Wasserman happy to be back with Sox

Ehren Wassermann appeared to do everything possible last season to prove he was a major-league pitcher.

Called up from Triple-A Charlotte on July 17, Wassermann allowed no runs in 28 of his 33 appearances, didn't give up a home run and finished with a 2.74 ERA.

In spring training, even though he outperformed Nick Masset statistically, Wassermann was sent back to Charlotte just before the season opener.

Wassermann was back at U.S. Cellular Field on Sunday, replacing relief pitcher Mike MacDougal, who was optioned to Charlotte a day earlier.

Wassermann, a 27-year-old right-hander, barely made it to the stadium in time, then walked the only batter he faced in the White Sox' 6-1 victory over Baltimore.

"It was a long day," he said after the game. "I'm working on a couple hours' sleep and this was the first time I've eaten since 7 this morning. I was supposed to leave (Charlotte) at 7:30 and didn't leave until about 10:10. I got to the ballpark about an hour before game time."

Asked about being sent down in March, Wassermann was diplomatic, pointing to his struggles against left-handed batters last year. Lefties batted .533 against him, compared to .174 for right-handers.

"They just may have been looking for something else," he said. "It's their decision. Obviously, they put together a team that's in first place right now. I try and leave all the off-the-field decisions to them."

Quentin gets on: Left fielder Carlos Quentin reached base in all four plate appearances Sunday. He had 2 singles, a walk and was hit by a pitch for the third straight game. He's been plunked six times already this season.

"Carlos has been having good at-bats since the day I put him in the lineup," Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said. "He's always getting hit by a pitch in the right spot. I like it. This kid gives you everything he has every at-bat. I don't see him wasting one at-bat yet."

Quentin has reached base safely in 12 straight games, has a seven-game hitting streak and is batting .288 for the season. A former first-round pick of Arizona, Quentin was dealt to the White Sox in December for Chris Carter.

Crede given rest: After playing in both ends of Saturday's day-night double-header, Joe Crede was given Sunday off while Pablo Ozuna filled in at third base.

"I'm giving him a couple days off because in the upcoming road trip we're playing on artificial grass," manager Ozzie Guillen said. "I want to keep him as strong and healthy as best I can."

Jermaine Dye, meanwhile, missed his third straight game with a left groin strain but may return to the lineup today when the Sox finish a four-game set with Baltimore.