BALTIMORE -- White Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito will have his injured left hamstring re-evaluated in Chicago on Thursday, with an eye toward throwing a bullpen session on Friday, said manager Rick Renteria.

However, that side session isn’t the final hurdle to clear before returning to the rotation.

“Depending on how everything goes, we’ve looked about having, at least, two strong siders before we decide whether he’s going to be ready to go back in there,” Renteria said before Wednesday’s series finale against the Orioles.

Giolito threw off flat ground Tuesday. With his return to come later than when he is eligible to come off the injured list Sunday, Manny Banuelos will take a second turn in the rotation in the weekend series finale against the Tigers.

Banuelos went four scoreless innings in Monday’s 12-2 win against the Orioles while throwing a season-high 71 pitches. He should have a bit more rope in his second start and sixth overall outing.

While Giolito’s injury is not arm-related, part of the White Sox precaution is in ensuring it doesn’t become one.

“The legs have to stay underneath him and doing well because it can affect ultimately the arm,” Renteria said. “We have to make sure that that foundation that they use, obviously that they rely upon, other than their arm, is in good shape.”

Jay’s day coming?
Outfielder Jon Jay took batting practice Tuesday and Wednesday as he works back from lingering right hip soreness.

He’ll eventually require a rehab assignment, but Renteria said he’s still “a little bit away” from determining when that might begin.

Take a breath
Despite the Thursday off-day, the White Sox are keeping their current five starters in their rotation order, which will give everyone at least one extra day's rest in their next starts.

For a group that had a collective 6.12 ERA entering Wednesday, it will be the last chance to catch their breath for a while. Friday’s series opener against the Tigers begins a stretch of 37 games in 38 days.