Sox catcher Soto back on the DL, might need surgery

Coming off the disabled list in late April, Geovany Soto said rest did wonders for the inflammation in his right elbow.

But Soto was placed back on the DL with the same ailment on Wednesday, and this time the Chicago White Sox's 34-year-old catcher is worried about needing surgery.

"It's a possibility," Soto said. "Kind of waiting on what's the best route for us and see what the doctor can tell me about what's going on."

Soto, who is batting .190 with 3 home runs and 9 RBI in 13 games this season, said the elbow doesn't bother his hitting.

"It's kind of throwing," he said. "Everything else, I feel it's there. But throwing unfortunately is what gets me sharply."

If Soto does needs surgery, it would likely be to clean out bone chips.

"It's just unfortunately moving in there and one of those things where you kind of feel sharp, sharp pain," he said.

Smith up:

Kevan Smith replaced the injured Geovany Soto in April, and the 28-year-old catcher is up from Class AAA Charlotte to fill in again.

"What was it, about two weeks I guess?" Smith said "It doesn't really feel like I was gone. It's an easy transition. I feel comfortable up here. It feels like I haven't missed a beat."

Putnam update:

On the disabled list since April 23 with right elbow inflammation, White Sox relief pitcher Zach Putnam said his arm is feeling better.

"Everything is good," said Putnam, who had elbow surgery last August. "I had another MRI this morning. It looks like there has been some healing taking place, and I think everybody is comfortable with the progress being made.

"We aren't going to jump out there and get on the mound right away. Build up slow and hopefully be ready, we have discussed specific timeline, but I'm hoping a week and a half, two weeks tops."

Makeup date:

The White Sox and Twins were rained out Wednesday night, and they'll make up the game on Aug. 21 as part of a straight doubleheader. Game 1 is scheduled to start at 4:10 p.m.