Contreras makes it clear bullpen gig just temporary
NEW YORK -- Jose Contreras understands why he's been demoted to the bullpen. But the struggling starting pitcher is not interested in an extended stay.
"I accepted the bullpen assignment now because I fully understand I'm struggling,'' Contreras said through an interpreter. "I'm aware that I'm going to be back. I'm going to be OK; I want to be a starter. If they don't want me as a starter next year, I want to be out of here.''
That's probably easier said than done.
Contreras (5-14, 6.60 ERA) leads the major leagues in losses, and the 35-year-old right-hander is due $10 million in each of the next two seasons. Needless to say, there is zero interest on the trade market unless the White Sox pick up most of Contreras' salary.
The only hope for a trade rests on Contreras' shoulders. Gavin Floyd starts in his place at Detroit on Sunday, but Contreras should get another chance at rejoining the rotation.
If he can finish the season strong, Contreras might draw some interest.
"I'm going to keep fighting,'' said Contreras, who is 0-7 with a 10.38 ERA in his last 7 starts. "I'm going to show people I'm going to be all right. People can think whatever they want to think. I haven't gotten the results, but I'll be back. I don't care what people think. I'm healthy. I feel good and that's the main thing.''
Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said he had no choice but to pull Contreras from the rotation, even if it's just for 1 start.
"He's in our plans, but you've got to look yourself in the mirror,'' Guillen said. "He's the one that made us make that decision. I guarantee you (general manager) Kenny Williams, myself, my coaching staff, the last thing we wanted to do was put one of the guys who pitched well for us to win the World Series down in the bullpen.
"When you make $10 million as a starter, he should be a starter. I don't think anyone should make $10 million in long relief, as a mop up. It's up to him about if he's starting or relieving next year. If he's not going to start, he doesn't want to be here, he cannot make that call. That's Kenny Williams' call.''
Trainer's room: In his first start for the White Sox since coming off the disabled list, Darin Erstad left Thursday's game with leg cramps in the sixth inning.
Erstad missed most of the past two months with a sprained left ankle.
Designated hitter Jim Thome left Thursday's game with back spasms, and third baseman Alex Cintron exited with an upset stomach.
Suspension coming? Ozzie Guillen is only expecting a fine following two days of harsh words for umpires Phil Cuzzi and Tom Hallion.
In Tuesday's game against the Yankees, Cuzzi ejected Guillen in the first inning. On Wednesday, Hallion ejected knuckleballer Charlie Haeger for hitting Robinson Cano after Jorge Posada hit a home run.
"I think the last two decisions that were made, to me, they were the wrong ones,'' Guillen said. "I don't expect any suspension, but as soon as you get kicked out of the game you obviously get fined. We'll see what they're going to do.''
Scouting report
White Sox vs. Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park
TV: Channel 26 today; Comcast SportsNet Saturday and Sunday
Radio: WSCR 670-AM
Pitching matchups: The White Sox' Mark Buehrle (8-6) vs. Andrew Miller (5-3) today at 6:05 p.m.; Javier Vazquez (8-6) vs. Jeremy Bonderman (10-3) Saturday at 6:05 p.m.; Gavin Floyd (0-1) vs. Jordan Tata (1-0) Sunday at 12:05 p.m.
At a glance: After winning three of five against the Tigers at U.S. Cellular Field last week, the Sox get another shot at playing the spoiler. The White Sox are 5-4 vs. Detroit this season (2-1 at Comerica Park). Josh Fields has hit 3 home runs in five games against the Tigers. Buehrle is 6-3 with a 2.18 ERA in his last 10 starts.
Next: Cleveland Indians at U.S. Cellular Field, Tuesday-Thursday
-- Scot Gregor