Troublesome back delays Crede's return
Third baseman Joe Crede was initially expected to come off the 15-day disabled today and help pump some life back into the fading White Sox.
Instead, Crede has been getting more tests on his bothersome back and the Sox have all but ruled out a return this week.
"I don't like putting time tables on any player because sometimes that puts undue pressure on a player to get back earlier, or then it turns into a day-to-day watch," White Sox general manager Kenny Williams said. "Structurally, we sent him back for an MRI, CT Scan, and he's clean as far as that's concerned. Just a little bit of pressing on a nerve that we've got to alleviate before we can get him back on a rehab. On one hand, there's a delay. But on the other hand, the prognosis is good and we'll go from there."
Crede played in one game for Class AAA Charlotte last Friday but was pulled early and hasn't played since.
Help on the way? After making a rehabilitation start with Class AAA Charlotte on Sunday, Jose Contreras is back with the White Sox.
"I feel great,'' Contreras said. "Ready to go."
The White Sox are hoping Contreras bolsters the rotation when he takes the mound against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday.
Even if Contreras does come back strong, the White Sox could still use some pitching help. They figure to be interested in left-handed reliever Scott Eyre, who was designated for assignment by the Cubs on Tuesday.
"Every day, we look,'' GM Kenny Williams said. "The waiver process is in full force now, and people started running names through. We'll continue to look to get better. But seeing as what the trade market turned out to be, I'm not anticipating very much coming about.''
The Sox did make a move Tuesday, recalling right-handed Adam Russell from Charlotte. Russell replaces Clayton Richard, who was sent back to Charlotte on Monday.
Ditch the diamonds: Notice anything different about Ken Griffey Jr.?
Since coming over in a trade from the Reds last Thursday, Griffey has left his diamond earrings in the clubhouse.
"That's God's rule,'' said Sox manager Ozzie Guillen. "Around here, (chairman) Jerry Reinsdorf is God. I already told him about my rules. Be on time for stretch and be in the dugout for the national anthem. That's it.''