MIAMI -- This much is known about the White Sox pitching situation: Miguel González was put on the disabled list Friday with a right groin strain and right-handed reliever Chris Beck was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte.
As for who will replace Gonzalez as part of the starting rotation in the short-term, White Sox manager Robin Ventura didn't provide a definitive answer.
"With the off-day, we can play with that somewhat," Ventura said.
The White Sox not only have an off-day Monday but also have one on Aug. 22, so the team wouldn't appear to need a fifth starter until Aug. 20 at home against the A's. Gonzalez's second-inning injury Thursday allowed the team to extend Michael Ynoa and top prospect Carson Fulmer to three innings, meaning they could be in line for a spot start.
Anthony Ranaudo, currently pitching for Charlotte after one strong start at Wrigley Field, also is in the mix. Ynoa and Fulmer could be in the plans for a few September starts, with or without injuries.
"We've got some guys who have earned the right to be starting," said Ventura of his regular rotation comprised of Chris Sale, José Quintana, Carlos Rodón, James Shields and Gonzalez. "Whether they do that or not, we'll see as we go. We have a lot of guys who deserve to be starting."
Beck working down in the zone
Beck felt as if he was exposed a bit as a pitcher during his last big league outing on July 8 against the Braves, when he gave up three runs without retiring a hitter. It was the location of pitches more so than the pitches themselves causing Beck the problems.
"Just up in the zone. You can't make that mistake here," Beck said. "All of these guys can hit in the big leagues. You can get away with it a little bit in Triple-A, but there are still guys who have been around who can get you there, too.
"If I'm going to make a mistake, make a mistake down, because you get those back most of the time. The ones up, those are extra-base hits and can really compound mistakes, and especially up here, innings can get out of hand pretty quick for you."
Getting roughed up by the Braves didn't discourage Beck, who believes his stuff plays better as a reliever.
"My stuff was fine. Nothing changed," Beck said. "As a reliever, you're going to have some bumps and bruises and you might have another opportunity sooner than later, so I kept my head down, kept going."
Injury updates
• Second baseman Brett Lawrie ran the bases before Friday's series opener in Miami, and he continues working toward a rehab assignment to test his strained left hamstring.
"He's getting closer," said Ventura. "You can tell by his personality he's getting closer to going out and doing something. He's progressing enough to where he's doing a little more in BP."
• Catcher Alex Avila, on the disabled list with a strained right hamstring, felt a little twinge during a recent BP session, per Ventura. His rehab has been slowed down a bit, although Ventura wouldn't classify this moment as another setback.