The temptation remains great despite the potential awkwardness as manager Ozzie Guillen looks for ways to keep left-hander Clayton Richard in the White Sox’s rotation.
“We’ll keep him in the big leagues — that’s for sure,” Guillen said of Richard, who has allowed two runs in his last 16 innings after appearing destined for the bullpen to make room for Bartolo Colon.
“I’m leaning toward starting him because this kid is making nice progress. We already did it [keep Richard in the rotation] this time. Why not do it for the next eight starts, whatever we have left [in the regular season]?
“In the meanwhile, we’ve got to see what’s best for the club. We’re in the pennant race, but the good deal for the future is to keep him out there.”
A six-man rotation could throw the starters off their routines, plus the Sox have three days off in the first 20 days in August.
Guillen said the Sox discussed the situation on the flight from Detroit, shortly after Richard threw eight innings of five-hit ball in a 5-1 victory over the Tigers that snapped a three-game losing streak.
But Guillen wanted to discuss the matter more with GM Ken Williams.
“We have to make a decision soon to say where we exactly are and what we need,” Guillen said.
The Sox could wait to see how Colon fares Wednesday against the Twins before making a firm decision.
Another consideration would be to let Richard pitch this weekend against the Yankees and give Mark Buehrle two extra days of rest.
