Gonzalez returns; Burdi sent down
The White Sox reinstated left-hander
Gio Gonzalez from the injured list Tuesday and optioned right-hander Zack Burdi to the Schaumburg training facility, a move that looks like an exchange of bullpen arms, at least for now.
Gonzalez, 34, who went on the injured list Aug. 30 (retroactive to Aug. 27) with a right groin strain, is only stretched to two innings.
“Obviously that plays a role in how we use him,” manager Rick Renteria said. “He’s still our Swiss Army Knife.”
Gonzalez (5.11 ERA) has appeared in six games, including four starts.
“Now, the final stretch, you want to be a part of this,” Gonzalez said. “The guys have made it very entertaining to play this year . . . and whatever role I’ve got to do, I just want to pitch and get some outs.”
Burdi, 25, is back in Schaumburg after appearing in eight games, including his debut Aug. 8. The 2016 first-round draft choice who came back from Tommy John and knee surgeries this season allowed nine earned runs in 7„ innings for a 11.05 ERA. Four of the 11 hits allowed were home runs.
Keuchel not certain for Saturday
Left-hander Dallas Keuchel, who left his start Sunday after five innings and 49 pitches with a stiff back that has been an issue for most of the season, received treatment and did some throwing Tuesday, Renteria said, but it was too soon to speculate on whether he would make his scheduled start Saturday.
Keuchel (6-2, 2.19) has been remarkably consistent and has been a vocal leader when needed.
“That’s what we need in this clubhouse,” Gonzalez said. “Sometimes you need a good kick in the behind to kind of get going in the right direction.”
Time running short for Rodon
Left-hander Carlos Rodon, who was working his way back from a sore shoulder at Schaumburg when he was sidelined by what Renteria called “a little twinge in his back” last week, hasn’t thrown since and is running short on time for making a return with less than three weeks left in the season.