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CHICAGO -- Following today’s game versus the Tampa Bay Rays, the Chicago White Sox optioned outfielder Blake Tekotte to Triple-A Charlotte.

Tekotte, 25, appeared in three games (one start) with the White Sox this season after being recalled from Charlotte on April 20, going 0-2 with a walk.

The White Sox will make a corresponding roster move prior to Tuesday night’s game at Texas.

CHICAGO -- The lone bright spot on an otherwise tough day for the White Sox was a Paul Konerko drive that inched him up a pair of home-run lists.

Konerko’s two-run home run in the third inning off Tampa Bay Rays starter David Price was the 426th of his career, tying him with Billy Williams for 45th on the all-time list. He is also just 29 home runs behind Frank Thomas on the White Sox’s all-time list.

In typical Konerko fashion, he was less worried about his place in history and more concerned about the game that had just been played and the next one in front of him.

“It’s cool, I guess,” Konerko said about matching Williams. “I don’t think too much about it. Right now, I’m one of those guys trying to find a feel. I feel good in one at-bat and the other at-bat it might go away.”

Against Price, Konerko is now 10-for-20 (.500) lifetime with two home runs and six RBIs. The long ball also ended his 65 at-bat homerless streak at U.S. Cellular Field. His last one came Sept. 25 of last season against the Cleveland Indians.

“Facing some good pitching, you just have to strap it on,” Konerko said. “So I’m not thinking too much about [home-run lists] because I know the guy on the mound doesn’t give a [expletive]. So I can’t, either, and I wouldn’t either way. They’re trying to get me out. As long as that’s happening, I have to be focused in.”

CHICAGO -- While the bullpen strains under the weight it is being asked to carry and the defense continues to provide more assistance to the opposing offense, the Chicago White Sox continue to drift aimlessly.

Another loss by a reliever was combined with two more White Sox errors that led to an 8-3 defeat by the Tampa Bay Rays and a 3-5 homestand that followed a 3-7 road trip.

Making it that much worse is that the White Sox need to step up their game in the wake of so many April injuries, not regress in areas that were a supposed strength.

The bullpen is still top-notch, but a lack of run support has left it pitching in tight games each and every night, and things haven’t always gone the Sox's way in such circumstances. Nate Jones was tagged with the loss Sunday, the bullpen’s sixth loss this season. Only the Toronto Blue Jays and their eight bullpen defeats have more in the American League.

“We’re looking at what you have here and what’s available, and you go from there,” manager Robin Ventura said. “You try to win games right now not waiting and looking in the future. Guys are playing hard and this is one of those that is probably a work in progress of trying to figure that out and who’s playing and who’s doing what. But again, you try to make due and make sure everybody is giving a constant effort. That’s all you can ask.”

Ultimately, it all goes back to that ineffective offense. Adam Dunn, whose struggles have been mighty in the early going, continued to show signs of life with a first-inning RBI single. Team leader Paul Konerko added a two-run home run.

Everybody else, though, was an easy target for Rays starter David Price, who snapped a streak of five starts without a victory. His last truimph came Sept. 30 of last season, against the White Sox.

The White Sox have already used the disabled list six times in the first 24 games, an extreme worst-case scenario for a club that lacks not only roster depth but in potential breakthrough prospects at the minor league level.

Tyler Green (second base), Conor Gillaspie (third base) and Dewayne Wise (center field) all filled in for injured players Sunday and were a combined 1-for-10.

“I don’t sense anybody looking around saying we can’t win with what we have,” Konerko said. “I think the only time you think about those guys is when you see them. I think every team is going to have that little span during the season where it seems like every day somebody’s going down. Hopefully, this is ours right now and we start getting guys back and we’re kind of over that and it’s done with and some other team’s going to have to deal with that in August or September, maybe.”

CHICAGO -- The Chicago White Sox were upended 8-3 by the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday to end an abbreviated homestand with a 3-5 record.

How it happened: Paul Konerko hit his fourth home run and Adam Dunn continued his revival with a first-inning RBI single. But the White Sox sprung a leak in the later innings as Matt Joyce hit a game-tying two-run home run in the sixth inning, while the bullpen, combined with an error from Alex Rios, was touched for a three-run eighth inning. Ben Zobrist singled in a run in the eighth against Nate Jones for a 4-3 Rays lead, and with the White Sox almost out of the inning, Rios dropped a two-out shallow fly ball for two more runs.

