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MLB odds: White Sox's Jenks may not be ready
By Jordan WaltersWagerWeb.com Contributing Writer
| Sports Betting at WagerWeb Online Sportsbook |
The Chicago White Sox begin a six-game road trip on Tuesday night in Kansas City, and there’s a chance the AL Central leaders won’t have closer Bobby Jenks during that stretch.
Jenks hasn't pitched since June 29 because of soreness below his left scapula, missing seven straight games. Manager Ozzie Guillen said a decision will be made on Jenks' status in the next two or three days.
“If Bobby does not respond in the next couple of days, we have to do something about it," Guillen said. "It's not necessary to take a chance or a risk with him. I'm going to ask [general manager] Kenny [Williams] and talk to [White Sox athletic trainer Herm Schneider], and see what's the best thing for him.”
A MRI and CT scan were performed on Jenks on Saturday and the results were negative, and Jenks told Guillen then that he was feeling better. That caused several reports that Jenks would be available for Tuesday’s series opener against the Royals, but it appears Guillen and the team are taking a more cautious angle.
Jenks (2-0, 1.95 ERA, 18 saves) played a little long toss Sunday morning, but he has yet to throw any side sessions since the pain began. If he has to go on the DL, it would be retroactive to June 29, and he would be ready right after the All-Star Break.
'He just threw a couple balls here and there,' said Guillen, adding that Jenks had 'a little setback' in not being able to throw on the side earlier. 'We'll see how he reacts the next few days, but if Bobby doesn't respond, it's not necessary to take a chance [rushing him back].'
Guillen has used Matt Thornton and Scott Linebrink in a closing role in the past week and also could turn to Octavio Dotel in the ninth inning.
One player the White Sox expect back from injury on Tuesday is first baseman Paul Konerko. Getting him back will move Nick Swisher back to center field. Swisher's batting average has increased nearly 25 points since he moved from center field to first base, but Guillen left little doubt he will go back to the outfield.
"He doesn't have any choice," Guillen said. "It's going to be hard. We're going to make a couple of moves. ... We don't have any decision yet. When that day comes, we should be prepared. But what decision we're going to make, my center fielder obviously has to be Swisher."
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