Pierre's power drought ends
DETROIT - Juan Pierre always seems to be getting grief for something.
He takes endless shots for his below-average throwing arm. He hears about his low walk total. Before the final game of the first half, White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen was poking fun at Pierre for working on his outfield defense while the rest of his teammates kicked back in the clubhouse.
A good-natured sort, Pierre seems to get a kick out of all the ribbing. And the Sox' leadoff man gave a little back Tuesday after hitting his first home run of the season.
Before connecting for a solo shot off Tigers starter Rick Porcello, Pierre last went deep on Sept. 15, 2008, at Pittsburgh when he played for the Dodgers. His 809 at-bat power drought was the longest in the major leagues.
"I feel good to get that column filled in so the guys won't give me any (crud) anymore," Pierre said. "It's in the books."
Over his 11-year career, Pierre has hit 14 home runs.
"I was real shocked because it was a breaking ball," Pierre said of Porcello's pitch. "Most of my home runs, I let the pitching supply most of the power. But I think it was a breaking ball and I hit it good. Guys can get off my back now about not hitting home runs."
Mr. Consistency: Mark Buehrle takes great pride in throwing over 200 innings in each of the last nine seasons.
The White Sox' left-hander is well on the way to topping 200 again this year - Buehrle has 140 after pitching 72/3 innings and beating the Tigers in Game 1 Tuesday.
Buehrle also reached 10 wins for the 10th straight season, a streak only CC Sabathia can match among active players.
"A lot of people are surprised," manager Ozzie Guillen said of Buehrle's accomplishment.
"This is a guy who people will make contact against. They make the plays behind him and he will have a good game. He has a nice career going for him. He's one of the most consistent pitchers in the era."
Buehrle's not that impressed with his decade streak of double-digit victories.
"I think if you're staying healthy, you should get there," Buehrle said. "You've got 33 chance for getting 10 wins. I think you can take your chances there. Obviously, just staying healthy is the main key."
Roster moves: With Edwin Jackson set to make his first start for the White Sox on Wednesday night, Carlos Torres was optioned back to Class AAA Charlotte after starting Game 2 against the Tigers.
The Sox also placed left-handed relief pitcher Erick Threets on the 15-day disabled list with turf toe. They are expected to replace Threets with another lefty, Chris Sale.
The White Sox' first-round draft pick in June, Sale has opened some eyes in Charlotte while striking out 15 in 61/3 innings.
"He looks like a good young lefty," pitching coach Don Cooper said. "You never know. We might see him tomorrow."