CHICAGO -- The Red Sox had barely made the official announcement that outfielder Ryan Sweeney had been placed on the disabled list with inflammation in his left big toe when another Sox outfielder went down with an injury.

This time it was outfielder Scott Podsednik, whose improbable comeback after being absent from the major leagues since 2010 had been an unexpected boon for the Sox.

Podsednik, who came into the game leading all AL batters in hitting since being activated on May 22, came out of the game after grounding into a double play to end the fifth inning. Podsednik, who is batting .387 after going 1-for-3 Sunday, was replaced in left field by Daniel Nava.

ESPN's microphones picked up manager Bobby Valentine telling plate umpire Brian O'Nora that Podsednik had tweaked his groin. The club later announced that the injury was mild left groin discomfort.

Podsednik had started 16 games for the Sox since being promoted from Pawtucket. With Ryan Kalish called up from Pawtucket on Sunday and starting in center field, the Sox have started a dozen different outfielders this season and have used 24 different combinations, most in the majors.

Sweeney is the fifth outfielder currently on the disabled list, which has been used 19 times (18 players) by the Sox this season. If Podsednik needs to shut down, his replacement could be Cody Ross, who went 0-for-4 Sunday in his second rehab game for Pawtucket but may be ready to be activated, Valentine hinted before Sunday's game.

Ross has missed 27 games since fracturing the navicular bone in his left foot on May 18, when he fouled a ball off the foot.