--DH Jim Thome missed his third consecutive game on Wednesday with a sore left heel, and now manager Ozzie Guillen is calling the injury "pretty serious." The question is whether it will be enough to land Thome on the 15-day disabled list. "He's day-by-day -- every day he feels better," Guillen said. "If Thome is not ready to play Friday, we have to make a decision. We're short a couple of players. I have a lot of respect for him, and I wish he could be honest and say, 'Listen, I can't help you right now or yes I can.' I plan to play him Friday, but I'll go by my ear. I don't want to put anyone on the DL when it will only be a couple of days, but I don't want him to re-injure it because we need him. But, hey, we have what we have, and when he's ready to play he'll help us. Right now, I would like him to be honest with us and say he can or he can't."

--2B Chris Getz was ready to return to the starting lineup on Wednesday as the fracture on his right middle finger has improved, but Guillen opted to wait. "I talked to him about it, and he was ready (Tuesday)," Guillen said. "I don't think he was that ready. We need him, we want him in the lineup, but we're not desperate about it. He should be playing in Texas the first game. That's the expectation."

--The Sox announced during Wednesday's game that they have requested waivers on RHP Mike MacDougal for the purpose of giving him his unconditional release. MacDougal was designated for assignment on April 21, but don't feel sorry for him, considering he is guaranteed $3 million this season when the buyout is factored in. The reliever made the 25-man roster out of spring camp, but after five appearances and a 12.46 ERA, the organization had seen enough.

--INF Brent Lillibridge was back in the starting lineup in Getz's absence, but not before a meeting with Guillen and hitting coach Greg Walker on Wednesday morning. "I just have a pretty good conversation with him," Guillen said. "If he does what he's supposed to do, he will make $12-15 million in this game, but if he does what he's doing right now, he might end up in Korea playing. He's not using his ability. When you're a utility player and you play second, shortstop and center field good, and you have that kind of speed, you will last in the big leagues. I don't expect him to hit .390, I don't expect him to be the guy on this ballclub, I expect him to do the little things." Guillen wants Lillibridge to start hitting the ball on the ground and using his legs. He finally might have gotten the message -- he singled in the fifth inning to end an 0-for-7 skid in the Seattle series.

MEDICAL WATCH:

DH Jim Thome (sore left heel) did not play on April 28 or 29 and isn't likely to return before May 1, if then.

2B Chris Getz (fractured right middle finger) did not play April 25-29. He remains day-to-day.

INF Jayson Nix (right quad) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. He began a rehab assignment with Class AA Birmingham on April 20, and he moved to Class AAA Charlotte on April 23.

CF Dewayne Wise (separated right shoulder) went on the 15-day disabled list April 14. He is expected to be out until at least late May.

ROTATION:

LHP Mark Buehrle

RHP Gavin Floyd

RHP Jose Contreras

LHP John Danks

RHP Bartolo Colon

BULLPEN:

RHP Bobby Jenks (closer)

RHP Scott Linebrink

RHP Octavio Dotel

LHP Matt Thornton

LHP Clayton Richard

RHP Lance Broadway

RHP D.J. Carrasco

CATCHERS:

A.J. Pierzynski

Corky Miller

INFIELDERS:

1B Paul Konerko

2B Chris Getz

SS Alexei Ramirez

3B Josh Fields

DH Jim Thome

INF Brent Lillibridge

INF Wilson Betemit

OUTFIELDERS:

LF Carlos Quentin

CF Brian Anderson

RF Jermaine Dye

OF Jerry Owens