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CHICAGO -- The Chicago White Sox's need to pay cash for a backup outfielder Monday brings to light all of the issues that have continued to torment highly-regarded prospect Jared Mitchell.

The former first-round draft pick, whom the White Sox continue to hold in high regard, can't seem to catch a break and the White Sox's acquisition of Casper Wells from the Oakland Athletics on Monday only seems to highlight that.

The early-season injury to Dayan Viciedo, and the fact that the team started the season with only four outfielders, has brought the White Sox's major-league ready depth into focus. On the lower levels, the White Sox have some of the most impressive outfield talent around, but when it comes to players who can jump into the major leagues now, it isn't nearly as strong.

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Most notable of the five roster moves the Chicago White Sox made Tuesday is the option of third baseman Brent Morel to Triple-A Charlotte.

Also optioned to Charlotte was right-hander Deunte Heath, while left-hander Daniel Moskos, infielder Carlos Sanchez and right-hander Zach Stewart were reassigned to minor-league camp.

The Morel move is far from a surprise. Coming off a lumbar back strain last season that had him on the disabled list for nearly three months, Morel was hoping to force himself on a crowded roster this spring.

He came into camp fit and with a swing that coaches were raving about, but wasn't able to deliver on the field despite numerous chances. Heading into Cactus League play Tuesday, Morel's 18 games were more than anybody in camp. He hit two home runs, but batted just .216 and had as many strikeouts as hits.

With Jeff Keppinger signed this offseason and expected to play third base, Morel's challenge to make the roster already was a big one. When camp started his chances took another hit when the White Sox acquired left-handed hitting third baseman Conor Gillaspie from the San Francisco Giants.

While playing in one less game this spring, Gillaspie has batted .303 with two home runs and 10 RBIs to Morel's three. In fact, Gillaspie is tied with Dayan Viciedo for the team lead in RBIs.

Sanchez, a top infield prospect in the organization, still is aimed for more development. The White Sox had no intention of having him make the major league roster as a utility player, preferring that he gets at-bats every day in the minor leagues so his growth can continue.

Stewart, who was reacquired this winter when he was claimed off waivers, was battling for a potential spot-starter role if John Danks (shoulder) wasn't able to start the season on time. Dylan Axelrod has emerged as the leader for that role, though, if needed.

The White Sox have 36 players remaining in big-league camp leaving them with 11 more moves to make before the season starts April 1 at home against the Kansas City Royals.

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Chicago White Sox and left-handed pitcher Chris Sale have agreed on a five-year contract extension worth $32.5 million with two options years that could bring the deal up to $60 million, the team announced on Thursday.

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White Sox general manager Rick Hahn talks about the trade Friday that netted third baseman Conor Gillaspie from the Giants in exchange for minor league reliever Jeff Soptic.

CHICAGO -- The No. 1 prospect in the Boston Red Sox organization in 2009 is now a member of the Chicago White Sox.

First baseman Lars Anderson was claimed by the White Sox off waivers Friday, bringing the team's 40-man roster to a full compliment of 40 players.

Anderson, 25, was actually claimed off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The 6-foot-5, 195-pounder was traded twice last year, the first time in July from the Red Sox to the Cleveland Indians and then again in December from the Indians to the Diamondbacks.

He was designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks on Jan. 24.

Anderson, an 18th-round draft pick in 2006, has played in 30 major-league games for the Red Sox over three separate seasons, collecting eight hits in 48 at-bats (.167) with four RBIs.

After dominating the lower levels of the minor leagues, Anderson's production has tapered off in recent years. In 111 combined Triple-A games in the Red Sox and Indians organizations last season, he hit nine home runs and 59 RBIs with a .250 batting average and a .750 OPS.

Baseball America had ranked Anderson as the Red Sox's top farmhand heading into the 2009 season.

CHICAGO -- The first day of SoxFest kicked off with the announcement Friday the club came to terms with reliever Matt Lindstrom.

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CHICAGO -- Traded away last season but not forgotten, the Chicago White Sox reacquired pitcher Zach Stewart on Thursday by claiming him off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Stewart was traded to the Boston Red Sox last season along with Brent Lillibridge in the deal that netted the White Sox Kevin Youkilis.

Stewart made two humbling starts with the Red Sox after the trade (14 earned runs in 5 2/3 innings) and 11 more at Triple-A Pawtucket. In November he was traded to the Pirates and then designated for assignment on Jan. 17.

In 33 career big-league appearances (14 starts), the right-hander is 3-10 with a 6.82 ERA. In 28 appearances (nine starts) with the White Sox, he is 3-7 with a 6.14 ERA.

Stewart's career highlight was a perfect game through seven innings in 2011 for the White Sox against the Minnesota Twins. He ended up with a complete-game one-hitter.

If John Danks isn't ready to start the season on time after shoulder surgery last summer, Stewart figures to be in the mix to hold down a rotation spot until Danks returns.

CHICAGO -- The new guy in charge of fielding the most pressing of fan inquiries at SoxFest this weekend at the Palmer House Hilton, promises just as much energy and enthusiasm as his predecessor.

Yet despite his good intentions, first-year general manager Rick Hahn is going to find it hard to match those sometimes unpredictable exchanges from former GM Kenny Williams.