What it means: The combination of an inconsistent offense and a less-than-trustworthy defense continues to cause the White Sox problems. Dylan Axelrod gave up three runs over six innings, but the White Sox offense could only match that total. Add to that two more errors, one of which led to the two eighth-inning runs, and the White Sox simply have too much to overcome in a daily basis. The White Sox entered play on Sunday tied with the Indians for most errors among AL Central teams (14).

Outside the box: Konerko managed to move himself up two home run lists Sunday. He not only hit his 426th home run to tie Billy Williams for 45th on the all-time list, but he also closed the gap on Frank Thomas’ White Sox career home-run mark. Konerko is now 29 home runs away from Thomas, who had 448 in a White Sox uniform. Konerko hit seven big league home runs before joining the White Sox.

Offbeat: It might be time to update Conor Gillaspie’s profile from a developing defender to one who has an unconventional give-and-take style. Gillaspie has always been a work in progress with the glove but has been a pleasant surprise since coming over to the White Sox. He made a first-inning error on an easy ground ball, only to atone for the miscue with a diving stop to his left on a ground ball from Evan Longoria and throw to first for the out. He made a similar play earlier in the homestand to cut down a runner at the plate.

Up next: The White Sox will have a day off Monday before opening an eight-game, three-city road trip at Texas. In the series opener on Tuesday, White Sox left-hander Jose Quintana (2-0, 2.78) will oppose Rangers right-hander Yu Darvish (4-1, 1.65) in the 7:05 p.m. start from Rangers Ballpark at Arlington.

CHICAGO -- The Chicago White Sox made it official, saying John Danks will begin his minor league rehab assignment Thursday at Double-A Birmingham.

The left-hander, who had shoulder surgery in August, hasn’t pitched in a major league game since last May.

Danks pitched in spring training but started the season on the disabled list because of low velocity. He has spent the past month at extended spring training, pitching every fifth or sixth day in controlled settings. His last outing in Arizona was on Friday, although he tabbed it as not the sharpest performance.

There is no timetable on Danks’ return to the White Sox, although he hopes that with Gavin Floyd's move to the disabled list Sunday that he could be on the fast track back to the club. Danks expects to make at least two starts in minor league games, although he did admit it could be more.

CHICAGO -- Chicago White Sox general manager Rick Hahn appears to have seamlessly slid into his new role as the top baseball executive in the organization. Although former GM Ken Williams has a title above Hahn’s position, it is clear the Winnetka, Ill., native is calling most of the shots. The team's early struggles with key injuries that have contributed to a slow start have not changed Hahn’s optimistic demeanor or his accessibility.

Having had ten years in the trenches as the club's assistant GM appears to have made the transition easier for the people he works with."There is always a change when someone new takes over,“ said second-year manager Robin Ventura. “I don’t think anything has changed here philosophy wise. For me, it has been easy because we spent a lot of time together last year. We are dealing with different issues but handling things in similar ways. Rick and Kenny are just different personalities.”

Hahn has a less aggressive style by nature than Williams but is known as a stone-cold hardliner when it comes to making decisions on talent and money issues. The friendly exterior person he projects should not be confused with the single-minded executive who has shown he is not afraid to say no or turn away from a bad deal. Hahn made his bones by saving the franchise millions of dollars in contract layouts. He signed young players like Mark Buehrle to long-term deals in the early stages of their careers. That type of proactive move worked two-fold: It provided security for the player and another revenue stream to add other good players to the White Sox mix.

The only player who has been here longer than Hahn is team captain Paul Konerko. The veteran first baseman looks at Hahn as a top communicator and a shrewd handler of people. “There won’t be any times where Rick would be caught saying 'why didn’t we think of that?‘" Konerko said in explaining Hahn’s penchant for detail. “Rick and Kenny are the type of baseball men who are dialed in 24 hours a day.”

Hahn has had to adjust to people treating him in a different matter rather than the reverse. “I have seen a difference in the office staff at times but not with the baseball scouts and personnel,“ he said. “Everyone means it out of respect, saying things like ‘I know your busy,‘ when in reality I was the one who initiated the conversation.”

The Sox's poor start as a team while losing two starting position players within a week has tested the 39-year-old executive early in his tenure as GM. “I certainly feel more responsible when things get difficult as you weigh various depth options maybe knowing that right piece isn’t there waiting for you,” Hahn said. “It already has been a rough year injury wise, and, for the most part, we have had someone to come up and help. I do feel a greater responsibility when things don’t go how we planned it to go.“

The White Sox GM is still working closely with Williams, who is out looking at high school and college players for the June draft. “He is always there as a resource even if he isn’t here on a daily basis,” Hahn said. “This has been a little bit of a transition for him. So far, I think it has been good for both of us."

