Chicago White Sox Bounce Back with Gems from Phil Humber and Zach Stewart

Chicago White Sox fans who couldn't bear to watch their team after a humiliating loss on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball suffered the indignation of missing a pair of gems the following day.

Chicago finally got some decent starting pitching after being bombed for 35 runs over the weekend. Following a sweep at the hands of Detroit that has effectively ended their playoff pipe dream, two White Sox starters made their cases for next season's rotation.

Phil Humber tossing seven shutout innings to lead the White Sox to a 2-1 win over Minnesota should have been a tough act to follow. However, rookie Zach Stewart managed to close out Monday's day/night doubleheader with an absolute show-stopping performance.

Stewart turned in a masterful performance, tossing a complete game shutout in Chicago's 4-0 win. Only Danny Valencia's double that led off the eighth inning prevented the 24-year-old right-hander from posting a perfect game in his eighth professional start.

Stewart's body of work has been up and down this season. However, he treated fans to what was by far the best showing of his short career. In going the distance for the first time, he struck out nine batters and retired the first 21 he faced before Valencia slapped one into right field.

With the White Sox no longer in contention, Stewart should have a spot in the rotation for the remainder of 2011. Humber, who made his return after being hit with a line drive last month, wasn't nearly as dominating but scattered six hits and struck out six as well.

Neither Chicago starter allowed a run or a walk Monday night. After being lit up by the Tigers for three straight games, it was nice to see the pitching battle back, even against a Twins lineup with limited firepower.

The White Sox have decisions to make with both Humber and Stewart as the season winds down.

Humber, who was picked up on waivers in the offseason, is 9-8 and has more than earned his $500,000 salary.  Has he earned a job in next year's rotation?

Stewart looks to have potential to hold down a spot in the Chicago rotation and his rights are controlled by the club for the next few years. Can he use the remainder of the schedule to show more consistency?

With Mark Buehrle set to become a free agent, will younger arms like Humber, Stewart and Chris Sale have an impact on his possible return? Will it make it easier for the White Sox to shut down Jake Peavy, who is scheduled to pitch Tuesday night?

Stewart was projected as a possible fourth or fifth starter next spring when he came over in July from Toronto. Since being pressed into service last month, he's offered mixed results not uncommon for a young hurler.

The White Sox would do well to use the rest of the 2011 to give him an extended look.