CHICAGO -- White Sox catcher Alex Avila felt his right hamstring tighten running to second base in the sixth inning of Saturday's 4-3 walk-off win over the Rangers in 11 innings. Avila, who was 1-for-1 with two walks, left the game after the inning with soreness in the hamstring, and he was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Sunday.
"Very disappointing, a little frustrating," Avila said. "I've been feeling great physically. I was really swinging the bat well and having some good ABs the last few games, as well."
Catcher Kevan Smith was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte on Sunday. Smith, 27, was hitting .345 with two homers, six RBIs and a .980 OPS, throwing out 5-of-11 attempted basestealers.
"It's been a long time coming," said the right-handed-hitting Smith, who will wear No. 61. "I was drafted in 2011, so hitting every tier on the way up. It's certainly been an exciting ride. But to get the callup, unfortunately with Alex ... but I'll take the callup any way it wanted to come. I'm thrilled."
Avila is hitting only .214 this season, but he was 3-for-6 on the White Sox current homestand. Dioner Navarro replaced Avila on Saturday, and he will presumably take over primary catching duties.
Avila battled back stiffness throughout the spring and spent time on the disabled list last year with the Tigers because of a left knee injury. Avila also went on the DL in 2012 because of right hamstring tightness.