(Sports Network) - After an absolutely abysmal start to the season, the Detroit Tigers have positioned themselves quite nicely for a second-half charge.

Having just gone into Kansas City and swept the Royals earlier in the week, the Tigers are preparing for a huge series against the American League Central-leading Chicago White Sox this weekend. Back in early June, Detroit was 12 games below .500 and 10 games back in the standings, and it was looking like the division could be a two-team race between the White Sox and Minnesota Twins. Now thanks to a four-game win streak, the Tigers (52-49) are just 5 1/2 games back with the chance to make up even more ground.

"All I'm hoping for is to somehow be playing for something when September comes along," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "If we're doing that, I'll be happy."

Really, Detroit hasn't been faced with a more opportunistic series all season long. Of all the possible opponents across the league, none could impact the Tigers' season more than the White Sox. The Tigers are in the midst of a 10- game stretch against division foes, and they wouldn't want it any other way.

"I'll put it simple," Leyland continued. "We've got to hit a couple winning streaks and (the Twins and White Sox) have got to hit a couple bumps in the road."

Plenty of things have fallen into place for Detroit to continue winning. Start with rookie pitcher Armando Galarraga, who has hit the ground running since joining the rotation in mid-April. In 18 starts, the right-hander has compiled an 8-4 record and a 3.27 ERA. And he is coming off what Leyland deemed his best performance on Wednesday, when Galarraga took a no-hitter into the seventh inning against the Royals.

Although he did end up giving up one run on three hits in Wednesday's win, Galarraga only allowed two balls out of the infield and finished with seven strikeouts in seven innings of work.

Galarraga is just one piece to the puzzle, however. During their current four- game streak, the Tigers have been just about as dominant as can be in all facets.

On Tuesday, Kenny Rogers (six innings, one run allowed) teamed with relievers Fernando Rodney and Joel Zumaya (three shutout innings) to help notch a 7-1 win over Kansas City. On Monday, the offense -- highlighted by a combined nine hits and 11 RBI from Miguel Cabrera and Matt Joyce -- let loose in a 19-4 drubbing of the Royals. Reliever Zach Miner made his first start of the season in place of a struggling Eddie Bonine and pitched six shutout innings.

The Tigers will have a chance to regroup with an off day Thursday, then it's time to strap in for a pivotal series with Chicago.

"This weekend is going to be exciting," outfielder Magglio Ordonez said. "This is the series the players are looking forward to."

RENTERIA'S STATUS UNCERTAIN

Shortstop Edgar Renteria has been slow to rebound from a mild hamstring strain that cost him a few games before the All-Star break.

Leyland said on the team's official site that he wouldn't hesitate to plug in Ramon Santiago if he felt Renteria, who has had a rough season, wasn't fully up to the task.

"He's ready to play," Leyland said of Renteria. "I wouldn't play him if I didn't think he was healthy. There are some balls he can't get to because he's afraid (the hamstring) might explode, but I think he gets better on a daily basis."

Since the All-Star break, Renteria is 7-for-23, including consecutive two-hit games on Tuesday and Wednesday.

BULLPEN TAKING SHAPE

With Rodney and Zumaya back in the fold, the Tigers' bullpen has been a force lately. And just as they were in 2006, the pair will be a key component if Detroit is to make a playoff push this season.

Rodney hasn't allowed a run in his last four appearances. He looked particularly in command when he entered Tuesday's game, striking out four in two innings.

"He's really good," Leyland said. "People tend to forget just how good he was in 2006. He was our closer at the beginning when (Todd) Jones was out, and did a heck of a job."

Zumaya has been equally impressive, posting a 1.76 ERA through 13 games.

"When they walk in the clubhouse it makes a difference," Leyland continued. "These guys got a presence."

WHO'S HOT

Justin Verlander has been a microcosm of the Tigers season. After starting out 2-9, the Detroit has won six straight decisions and facing the possibility of a 15-victory season. He retired 16 straight batters at one point during Sunday's 5-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles.

Cabrera drove in 10 runs during the series sweep of the Royals.

WHO'S NOT

Nobody right now. All of the regulars are producing, the rotation (save for Nate Robertson) has been solid and the bullpen lights-out during the team's current run.

A LOOK AHEAD

Robertson (6-8, 5.69) lasted only 2 1/3 innings his last time out, but he gets a big shot at redemption Friday when Gavin Floyd (10-6, 3.52) and the White Sox come to town. Verlander (8-9, 3.95) will look for a fifth straight winning start when he squares off against John Danks (7-4, 3.03) on Saturday. And on Sunday, Miner (4-3, 3.73) gets another start opposite Javier Vazquez (7-8, 4.57).