Richard gets start tonight

Last week, manager Ozzie Guillen didn't make a big deal about who would replace injured starting pitcher Jose Contreras in White Sox' rotation.

"We're not going to bring Vida Blue, Tom Seaver to the mound," Guillen said. "Whoever is there is there, and we'll figure out the rest."

Lance Broadway filled in last week, getting the win over the Royals after pitching 5 innings and allowing 2 runs on 5 hits.

Broadway was optioned back to Class AAA Charlotte following the game, and the right-hander has to remain in the minor leagues for 10 days unless there's an injury.

Since the Sox have stayed healthy, Clayton Richard gets the start tonight against the Mariners.

Richard, recalled from Charlotte to replace Broadway and add another bullpen arm, was 0-2 with a 10.38 ERA in 3 starts with the White Sox in late July and early August.

"Richard," Guillen said Monday when asked who is facing Seattle tonight. "That's it. Don't ask me why. Richard. Richard's the pitcher tomorrow and hopefully this time he does better."

Injury update: Don't even ask Ozzie Guillen about third baseman Joe Crede, who has been on the disabled list since July 22 with lower back inflammation.

"To be honest, when I come to the ballpark I don't ask about Joe Crede," Guillen said. "I ask about (injured relief pitcher Scott) Linebrink, if he was able to do everything. I'm not going to say (Crede's) out of my mind, but he's out of my picture. It's not only Joe. That's the way I go about my stuff. I've got 25 problems. I don't need 26."

Crede's return remains uncertain, but the Sox are hoping to get Linebrink (shoulder) back fairly soon, ideally by Sept. 1. The right-hander, who has been sidelined since July 22, threw again on flat ground Monday.

"(Pitching coach Don) Cooper said he threw the ball a little bit better, he had a better outing," Guillen said. "We're going to wait a couple more days and see how he feels."

Staying put: Josh Fields got the first crack at replacing Joe Crede at third base, but Juan Uribe thrived when his opportunity came around, and the former shortstop/second baseman is now entrenched at the position.

Assuming Crede returns from the disabled list, he could head straight for the bench.

"I'm not going to play Joe just because he's Joe Crede," Guillen said. "I'm going to play the guys out there that do their jobs. And I think Uribe's doing a tremendous job right now playing third base and at the plate. And if Uribe's playing that way, hey, sorry, that's what we'll do."