Chicago White Sox's Rodon scratched from next start

On the starting pitching front, the Chicago White Sox were one up and one down Tuesday.

Before general manager Rick Hahn gave his welcoming speech to James Shields, who joined the Sox after being acquired in a trade from the Padres on Saturday, he announced Carlos Rodon won't make his scheduled start Thursday against Washington.

"He felt a little bit of discomfort in his neck, which extended down into his arm," Hahn said. "We had him examined on Monday, MRIs, everything looks pretty clean.

"Nothing in terms of long-term concern, but we're going to err on the side of caution, especially given the fact that we now have James in the rotation."

Miguel Gonzalez, who was moved to the bullpen after the Shields trade, will step in and start for Rodon.

After starting Friday at Detroit and allowing 4 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks in 6 innings while throwing 101 pitches, Rodon complained of pain in his neck that ran to his left biceps Sunday. That didn't mean he wanted to miss a start.

"Carlos is not real happy about the decision," Hahn said. "He feels he's good to go. But as we preached for a long time around here, you saw with Chris Sale on a few occasions over the course of the early parts of his career, we're going to err on the side of caution and push Carlos back."

In 11 starts this season, Rodon is 2-5 with a 4.41 ERA.

"He's a tough kid," manager Robin Ventura said. "He doesn't like missing starts or anything like that, but this is in his best interest, being able to take care of him. The concerns he had the other day, you check it out and make sure he's OK."

They're back:

After missing the three-game series at Detroit, left fielder Melky Cabrera was reinstated from the Family Emergency Leave list and was back in the White Sox's lineup Tuesday.

Center fielder Austin Jackson also rejoined the Sox after missing six games with turf toe.

Jason Coats, who replaced Cabrera, was optioned back to Class AAA Charlotte. The outfielder was 0-for-5 with a walk and was hit by a pitch in two games with the White Sox.

Sands out:

The White Sox designated infielder Jerry Sands for assignment before Tuesday's game against Washington.

In 24 games this season, Sands hit .236 with 1 home run and 7 RBI.

"Jerry never had a chance to get into a flow," GM Rick Hahn said. "He has historically hit lefties well, but we haven't faced too many along the way. He never really get into a rhythm. He's going to help someone off the bench, I believe, facing lefties.

"If he happens to clear waivers and ends up in Charlotte, it could be us at the end of the year. Or someone may pick him up in the coming days."

With Sands off the 25-man roster, outfielder J.B. Shuck is the Sox's backup first baseman.