Injuries take toll on Sox' lineup

CLEVELAND - The White Sox are losing more than just games.

They're losing key players to nagging injuries, and now they have to deal with Joe Crede's back issue again.

Crede had to leave Tuesday night's game against the Indians with stiffness in his lower back, the same problem that landed the third baseman on the disabled list from July 25-Aug. 24.

"I don't expect Joe to play for the rest of the year," said Sox managfer Ozzie Guillen. "When you come out of the game and say your back is really bothering you, I cannot count on him for the rest of the year. I want him to play because I think he makes our ballclub better, but it is what it is."

Crede said he felt pain after making a diving defensive play in the third inning. He exited after the fifth.

"It's something that's been lingering and I've been trying to fight through it," Crede said. "You have good days and bad days. Just take a step back here and just takes things day to day. Hopefully it gets better."

Outfielders Carlos Quentin (sore right forearm) and Ken Griffey Jr. (stiff back) were too banged up to play against the Indians.

Quentin, who has been hit by a league-high 20 pitches, might beable to play today.

"It feels better now after a whole day of treatment," Quentin said after Tuesday's loss.

The power-hitting left fielder has been hit on the forearm several times this season, and Quentin sat out two games in mid-August with similar soreness. Quentin has 2 hits in his last 14 at-bats.

Wrap it up: The minor-league regular season is over, and two of the White Sox' farm teams - Class AA Birmingham and Class A Winston-Salem - qualified for the playoffs.

Individually, Brad Eldred (AAA Charlotte) led the International League with 35 home runs and 100 RBI.

Justin Cassell (Birmingham) led the Southern League with a 3.11 ERA, and Jon Link was first with 35 saves.

At Class A Kannapolis, first-round draft pick Gordon Beckham batted .310 with 3 homers and 8 RBI in 14 games. In 10 games, Jordan Danks, brother of Sox starter John, batted .325 with 2 HR and 7 RBI.

Buehrle heads home: White Sox starter Mark Buehrle returned to Chicago to be with his wife, Jamie, who has been ill.

"They wanted to get her on an IV and he was kind of worried with her in the hospital," Ozzie Guillen said. "He's not going to do anything here anyway."