Richard impresses Guillen; will start Tuesday vs. Twins

One look at Clayton Richard's line Wednesday - 4 innings, 5 runs (4 earned), 7 hits - suggests a quick demotion back to Class AAA Charlotte.

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen had a completely different view after Richard made his first big-league start at U.S. Cellular Field.

"Awesome,'' Guillen said. "Great job. He's going to pitch against Minnesota (on Tuesday). I like what I saw. He gave up a home run (to Michael Young in the first inning) and went right after people. We didn't help him at all the way we should defensively. I like what I saw. He threw strikes and he's not afraid.''

Richard worked at a rapid pace, a la Mark Buehrle, and he mixed in effective change-ups and curveballs with a fastball that reached 95 mph.

All in all, the 24-year-old lefty was pleased with his first outing.

"It's not exactly how I envisioned it,'' Richard said after piling up 7 strikeouts and just 1 walk. "But that's baseball. That's how things go. I threw strikes and I know that was a big deal going in. I didn't want to walk guys. Get that first one out of the way, and we got the win, which is huge. It was a great win.''

Early exit: Manager Ozzie Guillen was ejected in the seventh inning during a heated exchange with home-plate umpire Rob Drake.

Guillen came out to protect Nick Swisher, who started to argue with Drake following a called strike on an outside pitch.

"If I talk about this, I'm not going to win,'' Guillen said. "It might cost me more money and time. But I was not arguing balls and strikes and that's all I can tell you guys. I was out there protecting my player and (Drake) said the wrong thing to the wrong guy.''

Back in action: Throughout the first half of the season, White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen was stumping to get relief pitcher Scott Linebrink to the All-Star Game.

It didn't happen, but Linebrink really needed the break.

"I was just about at the end of my rope last time I was out there,'' said Linebrink, who pitched 1 scoreless inning Tuesday night in his first appearance since July 8. "It (shoulder) was feeling weak and tired, but now my body feels a lot better after the break. Now it's a matter of getting out there and feeling stronger with the innings.''