White Sox move ace starts playing spoiler against Tigers: 'These are our rivals'

The White Sox are making a major 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 postponed star Garrett Crochet's start from Thursday's game against the Angels to Friday night in Detroit.

And in doing so, Sizemore made his reasoning clear: He wanted to give his team the best opportunity to play a spoilsport role this weekend as the Tigers clinch a playoff spot. The Angels are not in playoff contention.

“I think it’s going to be good baseball,” Sizemore said, according to MLB.com. “They will be fighting for a spot in the playoffs. We want to put our best foot forward against this team that is fighting for a playoff spot. These are our rivals.”

Tigers coach AJ Hinch said he doesn't resent the move, even though it could make Friday's game more difficult.

“It’s always good for the game when the best players are playing,” Hinch said. “It's a challenge, we know how good he is, but it's no surprise. Honestly, we don't care. We have to win the game in front of us and we will prepare for it tomorrow.”

The Tigers started the game on Thursday with the magic number three and could secure a spot in the playoffs as early as Friday.

The White Sox entered Thursday's 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 award.

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

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