Thornton agrees with Williams' assessment of team

Matt Thornton didn't read general manager Kenny Williams' comments from Monday, especially that stinging jab referring to the White Sox as "underachievers."

But Thornton agreed with Williams, even though the Sox are right on the heels of the first-place Detroit Tigers in the AL Central.

"I think he's kind of waiting for us to get going," said Thornton, who has been the Sox' best relief pitcher this season. "I don't know if we've hit that streak yet where we're going to play really, really good baseball. It's getting to that point where we need that to happen. I don't think we've hit our stride yet."

Most major-league GMs wouldn't publicly call their team out like Williams did, but there was no outrage in the Sox' clubhouse.

"We should have a better record, absolutely," Thornton said. "Look at our rotation, the arms we have down in the bullpen, and our lineup. Adding Alex (Rios)was huge; he's a great player and it gives us a lot of versatility.

"But at the same time, defensive miscues and the little things that have been going wrong, you can't let that happen if you're going to contend."

Thome back today? Jim Thome was held out of the starting lineup for the second straight game Tuesday, but the White Sox' designated hitter said he'll be ready to go today after having a cortisone shot in his sore left heel.

"It's definitely feeling better than yesterday," Thome said. "It's something that's been going on since spring training. I think over time it's a nagging thing and it got to the point where I had a little difficulty running."

Linebrink demoted: After continuing to struggle and serving up a 3-run homer to Royals pinch-hitter Mike Jacobs Monday, Scott Linebrink has been moved to a less stressful role in the Sox' bullpen.

"Not because I don't trust him and not because he's not pitching the way we want," manager Ozzie Guillen said. "It's just because I want him to relax a little bit more, don't feel like every time he's on the spot. As soon as he's back on track, and we feel like he can help us in that situation, he'll be back to his job."

Linebrink has mainly been pitching in the seventh inning.

Wise on DL: Reserve outfielder Dewayne Wise was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday, clearing a roster spot for starting pitcher Freddy Garcia.

Wise made a memorable catch on July 23 to save Mark Buehrle's perfect game, but he started just one game since July 29.

Manager Ozzie Guillen said Wise will be back with the Sox in September when the 25-man roster can expand.