Viciedo says he's ready for big leagues

WASHINGTON - Dayan Viciedo spent most of his first day in the major leagues sitting quietly at his locker, watching the antics of Alexei Ramirez's 4-year-old son and soaking in the atmosphere inside the clubhouse at Nationals Park.

The 21-year-old Cuban slugger was promoted from Triple-A Charlotte on Friday to potentially inject some pop into a White Sox lineup that ranks 12th in the American League in batting average. Jayson Nix was designated for assignment to make room for Viciedo.

"After the game last night they gave me the news, and I was so happy they called me," Viciedo said through temporary translator Joey Cora. "I put everything together and I am feeling as good as ever."

Viciedo was tearing through Triple-A pitching, hitting .290 with 14 home runs and 34 RBI with the Knights, homering in his final three games. Over two seasons in the minors, Viciedo hit .283 with 26 homers and 112 RBI.

"I knew (getting to the majors) was a process," he said. "I feel like I'm ready now."

While Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said Viciedo would not appear in Friday's game, he is scheduled to get his first action today at third base.

When asked about the improvements Viciedo has made in order to get to the bigs, however, Guillen professed ignorance, saying he relies on others to make those decisions.

"You talk to me about minor leagues, you talk to the wrong guy," Guillen said. "I don't know anything about the minor leagues - at all. I'm not that type of manager. I trust Kenny (Williams) and I trust Buddy Bell, and I've trusted those guys for seven years. I don't think Kenny would have brought up somebody that couldn't help us."

Peavy on mend: Jake Peavy is scheduled to start today, saying the fluid buildup in his shoulder has improved enough for him to take the hill without discomfort.

"Modern medicine is a wonderful thing - it's amazing, you get to take some pills to make your shoulder feel better," he said. "I'm looking forward to getting out there."

Peavy played catch in the outfield before Friday's game, marking his first throwing action since his start against the Cubs on June 11.

"I expect to make quality pitches, and I expect to have enough muscle memory to find a way to win a game," he said.

Guillen was leaning toward putting Peavy on the disabled list, but his ace convinced him he was able to pitch.

"When he told me he was ready to go, I have to trust and believe him," Guillen said. "I don't think he's going to put us or him in a spot to get hurt. It was an easy decision. My idea was different than his idea, but like I say, he knows how he feels and that's the reason he's going to pitch here."

First fan: President Barack Obama, who caused a stir here when he wore a White Sox hat when he threw the first pitch on Opening Day, was in attendance to catch his favorite team's first appearance in D.C. since 1971.