Changes ahead if White Sox' bullpen doesn't improve

So, what are the White Sox going to do about a bullpen that carried the highest ERA (7.53) and opposing batting average (.302) into Sunday's game against the Cleveland Indians?

"Eventually, changes are part of the game if things don't get better," manager Robin Ventura said. "That's just part of what we do. It's possible at some point. Right now I don't foresee it."

Unless relievers such as Scott Downs (16.20 ERA), Ronald Belisario (15.19), Donnie Veal (9.00) and closer Matt Lindstrom (5.40 ERA, 2 blown saves in 3 tries) settle down and start getting hitters out, changes are inevitable.

But Ventura said Sox starting pitchers have to do their part by going deeper into games.

"Whether it's going good or whether it's going bad, you're always talking about it," Ventura said. "Also with the hitters and everything else. You know the old saying, you're only as happy as your least happy kid?

"That's what it is with a team. You're always concerned about the guys that maybe aren't feeling as good or aren't doing as well.

"Is it the bullpen? Is it the pitchers? Yeah. I think when a (starter) only goes 5 (innings), you're concerned about him and you want to get him better. Hitters who aren't doing well, you do the same thing."

Peavy returning:

Jake Peavy returns to U.S. Cellular on Tuesday night for the first time since last season's July 30 three-way trade that sent the starting pitcher to the Red Sox.

Peavy did start against the White Sox on Aug. 31 in Boston, and he got the win after allowing 2 runs on 5 hits in 7 innings.

"It was definitely probably harder for him," Adam Dunn said. "For us, it was kind of fun, something new. But for him, he's trying to get his team in the playoffs so it meant probably more to him because of the situation."

Peavy is scheduled to start for the defending World Series champions against Erik Johnson on Tuesday in the opener of a three-game series.

"It's definitely less of a circus because it's a year removed," Dunn said. "It's always fun for me because he's one of my buddies."

Comeback trail:

Gordon Beckham played in his second rehab game with Class AA Birmingham on Sunday. The injured second baseman (left-oblique strain) singled in his first at-bat, walked the next time up and called it a day.

Considering it was his first game with the Barons since April 3, when he apparently reaggravated the oblique, Beckham figures to need at least a week of rehab play before coming off the disabled list. He initially suffered the injury hitting in the cage following a March 14 exhibition game.

Sick bay:

TV broadcaster Ken "Hawk" Harrelson missed his second straight game Sunday with the flu. Mike Huff, an outfielder for the White Sox from 1991-93, filled in for Harrelson.