Orlando Hudson Benching Called 'Mental Break,' White Sox 3B Situation Continues To Erode

In the series finale against the Cubs on Wednesday night, Chicago White Sox manager Robin Ventura sat struggling third baseman Orlando Hudson down for the night and replaced him with Eduardao Escobar. After the game Ventura called the move a "mental break" for Hudson, but he has produced an awful .167/.253/.282 triple-slash batting line over 88 plate appearances since joining the White Sox and it could easily be termed a merit-based benching as well. Ventura did say Hudson will likely return to the starting lineup on Friday, but Hudson has made some costly defensive errors of late as well, including a throwing error on Tuesday night to set up a critical two-run inning for the Cubs:

"I [messed] it up. I lost the game for the man, that's it,'' Hudson said. "The man [Jake Peavy] threw a hell of a game. I lost it for him. Point-blank. Case closed. We lost. My bad. That's it."

(quotes via Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times).

White Sox general manager Ken Williams picked up Hudson off the scrap heap earlier this season after Brent Morel got off to a terrible start to the season and migrated to the disabled list with a back injury. Escobar hasn't been much better at the plate this year (.190/.299/.241), so Chicago may have to look elsewhere for a starting third baseman if they hope to remain in the AL Central race in the second half of the season.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more extensive coverage visit White Sox blog South Side Sox. For more baseball news coverage, visit Baseball Nation.

Cubs Vs. White Sox Final Score: South Siders Earn 7-0 Victory To Avoid Sweep

The Chicago White Sox needed a win in the worst way on Wednesday night at U.S. Cellular Field. Thanks to starter Gavin Floyd and a potent lineup, they were able to get the job done. The Sox earned a 7-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs behind four RBI from Gordon Beckham and a stellar effort from Floyd. The Sox move to 36-33 with the win, while the Cubs move to 24-45.

Floyd allowed four hits while striking out four over 6.1 innings to improve to 5-7. The South Siders' offense was able to get to Cubs pitchers early and often. Adam Dunn drove in his 53rd run of the season in the third inning to get scoring started with a single to left field to score Eduardo Escobar. Paul Konerko and Gordon Beckham would add RBI singles in the third and fourth innings, respectively, until Beckham's three-run homer in the sixth broke the game open for good.

Cubs starter Randy Wells lasted just 3.2 innings, surrendering five hits, four walks and three earned runs.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more extensive coverage of this series, visit White Sox blog South Side Sox and Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more baseball news coverage, visit Baseball Nation.

Cubs Vs. White Sox Score Update: South Siders Lead 3-0 In Bottom Of The 6th

The Chicago Cubs are looking to sweep the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday night at U.S. Cellular Field, but things aren't looking too promising thus far. As the team's go to the bottom of the sixth inning, the White Sox hold a 3-0 lead.

The South Siders got scoring started in the third when Adam Dunn singled to left to score third baseman Eduardo Escobar. Paul Konerko plated another run the next inning when he singled to right to score center fielder Alejandro De Aza. Gordon Beckham made it 3-0 White Sox with yet another RBI single, this one scoring shortstop Alexei Ramirez.

Sox starter Gavin Floyd is rolling. Floyd has allowed four hits through six innings while striking out four.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more extensive coverage of this series, visit White Sox blog South Side Sox and Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more baseball news coverage, visit Baseball Nation.

Ian Stewart Injury: Chicago Cubs Third Baseman Should Return June 28

Ian Stewart still doesn't know what's wrong with his wrist, but it won't stop the Chicago Cubs third baseman from returning this season. Stewart is eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list on June 28, and steady injections of cortisone shots should have him ready to return to the field.

Stewart had another MRI on his injured wrist earlier in the week, but doctors still can't pinpoint exactly what's wrong. Stewart was considering an exploratory surgery, but will instead settle for the cortisone shots and a quick off the DL and back into the North Siders' lineup.

Related: Ian Stewart Injury: Chicago Cubs Third Baseman Still Suffering From Mysterious Wrist Injury

Luis Valbuena started every game at third in the crosstown series vs. the Chicago White Sox in Stewart's stead. The 27-year old Stewart is hitting .201 with five homers and 17 RBI this season.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more extensive coverage of this series, visit White Sox blog South Side Sox and Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more baseball news coverage, visit Baseball Nation.

