White Sox put Pierzynski on DL

The first-place Detroit Tigers added outfielder Delmon Young in a trade from the Twins Monday.

On Tuesday, the Chicago White Sox lost a key player.

Workhorse catcher A.J. Pierzynski was placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Aug. 13, with a fractured left wrist.

It’s a surprising development, considering Pierzynski had the wrist X-rayed Friday night after being hit on the wrist by a pitch from Royals starter Bruce Chen. X-rays were negative and Pierzynski’s wrist didn’t appear to be overly swollen. Normal fractures take 4-6 weeks to heal.

This is a huge blow for the Sox because it leaves them with unproven Tyler Flowers as the No. 1 catcher.

Donny Lucy is coming up from Class AAA Charlotte to take Pierzynski’s roster spot. Lucy batted .158 with 4 home runs and 9 RBI in 40 games with Charlotte this season.

This is the first time the 34-year-old Pierzynski has been on the disabled list, a remarkable stat considering the physical demands that come with the position. Pierzynski leads American League catchers in games played (103) and innings caught (862 1/3) this season. He also has the highest batting average among catchers at .296 and had 11 hits in his last 18 at-bats.

Ÿ Scot Gregor will have more on the White Sox later today. Follow him on Twitter@Scotgregor, and check out our Chicago’s Inside Pitch blog at dailyherald.com.