Torres odd man out

The White Sox optioned pitcher Carlos Torres to Triple-A Charlotte on Tuesday to clear a roster spot for new acquisition Alex Rios.

Torres, 26, is 0-0 with a 6.75 ERA in two starts with the Sox this season. He allowed four earned runs in 3 1/3 innings on Saturday against the Indians.

Rios is expected to join the team in time for Tuesday's game at Seattle, but he is not expected to play until Wednesday. He likely will replace Scott Podsednik in center field, along with providing occasional relief for Jermaine Dye in right field.

Podsednik could spell Carlos Quentin in left field when necessary, along with starting in center field when Rios starts in right. The Sox said yesterday that Quentin was battling a bad knee in addition to his foot injury, and Guillen will be able to rest him more frequently with Rios in the mix.

Mark Kotsay likely will come off of the bench and back up Paul Konerko at first base, while Dewayne Wise's playing time appears to be murky at best. Wise is batting .200 with two home runs and nine RBIs this season, and he likely will be limited to pinch-running appearances and occasional playing time as a late-innings defensive replacement.

The Sox have an off day this week and should be able to get by without a fifth starter until sometime next week.

-Tom Musick