Lynn on track to be back in White Sox's rotation in mid-June
Lance Lynn is ready for the next step.
After having surgery on April 5 to repair a torn tendon in his right knee, the White Sox's 35-year-old starting pitcher was playing catch less than two weeks later.
Throwing bullpens and live batting practice followed, and Lynn is now set to begin a rehab assignment this weekend with Class AAA Charlotte.
"That's the next step of intensity," Lynn said Wednesday at Guaranteed Rate Field. "I'm sure I'll have some soreness and things of that nature you've got to get through and that's what the rehab process is all about, so you feel comfortable when it's time to be back here."
The Sox said Lynn is going to need at least three starts with Charlotte before he comes off the injured list. That schedule likely puts the big right-hander back on the roster in mid-June.
"I think the idea is three for sure and that also gets you in the pitch count range you need to be so you can actually be back and be a useful starting pitcher," Lynn said. "The last thing you want to do is come back and not be able to give innings and pitches and things like that."
If Lynn needs an extra start or two at Triple-A, the White Sox are more than willing to give him more time.
"The process of being injured and getting back is probably the worst process there is, especially for athletes," Lynn said. "You miss competing. You miss being part of the team. You miss trying to help your team win. But as long as you get yourself back ready to go and you are 100% when you get back, then you did your job."
Second look:
Jake Burger made his major-league debut at second base late in Tuesday night's blowout loss against the Red Sox.
A natural third baseman, Burger has played six games at second for Class AAA Charlotte the past two seasons in attempt to become more versatile.
As for playing more of the position with the White Sox, it's not likely.
La Russa moved Leury Garcia from second base to shortstop and got Burger in the game Tuesday more to give Tim Anderson a break.
If Burger does stick on the Sox's roster - he was recalled from Charlotte Tuesday - he could be used at second again, but only in a pinch.
"If we had to, I'd play him there," La Russa said. "I played (Andrew) Vaughn at second base (last year). I think they can do it."
In mid-March, the Sox signed Josh Harrison to fill a glaring hole at second base. So far, he hasn't been much of a factor.
While dealing with back and shoulder injuries, Harrison was hitting .176/.255/.282 heading into Wednesday's play.