It looks like Clayton Richard is going to get the first crack at replacing Jose Contreras in the White Sox ? starting rotation.
The turn comes up at Cleveland on Wednesday, and Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said a left-handed pitcher is preferable against the Indians. "I?m leaning toward Richard because he?s a lefty," Guillen said. "I have to ask Coop (pitching coach Don Cooper) how many innings he can go, what he can do."
Class AAA right-hander Carlos Torres was an option, considering he was 3-1 with a 0.96 ERA. But the 26-year-old righty started at Rochester on Saturday night so he wouldn?t be ready to pitch again Wednesday.
Richard has been working out of the White Sox ? bullpen this season, going 0-0 with a 4.41 ERA and .324 batting average against in 11 games.
The 25-year-old lefty pitched out of the rotation and bullpen for the Sox last season and was 2-5 with a 6.35 ERA as a starter.
Beckham banged up: Top prospect Gordon Beckham missed his second straight game Saturday.
The Class AA Birmingham shortstop left Thursday?s game against Montgomery with a strained abdominal muscle.
In 26 games this season, Beckham is batting .303 with 2 home runs and 14 RBI. His on-base percentage is .381.
