Back spasms keep Keppinger out of lineup Friday

CHICAGO -- White Sox second baseman Jeff Keppinger was out of Friday's lineup against the Rays because of lower back spasms, a problem that started for Keppinger at the end of Thursday's 5-2 victory.

"You try to treat it overnight and today," said White Sox manager Robin Ventura. "But he's not going to be ready by game time.

"Injuries happen. We have a couple of them that are unfortunate with Gordon [Beckham], [Angel] Sanchez and [Dayan] Viciedo. But again, teams deal with injuries and you keep going. Put another guy in there and go. You have to find a way."

Tyler Greene got the start at second and batting second, with Ventura hopeful that Keppinger would be available later in the game. It was an especially tough time to lose Keppinger, who was coming off three straight multi-hit efforts.

"That's why you have extra guys," Ventura said. "You get them in there and play and make due. It's one of those things you get him healthy first. There's no sense in sending him out there if he's not feeling good."

Dewayne Wise, who was scheduled to start in center field, was scratched from the starting lineup with a stiff neck and is day to day. He was replaced by Jordan Danks, leaving Tyler Flowers and Blake Tekotte as the only remaining bench players.