Cubs Vs. White Sox Lineups: Reed Johnson Starts In Right Field On Wednesday

The Chicago Cubs have mixed things up a bit with their lineup on Wednesday, returning Bryan LaHair to first base while sliding Steve Clevenger back behind the plate. Geovany Soto is getting the day off after playing in the first two games of the series, while Reed Johnson is now getting the start in right field.

The White Sox have also made some slight changes themselves for Wednesday's game, replacing Orlando Hudson with Eduardo Escobar at third base while returning A.J. Pierzynski to the starting lineup after a day off. Tyler Flowers is back on the bench after going 0-for-1 with a walk on Tuesday.

Here's the White Sox's full lineup:

1. Alejandro De Aza (CF)
2. Gordon Beckham (2B)
3. Adam Dunn (DH)
4. Paul Konerko (1B)
5. Alex Rios (RF)
6. A.J. Pierzynski (C)
7. Dayan Viciedo (LF)
8. Alexei Ramirez (SS)
9. Eduardo Escobar (3B)

Related: Cubs Vs. White Sox Preview: North Siders Go For Road Sweep

And the Cubs' lineup:

1. David DeJesus (CF)
2. Starlin Castro (SS)
3. Bryan LaHair (1B)
4. Alfonso Soriano (DH)
5. Steve Clevenger (C)
6. Darwin Barney (2B)
7. Luis Valbuena (3B)
8. Reed Johnson (RF)
9. Tony Campana (LF)

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more extensive coverage of this series, visit White Sox blog South Side Sox and Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more baseball news coverage, visit Baseball Nation.

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Cubs Vs. White Sox Preview: North Siders Go For Road Sweep

The Chicago White Sox have lost five series in a row and six of their last seven games. On Wednesday, the South Siders will try to avoid a home sweep at the hands of the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs will send out Randy Wells for the start against left-handed pitcher Gavin Floyd of the White Sox.

Wells hasn't started since May 21. This will be only his third start of the season. The 29-year old righty has enters at 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA and 1.82 WHIP.

Floyd has lost his last two starts and been unable to find his groove all season. The 29-year old righty enters at 4-7 with a 5.63 ERA and 1.34 WHIP.

Game 1 Date & Time: Wednesday, June 20, 7:10 p.m. CT

TV: CSN-Chicago/WGN

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more extensive coverage, visit White Sox blog South Side Sox and Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more baseball news coverage, visit Baseball Nation.

Cubs Vs. White Sox: Cubs Go For Sweep On The South Side

The Cubs haven't had many high points this season, but when they take the field on Wednesday night at U.S. Cellular Field, they'll have a shot of picking up a road sweep of the crosstown rival Chicago White Sox. The Cubs have only won three games in a row once this season, when they swept the San Diego Padres at home in late May, and tonight they'll put the ball in the hands of Randy Wells as they look for their second three-game win streak of the season.

Wells has been up-and-down from Triple-A this season, making two starts on the year. He has been primarily pitching out of the bullpen since mid-May, but has been bumped into the Cubs' rotation as a spot has opened up. His last start was on May 21, when he gave up a run in five innings to the Houston Astros.

On the hill for the White Sox will be Gavin Floyd, who continues to fight the whims of ERA despite okay peripherals. In his last six starts, Floyd has given up 35 earned runs, yet his K/9 remains strong, as does his WHIP. Despite their double-digit breakout on Monday night, the Cubs aren't a good hitting team, so maybe Floyd will be able to turn things around tonight.

Game date/time: Wednesday, June 20, 7:10 p.m. CT

Location: U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, Ill.

TV: CSN, WGN

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more extensive coverage, visit White Sox blog South Side Sox and Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more baseball news coverage, visit Baseball Nation.

White Sox Attendance Is Down, And They Aren't Ashamed To Tell You

The brain trust of the Chicago White Sox says the team might be limited from acquiring more talent because of underwhelming attendance figures at U.S. Cellular Field this season. SB Nation Chicago editor Ricky O'Donnell doesn't care much for the guilt trip.

VIDEO: Starlin Castro Makes A Ridiculous Catch Vs. White Sox

Ian Stewart Injury: Chicago Cubs Third Baseman Still Suffering From Mysterious Wrist Injury

As the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox conclude their crosstown series on Wednesday at U.S. Cellular Field, the North Siders still can't figure out what's wrong with third baseman Ian Stewart. Stewart has been experiencing pain in his wrist for over a year now, and another visit to a doctor on Monday again failed to give a concrete answer as to why Stewart remains in pain.

