Sox need to see more from Contreras
A change of scenery continues to pay dividends for Jose Contreras.
After going 0-5 with an 8.19 ERA in 6 starts with the White Sox, the 37-year-old Contreras was pulled from the rotation.
The Sox wanted the right-hander to pitch out of the bullpen, but Contreras successfully pushed for a demotion to Class AAA Charlotte.
After pitching 6 scoreless innings in his debut last Wednesday, Contreras followed up with a 1-hit shutout over Toledo on Monday.
Contreras had a no-hitter until Danny Worth doubled with two outs in the eighth inning.
White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said two solid outings aren't enough to get Contreras back in the rotation.
"Coop (pitching coach Don Cooper) talked to his pitching coach (Charlotte's Richard Dotson) and he said his command was fantastic, his breaking ball was back," Guillen said. "We're going to wait to see another outing. I know the plan we have right now is for him to be on the big-league team. Hopefully, he continues to throw the ball like that."
Quentin still sidelined: Carlos Quentin (sore left foot) was not in Tuesday's starting lineup, and his return date is still unknown.
"We might pinch hit for him late in the game if we need him like we did in Cleveland," manager Ozzie Guillen said. "He's not going to be in the lineup for a couple days."
Floyd in trouble: If Gavin Floyd continues to struggle, Jose Contreras might be coming up from Class AAA Charlotte sooner than expected.
Floyd is 2-4 with a 7.71 ERA in 8 starts this year, and he has not looked at all like the pitcher who won 17 games last season.
"Gavin has good stuff," manager Ozzie Guillen said. "If you don't throw strikes in the big leagues, you're not going to be what you want. A lot of people say, 'Throw the breaking ball; throw the changeup.' But you can't throw the changeup when you're behind the count on every hitter. You got to attack the strike zone, use your fastball and have confidence."
Young excused from series: Twins outfielder Delmon Young is out for the entire three-game series against the Sox. Young left the team after his mother died Monday night.