OAKLAND -- The White Sox cleared roster room for Dylan Covey, Saturday’s starting pitcher, by designating right-hander Juan Minaya for assignment.

Minaya had pitched adequately, recording a 3.90 ERA in 22 appearances. But after posting a 1.15 ERA in his first 11 games (two earned runs in 15 2/3 innings), the right-hander compiled a 7.50 ERA (10 earned runs in 12 innings) over his next 11 outings.

When a player's contract is designated for assignment -- often abbreviated "DFA" -- that player is immediately removed from his club's 40-man roster, and 25-man roster if he was on that as well. Within seven days of the transaction (it was previously 10 days), the player must either be traded, released or placed on irrevocable outright waivers.

“We’ve always been big fans of Minny,” White Sox manager Rick Renteria said. “We wanted him to be a little more efficient.”