HOUSTON -- White Sox manager Rick Renteria had a inkling before the series in Houston began that he may need to summon a fresh arm from the farm system at some point this week.

That need arose halfway through the four-game set. Prior to Wednesday's game, the White Sox recalled right-handed reliever Thyago Vieira from Triple-A Charlotte and optioned right-hander Jose Ruiz.

Vieira, 25, is 3-1 with a 3.31 ERA, two saves and 19 strikeouts over 13 relief appearances with the Knights this season. He has appeared in one game over his two stints with the White Sox in 2019, earning the win with two scoreless innings in game two of a doubleheader on May 1 vs. Baltimore.

"He's going to be able to give us some innings when we need them," Renteria said. "He's been throwing the ball very well. He'll be able to be used in multiple areas."

Ruiz, who was part of the five-pitcher "bullpen game" Monday, threw 22 pitches in that game and another 18 on Tuesday. Over five relief appearances in May, the right-hander compiled a 1.35 ERA over 6 2/3 innings. He walked at least one batter in all but one outing this month.

Accelerated bullpen usage, combined with a schedule that does not let up until June 3 -- the team's next off-day -- necessitated the move.

"We're going to need to shuffle a guy in and out and get some more innings," Renteria said.

The Sox have not named a starter for Saturday's game with the Twins in Minnesota, and it's possible they might be in a situation similar to Monday in Houston, when they needed to lean on the 'pen in the absence of starting pitcher Manny Banuelos, who is on the 10-day IL with a left shoulder strain.