Linebrink, Sox equally eager for return
CLEVELAND - Scott Linebrink didn't pitch for real Monday, but it was close enough.
Throwing 29 pitches to Brian Anderson and Jerry Owens in a simulated game at Progressive Field, Linebrink completed the final step of a lengthy rehabilitation process.
On the disabled list since July 23 with inflammation of the posterior of his right shoulder, Linebrink was reinstated to the White Sox' roster following the throwing session.
"Seeing hitters for the first time, I always get a little bit of extra adrenaline going out there," Linebrink said. "A couple (pitches) were not where we wanted to be, but overall the command was decent. I had a lot of people out there watching, and they liked what they saw coming out of my hand."
Pitching coach Don Cooper was a very interested observer.
"The bottom line is the ball out of his hand is enough if he commands it," Cooper said. "It's not exactly where (Linebrink wanted).
"But now he's an available pitcher on Wednesday, and if he gets in Wednesday and if we find an inning for him, great. If not, he'll throw a bullpen. We have to continue to throw and continue to climb.
"The real challenge will be when he's out there to keep himself under control. In the end when he tried to add more to it, the location wasn't good. He came off some pitches."
With a delivery that borders on violent, Linebrink said he has to pay close attention to mechanics.
"The biggest thing for me is keeping everything under control," Linebrink said. "I have a tendency to keep a fast tempo when I'm out there. I need to really focus on getting my balance point, and then going. It's really paying attention to mechanics, especially warming up."
Will Linebrink return to his regular setup role in the eighth inning?
"When he's ready, he's in," Guillen said. "I think Cooper's kind of worried about he didn't pitch for two months or whatever, but as soon as he's ready, we're going to give him the ball and see how he reacts.
"Hopefully the first time out we don't have to put him in a close situation. But he's better than what we have, and I hope he's ready soon."