CHICAGO – The return of reliever Jesse Crain can only help the White Sox’s bullpen after a shaky weekend.

Although manager Robin Ventura said Crain (strained left oblique) could be activated from the disabled list “in a few more days, it could be a couple of days,” the right-hander is expected to rejoin the Sox’s bullpen today. In two rehab outings at Triple-A Charlotte, Crain did not surrender a hit or run in two innings pitched. He also struck out three with no walks allowed.

“I didn’t want to go into a game and it’s still bothering me or I’m thinking about it where it affects the way I pitch, so being able to go down (to Charlotte) and throw in some non-stressful games to make sure I’m there was good for both parties,” Crain said.