Detroit Tigers: Top Five AL Central First Half Surprises

Jul 9, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija (29) delivers against the Toronto Blue Jays in the second inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Struggling Jeff Samardzija

White Sox right-hander Jeff Samardzija doesn’t have poor overall numbers, but at times, he has really struggled this year. That’s surprising because Samardzija was supposed to be a big reason why Chicago was considered a contender in the AL Central before this season.

In April, the right-hander posted a 4.78 ERA and then in June, he was terrible, pitching to a 5.75 ERA. In three of his six starts, Samardzija allowed at least 10 hits.

Samardzija, however, has shown much better in the last two starts, yielding just one run in his last 16 2/3 innings. He is now 6-4 with a 4.02 ERA.

The White Sox could certainly use more starts like that from Samardzija. Chicago is just 5.5 games behind the second Wild Card spot at 41-45.

Next: Why Tigers can still win in 2015