Just checking the Chicago Sun-Times to get an update on the White Sox and according to good friend Joe Cowley (no, not the pitcher who threw a South Side no-hitter in 1986), the Angels’ opponent this weekend is a little banged up. (Note to the Tribune’s Dave Van Dyck: I checked out your stuff too, just wanted to give a plug to the Sun-Times. I’m sure you understand.) Anyway, back to the program, the White Sox’s Jim Thome is not likely to play tonight as he battles a rib injury. There seems to be uncertainty about Thome even playing at all this weekend. Jermaine Dye (back) and Rob Mackowiak (abdomen) also are hurting.

The Whie Sox were rained out Thursday so instead of Jon Garland starting tonight, it will be Jose Contreras. That would be the Contreras who closed out the 2005 ALCS with a victory at Angel Stadium. Mark Buehrle, who pitched a no-hitter on April 18 against the Texas Rangers, has been moved to Sunday and will pitch opposite Kelvim Escobar.

The Angels get another chance to see Darin Erstad, after two matchups against him this spring. It will be the first time Erstad has ever faced the Angels in a regular season game in his career. The veteran has eight hits in his last 21 at-bats with four RBI and three runs scored.