Lindstrom returning for series against Giants

SEATTLE -- Matt Lindstrom threw a scoreless inning against Pawtucket on Saturday night, allowing one hit and striking out one, during his injury rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Charlotte. The right-hander made five appearances in testing the surgically repaired tendon sheath in his left ankle that has had him sidelined since May 19, and that apparently was enough to convince the White Sox he's ready to return.

Following Sunday's 4-2 loss to the Mariners, the White Sox optioned left-handed reliever Eric Surkamp to Charlotte. They activated Lindstrom, who was injured in a game against the Royals, prior to Tuesday night's game in San Francisco.

"Lindy's ready to come off," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "He's been throwing good, so that's the move."

This move leaves the White Sox without a left-hander in the bullpen, most likely until September callups. But Ventura was somewhat blunt in his assessment as to why the White Sox chose that particular direction.

"You can have a lefty down there just to have a lefty, or you go with guys who are doing it," Ventura said.
 
Surkamp finished with a 7.11 ERA after retiring Dustin Ackley in the seventh inning Sunday. But he also allowed only 3-of-18 inherited runners to score and limited first batters to two hits in 16 at-bats. Left-handed hitters were 4-for-24 vs. Surkamp but with three homers.