Sox' Nieto went from Class A to major-league backup

So much for that gaping hole behind the plate for the White Sox.

Tyler Flowers has cooled off with the bat but is still hitting better than expected as the Sox' No. 1 catcher.

As for backup Adrian Nieto, you've got to tip your cap to a guy who basically plays once a week and was at Class A last season.

"Making that jump is not always easy," manager Robin Ventura said.

Last season, Nieto was playing for Potomac in the Nationals' minor-league system. Selected by the White Sox in the Rule 5 draft in December, Nieto had to make the 25-man roster or be offered back to Washington.

He made it, becoming the first catcher to go from A ball to the major leagues since 2007, when Jesus Flores made the jump to Washington.

The 24-year-old Nieto, who has become John Danks' personal catcher, is batting .271 with 3 RBI in 23 games (14 starts).

"I just try to take my practices as if they were games," Nieto said. "I try to go down to the bullpen and catch as many guys as I can, and before the game I catch whoever is throwing a sideline that day. That's how I try to stay sharp.

"Hitting-wise, I just try to have good at-bats. I can't really control that, trying to go yard or anything like that because with limited at-bats, that's tough to do. My goal up there is to try to see more than four or five pitches and swing at my pitch."

As for joining the Sox from Class A, Nieto said the key has been simplifying the transition.

"I tell everybody, it's baseball," he said. "The thing is, in minor-league ball, especially A ball, the guys aren't as consistent. You see guys down there that throw just as hard as (Tigers starter Justin) Verlander, they have a curve like Verlander. They just can't do it every five days."

Collision course:

Left fielder Alejandro De Aza appeared to be at fault for charging in and colliding with shortstop Alexei Ramirez during Wednesday night's win over Detroit, and that's not the first time the two players have made contact.

According to manager Robin Ventura, Ramirez's outstanding range is causing the problem.

"It will happen with a guy, especially a shortstop who is in charge of the infield who doesn't want to give way," Ventura said. "(Ramirez) needs to understand that anytime an outfielder calls him off he needs to get out of the way. They need to understand that they need to peel off and let the outfielder get it. They have that responsibility."

Minor move:

A day after releasing outfielder Gorkys Hernandez from their Class AAA Charlotte roster, the White Sox acquired Matt Tuiasosopo for cash in a minor-league deal with the Toronto Blue Jays.

In 59 games with Class AAA Buffalo, Tuiasosopo batted .206 with 8 doubles, 2 home runs and 18 RBI.

Last season, Tuiasosopo played in 81 games with the Tigers and batted .244 with 7 homers and 30 RBI. He also played in parts of three seasons (2008-10) with the Mariners.