CHICAGO -- Jeff Keppinger was out of the Chicago White Sox’s lineup for a third consecutive day with back spasms, but the club isn’t anticipating a stint on the disabled list.

“It looks like he’ll be good by Tuesday, for sure,” manager Robin Ventura said.

The White Sox have a day off Monday before opening a three-game series and an eight-game, three-city road trip Tuesday at Texas.

Before his back discomfort surfaced, Keppinger had started to recover from a slow start with two hits in three consecutive games.

The White Sox have already seen six players go to the disabled list this season. Keppinger would have ran that total to seven and three from the Opening Day starting lineup.

CHICAGO -- Although he didn’t know the details, John Danks still got the word he had been waiting to hear.

After nearly a month of pitching at extended spring training, the rehabbing Danks will make his next outing in a minor league game.

Danks still doesn’t know if he will be going to Double-A Birmingham or Triple-A Charlotte later this week, but simply knowing a change of pace is coming managed to lift his spirits.

“Obviously, in the scheme of things it has to be done on the field, but to graduate from Arizona [extended spring training] and get to move on, that's a good thing,” Danks said.

The left-hander had shoulder surgery Aug. 6 and hasn’t pitched in a major league game since May 19 of last year. He pitched in spring training, albeit on a cautious schedule, and started the season on the disabled list.

With Gavin Floyd now on the disabled list, Danks admitted to some extra incentive to finish up his rehab and rejoin the rotation. But if he had it his way, he would have started the season with the club despite lower velocity than he is accustomed to.

As it is, he might never reach the 94 mph range with his fastball and will have to learn the craftier side of pitching. He has said he is willing to make those adjustments.

“That was hard to watch,” Danks said about seeing Floyd leave his Saturday start early. “I don't know the extent of his injury, but we all hope he is OK. That's actually what I said [Saturday] when it happened: ‘I'm ready. I'm ready to get back out there.’ Maybe that'll move the process along a little quicker, I don't know. As far as my recovery goes, I'm on the right path.”

Calling the pace of an extended spring outing a “high-school scrimmage,” Danks just wants to get in a real game-setting again with fans in the seats, vendors walking the aisles and the smell of grilled meats in the air.

“There's going to be a couple people there and it's actually run as a game,” Danks said. “That's the big thing … It'll be fun to get out there and pitch in an atmosphere.”

CHICAGO -- As expected, Gavin Floyd was moved to the 15-day disabled list on Sunday, although there was a bit of good news when it came to the right-hander’s injury.

An MRI late Saturday night showed that Floyd had a flexor muscle strain and that there appeared to be no damage with ligaments or tendons. A precursor to Tommy John surgery would be an elbow injury with ligament damage.

Floyd had a similar injury last season that kept him out of action from Aug. 27-Sept.12. He also had elbow tendonitis that sidelined him from July 8-23.

“Last year it was a different spot,” Floyd said. “It was kind of the same thing [Saturday]. It was one pitch, and I felt it and I was like, ‘I’m going to pitch through it.’ I threw a couple more and it was just getting worse and stiffening up and I threw one to [Evan] Longoria and felt like I was babying it in there and started protecting myself. [Catcher] Tyler [Flowers] knew, and he came out and talked to me.”

The difference with his current flexor muscle strain is that he feels it more when throwing fastballs. Last season, it affected him more on curveballs.

No timetable has been set, but manager Robin Ventura thinks a mere two-week absence still isn’t out of the question. But a third elbow injury in two seasons leaves cause for concern.

“I don’t think there’s anything we are doing that’s making it happen,” Ventura said. “I think baseball makes that happen. Things happen. I don’t think it has anything to do with the way they are training. It’s just part of playing baseball. It’s not a natural act. You know hopefully they get over it quick.”

Ventura has already said that left-hander Hector Santiago will assume Floyd’s starts for now. Santiago struggled in relief of Floyd on Saturday night, giving up four runs on 109 hits in 3⅔ innings.

Assuming the White Sox don’t use Monday’s off day to skip anybody in the rotation, Santiago would be in line to start Friday at Kansas City.

How it happened: White Sox starter Gavin Floyd was working from behind the eight ball early in the game in Chicago. He was injured in the third inning and replaced by Hector Santiago. The 30-year-old pitcher was diagnosed by team trainers with a flexor muscle strain of the right elbow. Floyd had surrendered a two-run homer to Ben Zobrist in the first inning. Tampa starter Matt Moore won his fifth game of the season, tying him for most wins in the AL. He allowed just one run in six innings. The Rays score four runs off of Santiago in his four innings of relief. Desmond Jennings hit a solo home run in the sixth for his third of the season. The Sox rallied for three runs in the eighth inning off of former Cubs pitcher Kyle Farnsworth. Tampa second baseman Kelly Johnson recorded the second four-hit game of his career. Third baseman Evan Longoria also matched his career high with four base hits.