"I've been up there the last six, seven years doing panels," Hahn said. "Obviously it's a little bit different not being the No. 2 guy or being the assistant (GM), but I look forward to it. People that come out are coming out in the dead of winter to spend their money because they love the White Sox. The least I could do is answer their questions."

Sometimes, though, those questions had a bite to them and Williams would expose his personal defense mechanism.

Take the now infamous 2004 SoxFest when a fan essentially dismissed the roster Williams had comprised to that point and asked what the club was prepared to do in the following year.

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CHICAGO -- Jeff Keppinger's broken right leg wasn't enough to derail his physical and affect his new contract with the Chicago White Sox.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Chicago White Sox have agreed to terms on a three-year, $12 million deal with free agent infielder Jeff Keppinger, a source told ESPNChicago.com's Bruce Levine.

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CHICAGO -- Phil Humber, who pitched a perfect game less than eight months ago, is no longer a member of the Chicago White Sox after he was claimed off waivers Friday by the Houston Astros.

In addition, infielder Dan Johnson was not tendered a contract for 2013 and neither was minor-league pitcher Anthony Carter.

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CHICAGO -- With one day remaining before the non-tender deadline, the Chicago White Sox are expected to open the door for the return of second baseman Gordon Beckham and outfielder Alejandro De Aza, but could decline on pitcher Phil Humber and infielder Dan Johnson.

If the arbitration-eligible Humber and Johnson are non-tendered they both become free agents. Both would still be able to sign free-agent deals with the club.

"We have talked to some agents this week about what we are thinking and where these things are likely headed so it's not going to come as a shock in the end should we decide ultimately to non-tender anybody," White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said. "But out of fairness to the player, those conversations will need to be had one-on-one before we discuss them publicly."

In Humber's case he could be looking at the end of his time with a club that gave him a chance at a solid 2011 season and a perfect game in 2012. But other than his perfecto, Humber struggled this past season posting a 5-5 record and a 6.44 ERA, ultimately losing his spot in the rotation.

Johnson spent most of last season at Triple-A Charlotte, but still made waves at the major league level when he hit three home runs in the season finale against the Cleveland Indians.

The deadline to tender deals to arbitration-eligible players is Friday at 11 p.m. CST.

Chicago White Sox general manager Rick Hahn made his first front office hire on Friday, promoting director of the minor leagues Buddy Bell to vice president/assistant general manager.

The 61-year-old former All-Star has held the title of the team's minor league director since 2009. Bell will retain that position and assist Hahn in staffing decisions as well as scouting amateur players and special assignment evaluations.

"I will be in Chicago more this season," Bell said. "After talking to Rick I believe I will do quite a bit more of that. I will still be involved in player development and amateur scouting. I really enjoy the scouting part of it as well as (player development). This particular title gives me a chance to do a lot of different things."

Bell has worked closely with Hahn over the past six seasons and developed a close friendship as a part of the White Sox's small front office group. The six-time All-Star began his minor league career with Chicago in 1991 as director of minor league instruction.

"The relationship has been real good and real easy," Bell said of Hahn. "One of the great things about Rick is that he is very intelligent. He is a great listener and that I think helps when you are running ideas by him. Last year the relationship evolved because I did get into more of the major league things. At the same time Rick became more involved in the minor leagues. Our front office is fairly inclusive anyway."

A Cincinnati native, Bell managed nine years in the major leagues, including stops in Detroit (1996-98 ), Kansas City(2005-07) and Colorado (2000-02 ).

Bell won six Gold Glove awards during his career and hit 201 home runs in 18 seasons. Bell's father Gus played in the major leagues from 1950-64. Buddy Bell's son David had an 11-year major league career and, after managing in the minor leagues, he was recently hired by the Chicago Cubs to coach third base in 2013.

CHICAGO -- The Chicago White Sox recalled right-handed pitcher Dylan Axelrod from Double-A Birmingham prior to Tuesday’s game with the Minnesota Twins.

Axelrod is 2-2 with a 4.93 ERA in 11 appearances, including seven stars, for the White Sox this season. He started against the Baltimore Orioles on Aug. 29 and allowed one run, three hits and struck out five in a career-high 7 1/3 innings. He was optioned to Birmingham after the game.

White Sox manager Robin Ventura recently said Axelrod or Hector Santiago could fill in for injured Gavin Floyd as Sunday’s starter against the Kansas City Royals. Santiago started in the White Sox’s win over Twins on Monday.

The White Sox’s active roster increased to 33 with the move.

Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Dylan Axelrod was optioned to Double-A Birmingham after notching a victory in Wednesday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles.

White Sox manager Robin Ventura said a position player would be called up in Axelrod’s place. Axelrod is also expected to return to the team next week.

“It’s great because the alternative was Charlotte, and it’s just a technicality thing,” Axelrod after the game. “They’re in the playoffs, and I would not be able to come back for 10 days. I’m just going there to get my work in.

“I’m really thankful they want me back soon, and Robin wants me back here.”

Axelrod allowed three hits, one run, four walks and struck out five in 7 1/3 innings on Wednesday. He improved to 2-2 and lowered his ERA to 4.93.

The 27-year-old Axelrod has been called up to the White Sox three times this season.

The White Sox will make a corresponding move prior to Thursday’s game with the Orioles.