could be the key factor in determining the AL Central winner as they play the Tigers five more times before the season ends.

In Friday night’s game the Tigers bats struggled against recently activated starter Jake Peavy. Peavy threw seven scoreless innings, striking out eight. That game could be a taste for the White Sox future. Alex Rios scored on a Gordon Beckham home run, leading the offense, Jake Peavy had a great start, and Matt Thornton closed out the game.

The Sox are 6-7 vs. the Tigers this year, but the Sox have owned the Tigers over the previous five years, so it is very possible for the White Sox to give Detroit trouble down the stretch.

The Twins have won 9 of their last 10 and play the Tigers four more times and the Royals five more times. Although Minnesota trails Detroit by two games it’s very possible that the Twins win the AL Central without Justin Morneau, Kevin Slowey, Boof Bonser and Pat Neshek.

ESPN.com has the Tigers at a 71.7 percent chance of winning the AL Central compared to the Twins 28.3 percent chance.

Finally, Minnesota is 9-5 vs. Detroit this year.