Mark Buehrle has heard and read everything, from being on the verge of being traded to the New York Mets, to deserving a five-year, $75 million offer, to staying with the White Sox.
The valuable left-hander knows that plans can change like the direction of the wind, so he’s focused more on his next start Friday against the Cubs and the short-term fortunes of the Sox.
“You hear rumors and hear everything that is going on,” Buehrle said Wednesday. “It’s one of those things, it’s rumors.
“A couple of weeks ago they said nothing would happen and now something might happen. It can change in a day or week, so I don’t pay attention.”
Buehrle doesn’t think his teammates already are thinking about next year.
“Everyone is worried about what we have going on here,” Buehrle said. “Next year is next year. I can’t speak for them, but I don’t think they are.”
On the mend
The Sox starting lineup Friday against the Cubs could feature the return of designated hitter Jim Thome and center fielder Darin Erstad.
Thome said he “absolutely” would play after missing his second game because of back spasms.
“I’m sure as we go on, it will get better,” said Thome, who intends to receive treatment during Thursday’s day off. “It will get better as we go.”
Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said Erstad, who has missed three weeks because of a left ankle sprain, “should be in the lineup” Friday. Erstad has worked out with a heavily taped ankle.
Catcher Toby Hall spent Tuesday night at Rush University Medical Center after suffering flu-like symptoms that included dehydration.
Hall felt bad before arriving at the park but didn’t want to bail out of the starting lineup against formidable left-hander Dontrelle Willis.
“I was a mess,” Hall said between sips of Pedialyte.
Extra innings
Outfielder Jerry Owens was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte after the game. Owens batted .170 while taking Erstad’s roster spot. … Third baseman Josh Fields has a seven-game hitting streak, batting .385 (10-for-26). … First baseman Paul Konerko has reached base safely in 15 consecutive games, batting .354 during that span.
