Chicago White Sox's Quintana shrugs off trade rumors

Chris Sale is attracting the most attention among Chicago White Sox trade candidates, even after Saturday's bizarre clubhouse antics.

Close behind is Jose Quintana, who the Sox's No. 2 starter behind Sale.

Coveted by contending teams for his career 3.42 ERA and ability to log 200-plus innings per season, Quintana has been linked to numerous teams.

"I don't pay attention to that," he said. "I don't have control over that. I just have my focus here and that's it."

Signed as a free agent before the 2012 season after spending four years in the New York Yankees' minor-league system, Quintana has been a key member of the White Sox's rotation for five seasons.

"I know this is a time for trades, but we don't try to pay attention to that," said Quintana, who ranks seventh in the American League with a 3.13 ERA and is 13th with 123⅔ innings pitched. "I want to stay here. I want to stay here. I like it here, and I want to win here. And I'm here. I'm here for now."

Deep thoughts:

Justin Morneau hit a 3-run homer in Friday night's loss to the Detroit Tigers, the first time he has cleared the fences since May 6 of last season, when he played for the Colorado Rockies.

Morneau, who had elbow surgery in December, joined the Sox's roster on July 15.

"I'm starting to feel a lot more comfortable," Morneau said. "I think I can battle and go deep in counts and then fight pitches off and two-strike hitting, all that kind of stuff, when I don't feel like I'm trying to do too much. That's really close. It feels pretty good.

"I can go out there and battle, which is a good feeling. Hopefully I can stay healthy the rest of the year and that's what happens."

Lawrie update:

Brett Lawrie missed his second straight game Saturday with a strained left hamstring.

Until Lawrie is ready to return, Tyler Saladino is filling in at second base.

"I think every day gets a little bit better," manager Robin Ventura said. "It's not DL-able, where you're sitting here looking at two weeks. He's good enough to go, probably in a couple days here."