Marquez struggles for Sox

PHOENIX - Jeff Marquez, whose shot at a spot in the White Sox' rotation may be fading, gave up 3 runs and 6 hits in 4 innings as the Sox lost 3-1 to Arizona on Thursday.

"He threw the ball pretty well," manager Ozzie Guillen said, though he noted Marquez sometimes got in trouble when he fell behind in counts. "The key for him is to make sure to attack the strike zone. But he threw the ball real well."

Marquez's status is partly dependent on Bartolo Colon and Jose Contreras, who are trying to return from injuries. If one of them isn't ready to start the season, then Clayton Richard likely would be a starter, Guillen indicated.

Matt Thornton was back with the White Sox after playing for the United States in the World Baseball Classic and pitched 2 shutout innings. Scott Linebrink, Mike MacDougal and Lance Broadway pitched a scoreless inning.

Broadway has taken a big step forward this spring, Guillen said. "I'm really excited for him. He's in the mix."

Jim Thome drove in Sox' run with an RBI single in the first inning. Thome started slowly this spring but lately has raised his average to .289.

• Wilson Betemit, one of the Sox' best hitters this spring, will be used as a backup third baseman, first baseman and DH, Guillen said. "He'll be playing the corners. I don't think he'll see too much action in the middle of the infield."

• Brandon Webb pitched 6 efficient innings in his best outing of the spring for Arizona. Webb entered the game with an 8.18 ERA. He gave up a run and 5 hits.

"They had a pretty good lineup out there today so it was good to get those outs and get that confidence going into the regular season," the 2006 Cy Young winner said.