Despite a new MRI, doctors can't name an exact problem with Stewart's wrist. According to ESPN Chicago, Stewart talked openly about a "possible exploratory surgery", but he left with only a cortisone injection. Surgery does not appear to be on the table at the moment.

Luis Valbuena, a 26-year old utility infielder, has played third base for the Cubs during the first two games of the series against the White Sox.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more extensive coverage, visit White Sox blog South Side Sox and Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more baseball news coverage, visit Baseball Nation.

Cubs Vs. White Sox Final Score: Travis Wood Keys 2-1 Victory For North Siders

Travis Wood finally has his first victory as a member of the Chicago Cubs. Wood allowed just four hits and one earned run during a 2-1 Cubs victory at U.S. Cellular Field on Tuesday night. Carlos Marmol nailed down his fourth save of the year to seal the victory for the North Siders.

Alexei Ramirez started the scoring for the White Sox in the second with a ground rule double to score Alex Rios. The Cubs would take the lead for good when David DeJesus singled to right to score Geovany Soto and Tony Campana. That's how it would end, as neither team scored after the top of the third.

Jake Peavy can't catch a break. The Sox starter pitched a complete game, allowing only five hits and one earned run while striking out five. He threw 125 pitches on the night.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more extensive coverage, visit White Sox blog South Side Sox and Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more baseball news coverage, visit Baseball Nation.

Cubs Vs. White Sox Score Update: North Siders Take 2-1 Lead Into 6th Inning

The Chicago White Sox got on the board first, but it's their rivals to the north that take a 2-1 lead into the sixth inning on Tuesday night at U.S. Cellular Field. Cubs starter Travis Wood is in-line to pick up his first victory. He's allowed just three hits and one run while striking out five and walking four White Sox batters thus far.

White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez hit a groundrule double to score Alex Rios in the second inning. The Cubs would answer in the third when center fielder David DeJesus singled to right field to score catcher Geovani Soto and Tony Campana.

White Sox starter Jake Peavy has allowed two runs, but both are unearned.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more extensive coverage, visit White Sox blog South Side Sox and Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more baseball news coverage, visit Baseball Nation.

White Sox Catcher Tyler Flowers Finds Backup Role A Tough Adjustment

Chicago White Sox catcher Tyler Flowers is spelling A.J. Pierzynski against the Cubs on Tuesday and making just his 19th appearance of the season. Adjusting to a backup role has been difficult for Flowers, who is doing whatever he can to keep his game sharp.

"It's a challenge not seeing live pitching more than once or twice a week," Flowers said. "I gotta find a way to duplicate it as close as I can to keep everything sharp."

That's led to plenty of early batting practice sessions, along with live batting practice with breaking balls and changeups. Lately, Flowers says he's been hitting off a pitching machine to simulate game-speed fastballs.

Related: John Danks Injury Update: White Sox Say Danks Has 'No Tendon Or Ligament Damage,' Labrum Is Intact

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more extensive coverage, visit White Sox blog South Side Sox and Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more baseball news coverage, visit Baseball Nation.

John Danks Injury: White Sox LHP Won't Be Able To Attempt Another Rehab Stint For 'At Least 3-4 Weeks'

Chicago White Sox lefty John Danks has a lot of work ahead of him, according to a report from Phil Rogers. Danks is going to have to work for several weeks just to get his shoulder strong enough to attempt another rehab stint.

The White Sox say that John Danks is going to have to strengthen his shoulder for at least 3-4 weeks before trying another rehab stint. He's got 4 years left on his contract, however, and his long-term recovery from what the Sox are calling a Grade 1 strain of the subscapularis muscle in his shoulder has to be the primary goal, not hurrying back to pitch in August.

Related: John Danks Injury Update: White Sox Say Danks Has 'No Tendon Or Ligament Damage,' Labrum Is Intact

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more extensive coverage, visit White Sox blog South Side Sox. For more baseball news coverage, visit Baseball Nation.

White Sox Demote Zach Stewart, Recall Dylan Axelrod

After a bumpy start on Monday against the Cubs, RHP Zach Stewart was optioned to triple-A by the White Sox. They recalled RHP Dylan Axelrod to fill the open roster spot.

The #WhiteSox optioned RHP Zach Stewart to Class AAA Charlotte and recalled RHP Dylan Axelrod from Charlotte today.

