Jeff Curry/US PresswireGavin Floyd hasn't given up less than four runs in a start since May 11.

Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Gavin Floyd’s problems can likely be fixed.

Floyd has shown in past seasons and even in this one he can consistently retire hitters. He had a string of starts early this season during which he was as good as anyone. There’s plenty of hope he can get back to that.

But while that optimism for Floyd doesn’t have to be altered, the White Sox do seemingly need to make a change with him. He just isn’t giving the White Sox a chance to win right now in the starting rotation. It may be too early to be focused on a divisional race, but these are games that could come back to haunt the White Sox if they remain in the hunt.

Thursday wasn’t any better for Floyd. He allowed eight hits, five runs and five walks and lasted just 4 2/3 innings in the White Sox’s 5-3 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.

It’s been over a month now since Floyd has been reliable. His last strong outing came on May 11, and he’s since allowed 49 hits and 35 runs over his last six starts. The White Sox have lost five of those games.

In the past month, Floyd’s ERA has gone from 2.53 on May 11 to 5.63 on Thursday. His record is now 4-7.

Despite Floyd’s continued downward spiral, White Sox manager Robin Ventura has stood firmly behind him and remained confident the veteran Floyd will snap out of his funk. Ventura said as much again after Thursdays’ loss.

“He was fine,” Ventura said. “He pitched well, and two guys in their lineup that really hurt him. You have (Allen) Craig and (David) Freese. Other than that, the one (hit) with (Matt) Adams. He battled him earlier in the game, and he’s just gotten into that count, that hitter’s count and knocks in two. His stuff is there, and I think his confidence is coming with it.”

Floyd wasn’t as kind about his own pitching.

“My assessment, when you don’t get the results, it’s tough,” Floyd said. “It’s frustrating. It’s not fun. It’s one of things I’m going to keep on grinding. I’m going to keep on trying to go out there and win ball games. There’s no point in trying to focus on the starts I’ve been not getting results on.

“I’m just going to keep on battling, keep on battling because I know this is going to turn around.”

When that is, Floyd isn’t certain. He just knows he has to continue with the same mentality he’s had throughout his career.

“I can’t look at the long term,” Floyd said. “Obviously I was trying to look at today and try to go out there and do my job. It didn’t happen today. I got to put it behind me and keep on working, keep on working hard, keep on working on things and try to figure this out.

“And the next start go out with the same mentality I did today and the game before. It didn’t matter what happened in the past. You got to keep on grinding, keep on battling and make pitches. One of these days it’s going to turn around, and I’m going to look at this and kind of laugh at it.”

But for now, there is no laughter for Floyd, just a month of disappointing starts.