Jay getting closer to his White Sox debut

ARLINGTON -- Veteran outfielder Jon Jay was back in the Triple-A Charlotte starting lineup Friday night against Louisville, marking the left-handed-hitter’s 12th game with the Knights as part of an injury rehab assignment that began there on June 7.

Jay, 34, has not played for the White Sox due to a right groin/hip injury that came up midway through Spring Training. But Jay, who agreed to a one-year, $4 million free-agent deal, might soon make his Chicago debut.

“He’s been doing well. I think we are discussing it,” White Sox manager Rick Renteria said of Jay’s return. “[The rehab assignment is] coming to a head here. So, we are glad that he’s actually feeling decent and getting his at-bats in and getting himself ready.

“One of the things was to make sure he was able to get out there and sustain it. I think he’s doing it now. Hopefully that continues. I’m sure we will come to a point here soon where we’ll make a decision.”

Entering Friday’s contest, started by White Sox No. 3 prospect Dylan Cease, Jay had a .356 average over 45 at-bats for Charlotte. He had nine hits in his past 16 at-bats. He got 10 at-bats with Double-A Birmingham following a stint working out in extended camp in Glendale, Ariz.

Bringing Jay back also would mean balancing younger players’ development with getting at-bats for the veteran, a balance being discussed already, Renteria said.

“They are going to have to experience it. We can’t replicate what they are going to experience any way else other than the big leagues,” Renteria said of his younger players. “Hopefully, everybody understands.

“We are still moving forward and building. There are a lot of things you have to do, and some of the things you deal with on a daily basis with all the players you have, those are conversations you continue to have, and you expect everybody is pulling in the same direction, which I think they are.”

Covey closer to a return
Right-hander Dylan Covey threw a 25-pitch bullpen session on Thursday, let a few pitches go at max effort and felt good after the session. He played catch Friday and will throw another bullpen session this weekend, when he’ll get up and down a few times before going on what he expects to be a Minor League rehab assignment.

Covey was placed on the injured list retroactive to June 6 with right shoulder inflammation and is building his strength back.

“I felt really good. I felt really confident. But the shoulder just wasn’t getting to where I wanted it to be,” Covey said. “So, I’m excited to get back to full strength with that and then see where I can be at.”