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) June 19, 2012

Related: John Danks Injury Update: White Sox Say Danks Has 'No Tendon Or Ligament Damage,' Labrum Is Intact

Axelrod has made three appearances for the White Sox this season and has a 3.52 ERA in 7-2/3 innings of big league work. He's had a very solid year at AAA, going 5-4 with a 3.18 ERA in 11 starts.

Stewart made 18 appearances for Chicago this season and compiled a 6.00 ERA.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more extensive coverage, visit White Sox blog South Side Sox. For more baseball news coverage, visit Baseball Nation.

Cubs Vs. White Sox Lineups: Tyler Flowers Starts At Catcher, Bats 8th

The Chicago Cubs dominated the White Sox on Monday night in a lopsided 12-3 win, but the Sox have a good chance to get back on track Tuesday night when veteran righty Jake Peavy starts opposite Travis Wood. Peavy has posted a 2.33 ERA and 1.14 WHIP over 19.1 innings in June, and he only allowed one earned run in his last start (7.0 innings). Tyler Flowers will give A.J. Pierzynski the night off, and he will bat eighth in the order.

Here are the lineups for both teams for Tuesday, June 19 (via Baseball Press):

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more extensive coverage, visit White Sox blog South Side Sox and Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more baseball news coverage, visit Baseball Nation.

John Danks Injury Update: White Sox Say Danks Has 'No Tendon Or Ligament Damage,' Labrum Is Intact

After Monday's game against the Cubs, Chicago White Sox pitcher John Danks told reporters he has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 subscapularis muscle tear in his left shoulder, but that the injury would not require surgery. The team took the opportunity to clarify the injury report on on Tuesday via Twitter, calling it a strain and noting that the MRIs revealed no tendon or ligament damage and confirmed that Dank's labrum is intact.

#WhiteSox pitcher John Danks had 2 MRIs on Monday & results showed a mild Grade 1 strain of the subscapularis muscle in his left shoulder

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) June 19, 2012

Tests show no tendon or ligament damage and his labrum is intact & strain has shown improvement from the previous MRI he underwent (May 23)

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) June 19, 2012

Danks will also begin a rehab and strength program on Friday, and the Sox will monitor his progress going forward.

Danks will begin a rehabilitation & strengthening program on Friday under the supervision of #WhiteSox Head Athletic Trainer Herm Schneider

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) June 19, 2012

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more extensive coverage, visit White Sox blog South Side Sox. For more baseball news coverage, visit Baseball Nation.

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Cubs Trade Rumors: Darwin Barney A Hot Name, Could Be Moved For Right Price

The Chicago Cubs own the worst record in Major League Baseball nearly half way through the season, so predictably the trade rumors have been heating up in recent weeks. Ryan Dempster had been at the forefront of discussions prior to his trip to the disabled list, and Matt Garza is still the most likely to go, but now there is another name to throw in the mix.

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports wrote in his Monday column that the Cubs have received frequent inquiries about the availability of Barney, and they he could be moved if they can get back value commensurate to a starting second baseman:

Don't rule out the possibility of the Cubs trading second baseman Darwin Barney. Rival clubs frequently ask about Barney, but none has offered value that the Cubs consider sufficient for a regular second baseman. Barney might end up more of a utility type.

Barney is 26 years old, will be arbitration eligible in 2014 and won't his the free agent market until 2017, so some team may step up to grab a marginally productive MLB player under team control for the foreseeable future. Barney is a lifetime .271/.313/.358 hitter over his three seasons in the MLB, spanning 906 plate appearances. His ability to play multiple infield positions and plus-defensive ability is where most of the value resides.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more extensive coverage, visit Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more baseball news coverage, visit Baseball Nation.

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John Danks Injury: White Sox Starter Has A Grade 1 Tear Of His Subscapularis Tendon In Left Shoulder

Poor Attendance May Hinder White Sox At Trade Deadline

Chicago White Sox general manager Kenny Williams is never one to play it safe. Williams is distinct for his tendency to trade away whatever the Sox have withering away in the farm system for veteran talent. With the Sox a surprising contender this season by leading the AL Central, it would stand to reason that Williams would like to add talent, most likely at third base.

But before the start of the Sox-Cubs series at U.S. Cellular Field, Williams noted poor attendance may limit how much money the South Siders can take on at the deadline.

