Today's pitchers: Guthrie vs. Contreras

RHP Jeremy Guthrie (6-8, 5.35) today makes his 19th start of this season, his 9th on the road and his 2nd this year vs. Chicago. Guthrie has not pitched since July 7th at Seattle. That night he felt ill and left the game after just 2 1/3 innings. He gave up two hits and three runs. Doctors determined Guthrie had a virus and he missed his last start before the All-Star break. Last season, Guthrie allowed 2ER or less 17 times in 30 starts. This year he has done that just 3 times in 18 starts. In seven starts since June first, Guthrie is 2-4, 6.23. In eight road starts in 2009, he is 2-4, 7.13. Right-handed batters hit .279 off Guthrie and lefties bat .269. The Orioles are 7-11 when he starts, but they have won three of his last four starts. Guthrie has struggled early in games, allowing 31 runs in the first two innings of his 18 starts. Guthrie vs. Chicago: 2009: 0-1, 7.50, one start (6IP, 8H, 5R-ER on April 22nd) 2008: 0-1, 4.91, two starts Career: 0-3, 6.00, six games, four starts (24IP, 29H, 7 HR) RHP Jose Contreras (4-7, 4.54) today makes his 13th start of the year, his 7th at home and the 13th of his career vs. the Orioles. The 37-year-old Contreras was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte on May 10th. At that point he was 0-5, 8.19 with the White Sox. Since his recall from Triple-A on June 8th, he is 4-2, 2.06 over his last six starts. He picked up a win in his start, July 8th vs. Cleveland, when he allowed just one run over 6 1/3 innings. The Sox are 4-8 in his 12 starts. They started out 0-6, but have won four of his last six starts. Right-handed hitters are batting .243 vs. Contrera while lefties are hitting .245. In six home starts, Contreras is 2-3, 3.62. Contrera vs. Orioles 2009: 0-1, 10.13 one start (5 1/3IP, 7H, 6R-ER on April 21) Career: 5-5, 5.05, 13 games, 12 starts (71 1/3IP, 74H, 11 HR, 46K).