Pierzynski and Humber Begin Rehab

A.J. Pierzynski (mini-fracture in left wrist) and Phil Humber (liner to dome) each made a rehab appearance on Tuesday for Triple-A Charlotte. It may not have been pretty (AJ 0 for 3, Phil 5 inn., 7 hits, 4 runs), but style points aren’t at stake here – AJ and Phil need to get back to the big leagues.

The Sox are being led by Paul Konerko and a slew of recent Charlotte alums in Alejandro de Aza, Tyler Flowers and Dayan Viciedo through a five-game winning streak. The starting pitching had been exceptional up until Zach Stewart‘s second consecutive disaster on Tuesday.

Humber is right on track to start in place of Stewart the next time through the rotation, but Phil hasn’t been superb recently, either. He’s already thrown more innings than ever before in his career (how about 110 more?), so despite having been around the league for several years, this is essentially Phil’s first time to the rodeo.

Maybe the DL stint gave him a breather he needed.

Flowers has exceeded all expectations while filling in for Pierzynski. He probably has earned himself some extra playing time when AJ gets back, but Pierzynski is the guy the White Sox need handling the pitching staff down the stretch (if the games are still important).

AJ works the counts as well as most White Sox hitters and was having a pretty decent year at the plate before his injury. He was one of the better hitters in the White Sox lineup (I know, not saying much).

Adam Dunn appears to be benched, even against righties. Ozzie said he had a chat with Dunn about his role with the team now that Viciedo has arrived (team 3-0 w/ TANK), so we might not be seeing too much of the Big Donkey for the next month.

The Sox finish up at home against the Twins on Wednesday. Which of Jake Peavy‘s personalities will show up as the Sox look for a sweep heading into Detroit?