Philip Humber sent to DL; Kosuke Fukudome designated for assignment
BY TONI GINNETTI tginnetti@suntimes.com June 22, 2012 10:48PM
Alex Rios chases Rickie Weeks’ double into the right-field corner in the fifth inning. It was one of four hits allowed by Chris Sale. | Al Podgorski~Sun-Times
TONIGHT
Brewers at Sox
The facts: 6:15, Fox-32, 670-AM.
The starters: Randy Wolf (2-5, 5.11 ERA) vs. Dylan Axelrod (0-1, 3.52).
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Updated: July 24, 2012 9:52AM
The pitching woes grew worse Friday with the loss of starter Philip Humber to an elbow injury.
An MRI exam revealed Humber, 29, has an elbow flexor strain after he complained of discomfort.
Dylan Axelrod, who was recalled this week to take the place of the injured John Danks, will take Humber’s rotation spot. He will pitch Saturday against the Milwaukee Brewers.
‘‘It’s hard to say when it happened because I have a high pain tolerance,’’ Humber said Friday. ‘‘It’s something that’s gotten gradually worse. I felt I had to say something. It’s not what you want, but our training staff is good, and we’ll work and get back as quick as I can. The good news is I can play catch. Based on how I feel and how it goes, I’ll get back on the mound, throw some side sessions, maybe a rehab assignment. I don’t know when, but hopefully soon.’’
Humber (3-4, 6.01 ERA) had struggled since his perfect game April 21.
‘‘You look at guys and how they talk about how they’re feeling,’’ manager Robin Ventura said. ‘‘I don’t like having guys go out there trying to fight their way through something. I’d rather they be 100 percent.’’
Axelrod has pitched in three games this year, including a May 6 start at Detroit, and is 0-1 with a 3.52 ERA. He was 5-4 with a 3.18 ERA in 11 starts at Class AAA Charlotte.
Humber said he could have tried to continue pitching, ‘‘but at the same time when you’re limited and you’re not able to pitch to your full capabilities, not only for me but for the team, that’s the best thing. They thought it was best to shut me down and get it right.’’
More moves
The development of Jordan Danks contributed to the decision to designate Kosuke Fukudome for assignment.
Fukudome had just been reinstated from the disabled list after a rehab assignment at Class AAA Charlotte.
‘‘Danks does a lot of different things,’’ Ventura said. ‘‘He can play all three outfield positions. He can run. He did enough with the bat. It’s good to give Fuke a chance to go somewhere else and get playing time.’’
The Sox also recalled reliever Brian Bruney from Charlotte to bolster the bullpen.
Bruney was 1-3 with a 1.85 ERA and 11 saves in 23 games with Charlotte. He made 23 relief appearances with the Sox last season.
Back to third
Orlando Hudson was at third base again Friday. He has spent most of his career at second.
‘‘There are times when he’s at third that the game gets going fast because he’s not used to it,’’ Ventura said. ‘‘It’s not easy the first time you are playing that position at the major league level.’’