"I don't want to expound because then I get buried because I'm crying about money and things," Williams said prior to Monday's home game with the Chicago Cubs. "I don't want to do it, but yes [it's still an issue.]"

The White Sox were one of a few teams tied to longtime Boston Red Sox stalwart Kevin Youkilis on Monday.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more extensive coverage, visit White Sox blog South Side Sox. For more baseball news coverage, visit Baseball Nation.

Cubs Vs. White Sox Preview: Jake Peavy Faces Travis Wood

The Chicago White Sox will turn to veteran righty Jake Peavy to try to stop a losing streak that just reached five in six games on Tuesday night when the South Siders host the Chicago Cubs. The North Siders took the series opener 12-3 by clubbing five home runs on Monday. Peavy will be opposed by Cubs starter Travis Wood.

Peavy continues to be a pleasant surprise for the Sox. He enters at 6-2 with a 2.91 ERA and 0.97 WHIP. He earned a loss in his last start, but only allowed four hits and one run over seven innings against the St. Louis Cardinals on May 13.

Wood, a 25- year old lefty, is 0-3 with a 4.58 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. He pitched well in his last start, but earned a loss to the Detroit Tigers after surrendering three runs and eight hits in 6.2 innings on June 14.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more extensive coverage, visit White Sox blog South Side Sox and Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more baseball news coverage, visit Baseball Nation.

Cubs Vs. White Sox Final Score: North Siders Homer 5 Times In 12-3 Win

The Chicago Cubs finished with season-highs in hits (15), home runs (five) and runs scored during a 12-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field on Monday night. The offensive explosion stole the show, but starter Matt Garza wasn't bad, either. Garza allowed five hits and three earned runs through six innings while striking out six to improve to 3-5. The win propels to Cubs to 23-44, while the White Sox fall to 35-32.

Cubs first baseman Bryan LaHair smashed his 13th homer of the year to get scoring started in the top of the third. In the fifth, shortstop Starlin Castro and DH Alfonso Soriano would extend the North Siders' lead to 5-0 when each went deep off Sox starter Zach Stewart.

Catcher Geovani Soto and third baseman Luis Valbuena would also go deep for the Cubs. Valbuena finished 3-for-5 with three RBI.

The White Sox also hit two homers, with A.J. Pierzynski clubbing his 12th of the season in the fifth, and Paul Konerko hitting No. 13 in the sixth.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more extensive coverage, visit White Sox blog South Side Sox. For more baseball news coverage, visit Baseball Nation.

Cubs Vs. White Sox Score Update: North Siders Lead 6-1 In 6th Inning

Matt Garza is cruising and the Chicago Cubs' offense has smashed four home runs through six innings. This probably isn't what the Chicago White Sox expected when they welcomed the lowly Cubs to U.S. Cellular Field for the A.L. portion of the Crosstown Series. The North Siders have a 6-1 lead in the sixth inning on Monday night at U.S. Cellular Field.

All of the Cubs' runs have come via the long ball. Bryan LaHair got the scoring started in the third when he crushed a two-run homer off Sox starter Zach Stewart. Starlin Castro and Alfonso Soriano would each hit homers for the Cubs in the fifth inning. The White Sox responded with a homer of their own in the bottom half of the fifth when A.J. Pierzynski ripped his 12th dinger of the season. A solo shot from Geovani Soto in the top of the sixth made it 6-1 North Siders.

Garza has allowed four hits while striking out five thus far. Stewart was lifted after 5.2 innings after allowing nine hits and six earned runs.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more extensive coverage, visit White Sox blog South Side Sox. For more baseball news coverage, visit Baseball Nation.

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Kevin Youkilis Trade Rumors: White Sox Among Teams Interested In Boston Infielder, According To Report

According to a report from FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal and John Paul Morosi, the Boston Red Sox are actively shopping veteran Kevin Youkilis to anyone who will listen. They're also willing to include cash in a deal. The Chicago White Sox are one of the teams that have expressed interest in acquiring the 1B/3B.

The Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Cleveland Indians and Pittsburgh Pirates are among the teams with varying levels of interest in acquiring Youkilis, sources say.

Related: Felix Diaz proved Zach Stewart can win tonight

Between Brent Morel and Orlando Hudson, the White Sox have gotten very little at the plate from their third basemen this season. Youkilis is having a poor year himself, but could still be considered an upgrade over what is currently on hand.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more extensive coverage, visit White Sox blog South Side Sox. For more baseball news coverage, visit Baseball Nation.

