White Sox play it safe, put Crain on DL

White Sox relief pitcher Jesse Crain was hoping throw a bullpen Saturday and feel good to go on Sunday.

That’s still the plan, but an extra week has been added.

Crain landed on the 15-day disabled list Friday (retroactive to April 21) with a strained left oblique. He is eligible to be activated May 6.

“I think I should be ready by then depending on what they have me do, whether it’s go throw in a game somewhere else or whatever, I’m not exactly sure,” Crain said. “I hope it’s going to be plenty of time to let it rest all the way then clear it up so it doesn’t come back.”

Crain said he tweaked the oblique last weekend while working out after pitching against the Seattle Mariners.

In spring training, the right-hander was sidelined with a strained right oblique.

“It’s more frustrating, I guess, having it be the other side,” Crain said. “One side I get through and I get better, don’t miss any time, everything’s going well and after I pitch, do some twists in the weight room and the other side goes.

“It’s pretty frustrating. That’s baseball, though. You play a lot of games and it’s better to miss a few than a lot.”

The Sox wanted to avoid dealing with a lingering injury.

“It’s just more protecting Jesse from trying to go out there and get hurt and be out for a long time,” manager Robin Ventura said.

In 6 appearances this season, Crain has allowed 2 earned runs in 7 innings while striking out 10.

Calling Axelrod:

Right-hander Dylan Axelrod was recalled from Class AAA Charlotte to take Jesse Crain’s roster spot.

Axelrod will pitch in long relief for the White Sox while Crain is on the disabled list.

In 4 starts for Charlotte, Axelrod was 2-1 with a 1.08 ERA. The right-hander was 1-0 with a 2.89 ERA in 4 games (3 starts) for the Sox last season.

“It’s good to be back here,” Axelrod said. “I just tried to work hard down in Triple-A, and it’s great to be back and contribute any way I can.”

Axelrod didn’t have to wait too long to make his White Sox debut. He came on in relief against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night and allowed 1 run on 2 hits in 2 innings.

“He’s been up here, so it’s not like we’re bringing somebody up that can’t pitch here,” manager Robin Ventura said. “We have confidence in Axe. Just kind of make due until Jesse’s ready.”