MINNEAPOLIS - You wouldn't know it based on the 6 1/3 scoreless innings he pitched against the Twins on Tuesday night, but Jake Peavy is going on fumes as the season winds down.

Trailing the Tigers by 9 games after the Twins' 5-4 victory over the Sox and Detroit's win against Cleveland on Wednesday, the Sox have a virtually no chance of catching them. Considering that Peavy has pitched 112 innings in his first season following major surgery and his fatigue level, it might be wise to shut him down. But unless Guillen hears that Peavy can't go, he's figuring on keeping him in the rotation.

"No not yet,'' Guillen said Wednesday. "I think we should keep it the same way. Right now I don't think I'm going to throw in the towel. If they want to throw in the towel that's their problem. I think he will prepare himself for his next start. I don't think there should be any problem with that. I expect him to go out there for his next start.''

That would be Monday when the Tigers open a three-game series at U.S. Cellular Field. Peavy would get five days rest with Zach Stewart and Philip Humber both staying in the rotation.

Peavy said Wednesday he planned to find out from Don Cooper what the pitching coach has in mind. Cooper indicated he was leaning toward having Peavy pitch.

"There's no doubt I feel worn down and tired,'' said Peavy, who is 7-7 with a 4.92 ERA.