White Sox convert Ace’s start spoiler vs. Tigers to play: ‘These are our rivals’

The White Sox are making a significant change to their pitching rotation in hopes of playing a spoiler role this weekend in Detroit.

Chicago interim manager Grady Sizemore announced late Wednesday that the team has moved the start of top player Garrett Crochet from Thursday’s game against the Angels to Friday night in Detroit.

And in doing so, Sizemore was explicit in his reasoning: He wanted to give his team the best chance to play a spoiler role this weekend as the Tigers wrap up a playoff berth. The Angels are not in the playoffs.

“I think it will make for good baseball,” Sizemore said, according to MLB.com. “They are going to compete for a spot in the playoffs. We want to use our best man against this team that is fighting for a play-off spot. These are our rivals.”

Tigers manager AJ Hinch said he didn’t find the move offensive, even though it might make Friday’s game more difficult.

“It’s always good for the game when the best players play,” Hinch said. “It’s a challenge, we know how good he is, but that’s no surprise. To be honest, it doesn’t matter to us. We have to win the game and we will prepare for him tomorrow.”

The Tigers entered Thursday’s game with a magic number of three and were able to clinch a playoff spot as early as Friday.

The White Sox entered their Thursday game against the Angels with 120 losses, tied with the 1968 Mets for the most losses in a modern baseball season. They won the first two games of the series at home against the Angels to avoid the distinction.

Crochet has 203 strikeouts in 142 innings as the White Sox’ top pitcher this season.

Detroit is 9-1 against the White Sox this season.