CHICAGO -- James Shields was placed on the 10-day disabled list (retroactive to April 18) with a strained right lat, the White Sox announced prior to Friday's series opener with the Indians.
The White Sox will purchase the contract of veteran right-hander Mike Pelfrey to take Shields' spot on the roster and temporarily in the rotation, with Pelfrey getting the start Saturday night. General manager Rick Hahn passed on promoting any of the top-prospect hurlers such as Reynaldo Lopez, Lucas Giolito and/or Carson Fulmer, because Shields' time away is not expected to go much past the DL stint.
"From the start, we talked about when these guys do get to Chicago for that last stage of development that happens in the big leagues, we want them to feel comfortable they will get the ball every fifth day," said Hahn of bypassing the prospects. "It's not going to be snatched away from them because someone is coming off the DL or their performance isn't up-to-snuff in any individual start.
"That's the ideal path. You can't always follow through on those plans in the end, but right now, we are going to do everything in our power to make sure when any of the prospects get promoted, they will be here to stay."
Shields, 35, is 1-0 with a 1.62 ERA and 16 strikeouts over 16 2/3 innings and three starts this season. He ranks fifth in the American League in opponents' average (.153), and ninth in ERA.
An MRI performed on Shields on Friday afternoon revealed a relatively mild strain. Shields felt something his last start against the Twins, and received treatment over the past few days.
"Today he went out and tried to test it out, and felt enough discomfort that we did not feel comfortable starting him tomorrow," said Hahn, adding outfielder Charlie Tilson will move to the 60-day disabled list to make room for Pelfrey.
Hahn praised Tyler Danish, the team's 22-year-old second-round pick in the 2013 MLB Draft who has a 2.00 ERA in three starts for Triple-A Charlotte. But Danish threw six innings Thursday, taking him out of consideration.
In other injury news, Carlos Rodon will be in Chicago on Sunday for a routine appointment with the White Sox medical staff, and to do his work with the team. Hahn brushed off the idea of the bursitis in Rodon's left biceps keeping him off the mound for a few months. He has yet to throw off the mound in rehab work.
"That's not speculation from anyone with the club," Hahn said.
Jackie Robinson Day celebrated
The White Sox celebrated Jackie Robinson's legacy Friday with Vashon Jordan Jr. throwing out a ceremonial first pitch. Jordan, 17, won the White Sox Black History Month video essay contest, doing his essay on Bo Jackson. Jordan, a senior at Brooks College Prep High School in Chicago, had his essay played at the ballpark after having a chance to talk to Tim Anderson on the field.
"I didn't know this is for Jackie Robinson Day, so that makes it even more special," Jordan said. "I'm happy he's being honored at all of the ballparks, and I'm more than happy my video is a part of his celebration."
Scott Merkin has covered the White Sox for MLB.com since 2003. Read his blog, Merk's Works, follow him on Twitter @scottmerkin, on Facebook and listen to his podcast.