Twins' Slowey (10-3) likely will miss rest of season

The Twins always seem to be a dangerous contender in the AL Central, and this season is no different.

But Minnesota suffered a big blow Monday with the news that top starting pitcher Kevin Slowey is going to have surgery on his injured right wrist and likely will miss the rest of the season.

Slowey (10-3) has been bothered by a bone chip in the wrist, and the rehab from the surgery reportedly is 2-4 months.

"I think it's as tough now as it would be any other time," Slowey told reporters before the Twins opened a three-game series against the White Sox on Monday night. "Obviously, I'd love to be out there with my teammates. Watching games and seeing us win and lose, the losses are almost tougher knowing that you're not going to get a chance to contribute at any point. It's difficult."

For now, rookie Anthony Swarzak is taking Slowey's rotation spot. Swarzak is 3-3 with a 3.74 ERA in 8 starts this season.

Decisions, decisions: Before Monday's game, White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen told reporters he's still not sure if Clayton Richard is staying in the rotation or heading back to the bullpen.

Richard has been solid in his last 2 starts, allowing just 2 earned runs over 16 innings.

The Sox also have Jose Contreras and Bartolo Colon at the back of the rotation. But there are only two spots for Richard, Contreras and Colon.

"We talked about it, and it's not going to be an easy decision," Guillen said. "We have to wait to see exactly where we are."

Missing pieces: Reliever Matt Thornton left the Sox to be with his wife, who is close to giving birth.

Pitching coach Don Cooper also reportedly left the Sox to attend to a family matter.