Lineup stacked with righties against A's left-hander

OAKLAND -- White Sox skipper Robin Ventura stacked his lineup against A's lefty Drew Pomeranz with eight righties and switch-hitting Leury Garcia on Tuesday night. Heading into the contest, Chicago was 5-5 against southpaw starters and 14-16 against righties.

Outfielder Alejandro De Aza was noticeably absent from the batting order as he continues to scuffle at the plate. Through Monday's action, De Aza's .180 batting average was the eighth lowest in MLB, while he had 36 strikeouts and nine walks in 39 games.

"He's just swinging and missing at a lot of stuff, working at-bats and such," Ventura said. "I think he just needs a day [off]."

The team's hottest hitter lately has been second baseman Gordon Beckham, who batted .343 (12-for-35) with a double, two homers and five RBIs during his eight-game hit streak entering play Tuesday. Ventura said Beckham has benefited from a stronger lineup in 2014 after he appeared to be pressing at times during his 2013 campaign.

"When other guys are contributing, it's easier to kind of stay in your lane and do what you do best," Ventura said. "That's what he's doing."