What it means: Santiago will most likely go into the rotation if Floyd doesn’t return to the mound quickly. The White Sox’ winning streak was snapped at three. Floyd is now 0-4 on the season after the loss . The announced attendance of 25,270 was the second largest crowd of the year for Chicago. (Opening day saw 39,012 attendees.)

Outside the box: Outfielder DeWayne Wise sat out his second straight game with neck stiffness. Third baseman Jeff Keppinger also missed his second consecutive game due to back spasms. Manager Robin Ventura seems more concerned about the Keppinger injury. Ventura said pitcher John Danks is ready to be sent out on a minor league rehab assignment . Danks has been pitching to minor league players in Arizona and he continues his comeback from left shoulder surgery in August.

Up next: LHP David Price (0-2 5.52) against RHP Dylan Axelrod (0-1 3.80) in the finale of the squads’ four-game series.

Chicago White Sox right-hander Gavin Floyd left Saturday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays in the third inning with a flexor muscle strain in his right arm.

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CHICAGO -- Chicago White Sox starter Jake Peavy finally got the run support in Friday’s 5-4 win over the Tampa Bay Rays that he had been missing in his first four starts.

The Sox offense previously had averaged 3.55 runs per game when Peavy took the mound, including his last start against Minnesota, when he received a no decision after allowing only one run in seven innings.

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CHICAGO -- The little-used Chicago White Sox bench stirred the pot Friday, raising the energy and carrying the team to its first three-game win streak of the season.

Hector Gimenez, Tyler Greene and Conor Gillaspie were insurance policies that paid big dividends Friday, with each hitting a home to rally the White Sox to a 5-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.

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CHICAGO -- The Chicago White Sox outslugged the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday for a 5-4 victory that gave them their first three-game win streak of the season.

How it happened: The White Sox delivered their offense through the long ball, but this time it came from unexpected sources. Hector Gimenez and Tyler Greene each hit their first home run in a White Sox uniform, while Conor Gillaspie added his own long ball. Jake Peavy gave up two early home runs to put the White Sox in a hole, but recovered to pitch a solid 6 2/3 innings. Closer Addison Reed gave up a run in the ninth inning, but finished it for his eighth save.

What it means: The only thing better than having the bench carry you to a victory is when the bench helps a struggling offense to carry you to the victory. Gimenez was giving Tyler Flowers the night off, while Greene was playing in place of Jeff Keppinger, who was dealing with back spasms and is day to day. Gillaspie is technically a reserve too, but has been starting ever since Gordon Beckham broke a bone in his hand earlier this month.

Outside the box: The Rays did better than most at getting to Peavy at U.S. Cellular Field. Including Friday’s outing, the White Sox’s right-hander now has a 2.38 ERA over his last 13 home starts dating back to June 1 of last season. White Sox starters have a 2.20 ERA over their last nine games, up from the 1.95 ERA they had over the last eight games before Peavy game up three runs.

Off beat: How much was the power show needed Friday? The story is best told by the numbers. Entering Friday’s game, the White Sox’s offense was 11th in the American League in slugging percentage (.380), 13th in batting average (.228), 14th in runs per game (3.38) and dead last in OPS (.657), on-base percentage (.277) and walks (45).

Up next: The White Sox will send right-hander Gavin Floyd (0-3, 4.98 ERA) to the mound against the Rays in the third game of the four-game series. Tampa Bay will counter with left-hander Matt Moore (4-0, 1.04) in the 1:10 p.m. start from U.S. Cellular Field.

CHICAGO -- You can see a different hitter evolving in the batter’s box these days, as Adam Dunn is slowly starting to make more consistent contact.

Slumps are nothing new for the Chicago White Sox slugger, but so far this season he wasn’t even getting his usual walk numbers.

A recent slump doesn’t support the hypothesis that Dunn is getting it together, (3-for-50 in his last 13 games before Friday), but nonetheless, he and his hitting coach Jeff Manto see a good streak coming. Dunn went 2-for-4 Friday with an RBI in the Sox’s 5-4 win over the Rays.

“He has been working on his base and his base has gotten better,” Manto said before Friday’s game. “We began to see some better at-bats from him in Toronto. He has taken those better at-bats through the homestand but doesn’t have raw numbers to prove it. We see it and we are taking small steps right now. If you watch him flying out to left and left center that is a good sign and he is doing that right now.”

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