White Sox call up Surkamp to replace Downs

Before Thursday nights' game at Toronto, the White Sox designated left-handed pitcher Scott Downs for assignment and recalled left-hander Eric Surkamp from Class AAA Charlotte.

The 6-foot-5 Surkamp, 26, has gone 3-4 with a 4.54 ERA (37 ER/73.1 IP) and 84 strikeouts in 14 games. He leads the International League in strikeouts and has averaged 11.6 per 9.0 IP over his last four starts.

Downs, 38, went 0-2 with a 6.08 ERA (16 ER/23.2 IP), 15 walks and 22 strikeouts in 38 games this season.