MRI on Owens' groin looks 'good'
TUCSON, Ariz. -- Slowed by a strained groin since the Feb. 25 intrasquad game, center fielder Jerry Owens was feeling much better Friday after having an MRI.
"It showed pretty good,'' said Owens, the White Sox' projected leadoff hitter. "Now, it's a matter of getting over the mental thing. I told (trainer) Herm (Schneider) that was kind of what I needed to hear, just so I know even if it might be hurting me or bugging me, there's nothing in there that's going to do anything long term. It's a matter of getting out there and playing through it.''
Owens is scheduled to play in a "B'' game today and be back in the regular lineup Sunday against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The 27-year-old outfielder has played well in the Cactus League when he's felt good enough to play, batting .375 in five games.
Owens said he's not overly worried about missing out on a golden opportunity because of an injury.
"Yeah, that stuff goes through my head,'' he said. "At the same time, I feel like when I have been in there, I've been able to play my role and show them that I'm the guy at the leadoff spot and in center field. Obviously, the more at-bats the better the opportunity, not just for winning a job but for getting ready for Opening Day in two weeks.
"So, it's a little frustrating. I want to be out there and I need to be out there, but at the same time, I'm not doing myself or the team any good if I'm not healthy. That's my No. 1 priority right now.''
More roster cuts: The White Sox made three roster moves after Friday's loss to the Athletics. Right-handed pitchers Jack Egbert and Adam Russell were optioned to Class AAA Charlotte, and catcher Cole Armstrong was optioned to AA Birmingham.
The Sox have 36 players remaining in camp.
Russell was a big surprise last spring, but the 6-foot-8, 250-pounder struggled after being sent to Birmingham, going 9-11 with a 4.80 ERA.
"With all of the guys we brought up last year, he was the first guy on my mind to call up,'' said manager Ozzie Guillen. "But I couldn't because he struggled. I had a little talk with him and told him to go out there (to Charlotte) and pitch well.''
Russell pitched 9 innings in the Cactus League and allowed 5 runs on 9 hits and 5 walks.
Making progress: After giving up 5 runs in 2 innings during his first two Cactus League appearances, enigmatic relief pitcher Mike MacDougal has settled down and delivered 1 scoreless inning in each of his last three outings.
Sox pitching coach Don Cooper said the key is getting MacDougal to practice as hard as he pitches in games.
"We've got a little bit of a routine,'' Cooper said. "The bottom line is that Mac is a maximum effort guy and we want him to be maximum effort when he's playing catch, long tossing, instead of only doing it when he's pitching in a game. And there is a mechanical thing, but it's not worth us talking about. So far, so good with the plan.''
A's 8, White Sox 1
White Sox' record: 8-10
On the mound: Starter Jose Contreras pitched 4 innings and allowed 5 runs on 6 hits and 4 walks. Bobby Jenks pitched a scoreless inning. Matt Thornton allowed 2 runs on 3 hits in 2 innings.
At the plate: The Sox were limited to 3 singles -- 1 each by Alexei Ramirez, Carlos Quentin and Jason Bourgeois.
Next: Nick Masset starts against the Cubs today in Tucson.
-- Scot Gregor