Ryan Dempster Injury: Cubs Starter To 15-Day Disabled List

As part of a series of moves to free up roster space for catcher Geovany Soto, the Chicago Cubs have placed Ryan Dempster on the 15-day disabled list with right lat tightness, as Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reports. The move generally comes as a surprise given that Dempster has looked so good over the past few weeks.

Dempster on DL with right lat tightness. Main up. Soto up, Castillo down.

— Paul Sullivan (@PWSullivan) June 18, 2012

In his past three starts, Dempster has pitched 22 consecutive shutout innings, allowing just 11 hits and three walks while striking out 12. It remains to be seen how this injury, which appears to be fairly minor, will ultimately affect Dempster's value on the trade market, but hopefully teams will remember how he looked before the DL stint.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more extensive coverage of this series, visit White Sox blog South Side Sox and Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more baseball news coverage, visit Baseball Nation.

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Cubs Vs. White Sox Lineups: Geovany Soto Returns To Lineup

It appears that the Chicago Cubs will activate catcher prior to Monday's game against the Chicago White Sox given that he's currently written into the team's starting lineup. Soto has been on the disabled list since mid-May, but it appears that his absence will finally come to an end on Monday night at U.S. Cellular Field.

Back on May 19, the Cubs placed Soto on the disabled list with a partial tear in his left meniscus, and he began a minor league rehab assignment roughly one week ago. He struggled badly in 28 games this season before hitting the DL, posting a .161/.250/.301 line, so hopefully his improved health will lead to better numbers.

White Sox:

1. Alejandro De Aza (CF)
2. Gordon Beckham (2B)
3. Adam Dunn (DH)
4. Paul Konerko (1B)
5. Alex Rios (RF)
6. A.J. Pierzynski (C)
7. Dayan Viciedo (LF)
8. Alexei Ramirez (SS)
9. Orlando Hudson (3B)

Related: Cubs Vs. White Sox Preview: Subway Series Resumes On South Side

Cubs:

1. David DeJesus (CF)
2. Starlin Castro (SS)
3. Bryan LaHair (RF)
4. Alfonso Soriano (DH)
5. Steve Clevenger (1B)
6. Darwin Barney (2B)
7. Luis Valbuena (3B)
8. Geovany Soto (C)
9. Tony Campana (LF)

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more extensive coverage of this series, visit White Sox blog South Side Sox and Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more baseball news coverage, visit Baseball Nation.

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2012 MLB All Star Game Voting: Paul Konerko Emerges As No. 2 First Baseman In AL

Chicago White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko has moved into second place among American League first baseman in voting for the upcoming MLB All Star Game. On Monday, the league released the newest round of voting results for next month's big game, which features three different White Sox players.

Other than Konerko, catcher A.J. Pierzynski and designated hitter Adam Dunn also appeared among the top five vote-getters at their respective positions. Here are the current voting results for those three positions, via MLB.com:

FIRST BASE
Prince Fielder, Tigers: 1,946,045
Paul Konerko, White Sox: 1,680,793
Mark Teixeira, Yankees: 1,405,187
Mitch Moreland, Rangers: 1,202,724
Albert Pujols, Angels: 1,047,722

CATCHER
Mike Napoli, Rangers: 2,239,047
Joe Mauer, Twins: 1,283,804
Matt Wieters, Orioles: 1,242,247
A.J. Pierzynski, White Sox: 1,048,603
Russell Martin, Yankees: 867,495

DESIGNATED HITTER
David Ortiz, Red Sox: 2,390,132
Michael Young, Rangers: 1,892,150
Raul Ibañez, Yankees: 1,080,421
Adam Dunn, White Sox: 979,447
Edwin Encarnación, Blue Jays: 830,341

At this point, it's essentially impossible to imagine that Dunn or Pierzynski will be able to land the necessary votes to start in the game, but Konerko has a reasonable shot if he can maintain the stunning numbers he's put up so far. Fielder certainly has more of that "star appeal" but fans are clearly noticing what Paulie has accomplished this year.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, visit White Sox blog South Side Sox. For more from around Major League Baseball, head over to Baseball Nation.

Cubs Vs. White Sox Preview: Subway Series Resumes On The South Side

The White Sox hope their recent success against the Cubs continues.