April 24--The American Central-leading White Sox will go for a three-game sweep of the Rangers on Sunday afternoon at U.S. Cellular Field.
They will do so without catcher Alex Avila, who was landed on the 15-day disabled list with a bum right hamstring after landing awkwardly near second base during Saturday's 4-3, 11-inning victory.
To take Avila's roster spot, the Sox called up 26-year-old catcher Kevan Smith from Triple-A Charlotte.
Smith is batting .345 with a pair of home runs and six RBIs in eight games with the Knights. He also has caught five of 11 runners who attempted to steal against him.
"It's certainly been an exciting ride," Smith said. "But to get the call up, unfortunately with Alex. But I'll take the call up any way it wanted to come. I'm thrilled."
Manager Robin Ventura said Smith, who has no major league experience, will find himself on the field at times to give Dioner Navarro a breather. Navarro, though, will start Sunday's game with Mat Latos (3-0, 0.49 ERA) on the mound opposite lefty Derek Holland (2-0, 2.70).
"It's a good opportunity for him," Ventura said of Smith. "He's been doing well down there. You trust what our guys have seen down there of Kev. He won't get as much playing time as Dio, but he's gonna be playing."
Smith was just happy to make it to Chicago after flying from Ohio, where the Knights had played Saturday, at 4:45 a.m. Sunday morning.
Pitcher shuffle: Ventura said Chris Sale will start Tuesday in Toronto against the Blue Jays, a day later than he was scheduled to start. Ventura was coy when asked who would start Monday but said John Danks is healthy.
Two possibilities to start Monday are Erik Johnson, who already is on the 25-man roster, or Miguel Gonzalez, who has major league experience, including a 3-2 record and 2.82 ERA at the Rogers Centre.
Sunday's lineups:
Rangers (10-8)
Rougned Odor, 2B
Nomar Mazara, RF
Adrian Beltre, 3B
Prince Fielder, DH
Ian Desmond, CF
Mitch Moreland, 1B
Elvis Andrus, SS
Ryan Rua, LF
Brett Nicholas, C
Derek Holland, LHP
White Sox (12-6)
Adam Eaton, RF
Tyler Saladino, SS
Jose Abreu, 1B
Todd Frazier, 3B
Melky Cabrera, LF
Brett Lawrie, 2B
Jerry Sands, DH
Dioner Navarro, C
Austin Jackson, CF
Mat Latos, RHP
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