Elbow strain forces Sox’ Humber to DL

Once all of the distractions wore off and White Sox starting pitcher Philip Humber continued to struggle, the red flags started going up.

Humber pitched a perfect game at Seattle on April 21, and the ensuing media attention was staggering.

On May 1, Humber became a father for the first time, and that was another off-field distraction.

But as his life returned to normal, the Sox’ right-hander was going 2-4 with a 7.47 ERA in 10 starts.

Before Friday night’s interleague game against the Brewers, Humber went on the 15-day disabled list with a right elbow flexor strain.

“I always want to pitch through it,” Humber said. “My preference would be to keep going. But at the same time, when you’re limited and you’re not able to pitch to your full capabilities, not only for me but for the team, that’s the best thing.

“They thought it was best to go ahead and shut me down and get it right.”

Humber said he went to manager Robin Ventura when the Cubs were at U.S. Cellular Field earlier this week and told him about the elbow discomfort.

“More than anything, if affected my slider and both breaking balls,” said Humber, who had Tommy John surgery in 2005. “That’s something I was kind of having to battle, but I still felt like I could go out there and compete. But at the same time, it’s tough when you’re not 100 percent to go out there and do what’s best for the team.

“When I come back, I fully expect to pitch good ballgames and give our team a chance to win. A lot of times this year, I felt like I wasn’t really doing that. It wasn’t for a lack of trying or a lack of working.”

Dylan Axelrod moves into Humber’s rotation spot, and he’ll start against the Milwaukee on Saturday night.

The Sox purchased Brian Bruney’s contract from Class AAA Charlotte, and he’ll take Axelrod’s place in the bullpen.

Axelrod has pitched in three games (1 start) for the White Sox this season and is 0-1 with a 3.52 ERA. His next start should be at Yankee Stadium on Thursday.

“I don’t have to worry about (butterflies),” Axelrod said. “I have looked ahead, and if I start at Yankee Stadium that would be a dream come true. That would be awesome. I’m sure a little bit of butterflies will be flowing then, but I’m just looking forward to everything.”