Keppinger pulled out of lineup; Gillaspie returns

KANSAS CITY -- Third baseman Jeff Keppinger was a late scratch from the White Sox lineup Tuesday night because of a stiff lower back, and Conor Gillaspie was inserted at third after missing a couple of games with a bruised left hand.

Gillespie, who was in the No. 7 slot, gave Chicago another left-handed hitter against Royals right-hander Ervin Santana.

"I think it's one of those that's more precautionary," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "We're in a position where we can have Conor go in and not push Kep to have to go out there and play. [Keppinger] is still available if something happens."

Keppinger arrived at Kauffman Stadium having gone 12-of-31 with two doubles, a homer, three RBIs and seven runs scored over his last 10 games.