Semien a realist about looming roster decisions

CHICAGO -- Coming through in the clutch with the game on the line is nothing new for rookie Marcus Semien, whose 12th-inning, go-ahead double on Monday marked his fourth go-ahead hit in the seventh inning or later this season. There's also the possibility that the man with three go-ahead homers in the seventh inning or later could be back at Triple-A Charlotte in the next few days.

Conor Gillaspie is nearing the end of his rehab assignment with the Knights, testing his bruised left hand that placed him on the disabled list, and is eligible to return Wednesday. The White Sox will have a tough move to make upon Gillaspie's return, be it most likely Semien, Leury Garcia or Jordan Danks.

Garcia is also able to play the outfield, while Danks works as a defensive replacement in the outfield off the bench. Semien would only make sense as the odd man out if the White Sox decide they want him to play on an everyday basis, which he would not at the big league level with Gordon Beckham and Gillaspie back. That potential move is not even a passing thought for Semien at this moment.

"I haven't thought about that at all. Whatever situation is brought to me, I'm a professional. I'll be ready for any situation," Semien said. "It's about playing ball, that's what we are paid to do. That's what we love to do. Wherever you are at, give it your best."

That personal best also includes a different sort of focus in preparation for Semien if he moves into more of a part-time role upon Gillaspie's return.

"We have a good problem to have here, because we have a lot of depth," Semien said. "I'm going to keep working the same way I do every day. Keep improving on things I need to work on.

"There are always things I need to work on. Iron some things out. Continue to have good at-bats when I'm in there and do my homework and come off the bench, really do my homework, left-handed bullpen pitchers or whatever situation I'm put in and keep my game fine-tuned."