Tampa Bay Rays up next: Chicago White Sox

. UP NEXT

vs. White Sox

Tonight-Thursday

What's new: The Sox took three of four from the Rays in Chicago but have stumbled since, losing four straight and five of six at home. The bullpen has been a bust, blowing three ninth-inning leads and converting just one of seven save opportunities. … DH Adam Dunn is back in the lineup after missing the last Rays series while recovering from an appendectomy. … Ex-Rays RHP Edwin Jackson, who starts tonight, threw a no-hitter in his last game at the Trop, for Arizona in June.

Key stat: White Sox batters have been hit by pitches nine times; White Sox pitchers have hit one batter.

Connections: Sox manager Ozzie Guillen and Jackson are former Rays, C A.J. Pierzynski grew up in Hernando County, LHP Chris Sale in Lakeland. … Tampa Bay RHP Adam Russell and bench coach Dave Martinez played for the Sox.

Series history: Sox lead 62-43 overall, 30-24 at the Trop.

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer