Headlines of August 26, 2014 “White Sox option Danks” …Scott Merkin, WhiteSox.com “’Summer’ training in session for Avisail Garcia” …Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune “Sox option Danks to clear space for Eaton’s return” …Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune “Series preview: Indians at White Sox” …Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune “Tyler Flowers faces an uncertain future with White Sox” …Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “White Sox need help on defense” …John Grochowski, Chicago Sun-Times “Sox to Eaton: Tone down reckless style of play” …Scot Gregor, Daily Herald “Rongey: Bad month aside, White Sox on right track” …Chris Rongey, Daily Herald “Sale, Rodon: Similar but different” …Doug Padilla, ESPNChicago.com “Adam Eaton expected to return Tuesday” …Doug Padilla, ESPNChicago.com “White Sox look for fresh start as they kick off new series” …Associated Press “Lindstrom hopes to lend experience to White Sox bullpen in 2015” …Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “White Sox clear room for Eaton with roster move” …Tony Andracki, CSN Chicago

White Sox option outfielder Danks

Leadoff man Eaton on verge of returning from stint on disabled list

By Scott Merkin / MLB.com

CHICAGO -- The White Sox optioned outfielder Jordan Danks to Triple-A Charlotte during Monday's off- day, with a corresponding move to come prior to Tuesday night's series opener against Cleveland at U.S. Cellular Field.

That move figures to be the return of and leadoff man , who was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Aug. 9 with a strained right oblique. He had a brief injury rehab assignment on Saturday and Sunday with Charlotte, finishing 3-for-10 with two runs scored, one RBI and one . The White Sox have posted a 4-9 record during Eaton's absence.

Danks, 28, is hitting .190 with one double, two home runs, nine RBIs and eight runs scored in 33 games over two stints with the White Sox this season. He is 11-for-38 (.289) with one and four RBIs over 12 games since being recalled from Charlotte on Aug. 9. Known for his defensive talent, Danks posted a .276 average with 18 doubles, 16 homers and 56 RBIs over 88 games with the Knights, and he figures to return to the White Sox when rosters expand in September.

'Summer' training in session for Avisail Garcia

By Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune

In some ways, August feels more like spring than the dog days of summer to White Sox Avisail Garcia.

Missing four months of the season with a torn labrum and avulsion fracture in his left shoulder has meant that while some of his teammates are trudging toward the final month of the season, Garcia is just warming up again.

That has made for some mixed results over Garcia's first eight games back with the Sox.

Garcia already has flashed some of the potential fans have been waiting to see, hitting two home runs in the last week, including one Sunday against the Yankees to send the game to extra innings. But that also was his only in the three-game series, and he struck seven times in 12 at-bats over the weekend.

"The best hitters in the world strike out three times, four times in the game," Garcia said. "That's kind of normal. You've just got to keep working on being focused on the game and trying to do my best."

Really, Garcia's earlier-than-expected return to the team is more about work than it is results as the Sox begin to train their eyes on 2015. Garcia said after Sunday's game that he will continue to work on his plate discipline, which has been spotty at times.

"(The Yankees) threw me a lot of sliders, a lot of changeups," Garcia said. "I'm just trying to leave alone the outside stuff on the plate. I've been working on it."

Garcia returned to the team for one of its worst stretches of the season. The Sox have lost seven of eight games since he has been back, and Garcia would be happy to help the Sox break out of that slump.

"It's tough, but you've got to be positive," Garcia said.

Roster moves: The Sox optioned outfielder Jordan Danks to Triple-A Charlotte on Monday after he played in 12 games this month as an injury replacement.

The move clears the way for the return of center fielder Adam Eaton from the 15-day disabled list, likely for Tuesday's game against the Indians at U.S. Cellular Field.

Eaton has been on the DL with a strained right oblique since Aug. 9 and recently played two games with Charlotte on a rehab assignment, going 3-for-10 with two runs and an RBI.

Danks, who returned to the Sox for the first time since May, reminded that he is a strong defensive option in the outfield and also went 11-for-38 with a home run, four runs, four RBIs, two walks and 11 strikeouts.

Danks likely will rejoin the Sox next week when rosters expand on Monday.

The Sox also sent outfielder Moises Sierra on a rehab assignment to Charlotte on Monday. Sierra is on the DL with a strained left oblique. Rodon report: In two starts with Charlotte, left-handed pitching prospect Carlos Rodon has allowed two earned runs on two hits, walked five and struck out 11 in seven innings.

Sox option Danks to clear space for Eaton's return

By Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune

The optioned outfielder Jordan Danks to Triple-A Charlotte on Monday after he played in 12 games this month as an injury replacement.

The move clears space for the return of center fielder Adam Eaton from the 15-day disabled list, likely for Tuesday’s game against the Cleveland Indians at U.S. Cellular Field.

Eaton has been on the DL with a strained right oblique since Aug. 9 and recently played two games with Charlotte on a rehab assignment, going 3-for-10 with two runs and an RBI.

In his return to the Sox for the first time since May, Danks reminded the team that he was a strong defensive option in the outfield and also was 11-for-38 with a home run, four runs, four RBIs, two walks and 11 strikeouts at the plate.

Danks likely will return to the Sox next week when rosters expand to allow for September call-ups.

Series preview: Indians at White Sox

By Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune

All games on WSCR-AM 670.

Season series: Sox 8-5.

Tuesday: 7:10 p.m., CSN-Plus, CLTV.

LH T.J. House (2-3, 3.80) vs. LH Jose Quintana (6-10, 3.25).

Wednesday: 7:10 p.m., WCIU-26.

RH Corey Kluber (13-7, 2.46) vs. RH Hector Noesi (7-8, 4.39).

Thursday: 7:10 p.m., CSN.

RH Carlos Carrasco (5-4, 3.14) vs. LH (9-8, 4.96).

Who's hot: The Indians' Jose Ramirez is 15-for-37 with four runs and five RBIs in his last 10 games. Zach Walters hit homers in three straight games last week. Sox Jose Abreu is 8-for-22 with two homers and five RBIs over the last two Sox series. Alexei Ramirez is 7-for-25 with three doubles, a homer and three runs scored in his last six games.

Who's not: The Indians' Michael Brantley is 2-for-22 over his last six games. Sox Tyler Flowers is 2-for-28 in his last 10 games. Adam Dunn is 0-for-14 with seven strikeouts and one walk in his last four games.

Tyler Flowers faces an uncertain future with White Sox

BY DARYL VAN SCHOUWEN / Chicago Sun-Times

ON DECK

INDIANS AT WHITE SOX

Tuesday: T.J. House (2-3, 3.80 ERA) vs. Jose Quintana (6-10, 3.25), 7:10 p.m., CSN+, 670-AM, 97.5-FM.

Wednesday: Corey Kluber (13-7, 2.46) vs. Hector Noesi (7-8, 4.39), 7:10 p.m., Ch. 26, 670-AM, 97.5-FM.

Thursday: Carlos Carrasco (5-4, 3.14) vs. John Danks (9-8, 4.96), 7:10 p.m., CSN, 670-AM, 97.5-FM.

White Sox general Rick Hahn will table discussion about Tyler Flowers — or most any other 2015 personnel decisions — until the end of the season.

And that’s OK with Flowers, who knows he’s just good enough to have a starting job and not good enough to let his guard down. While he knows the Sox like how he handles his defensive responsibilities and he takes satisfaction in coming back from a shoulder injury last year, Flowers realizes he is a trade, free-agent acquisition or big push by a Josh Phegley from losing his No. 1 status.

“Nowadays, until you get a multiyear [contract], your job is always up for grabs,’’ Flowers said. “Especially in and even during the season, you have younger guys with their own skill sets wanting to get up here, too. It’s always in the air.’’

No. 2 catcher Adrian Nieto ( .247), a Rule 5 pick who hasn’t played above Class A in the minors, needs full-time work to develop defensively and could get that in the minors next season. But Phegley, a likely September call-up, is hitting .283 with 22 homers and 72 RBI for Class AAA Charlotte.

Hahn knows the Sox could do better behind the plate than Flowers, 28. He also is aware that they could do worse at a position which, all around baseball, isn’t oozing with offense.

“I will say that just like last year, we are very pleased with Tyler from a defensive standpoint and the way he’s managed the pitching staff,’’ Hahn said recently when asked if the Sox can win with Flowers at catcher. “That has continued. He hasn’t lost any of that.

“In general, I would say that he can be an every-day catcher on a winning team.” Flowers is batting .235 with nine homers and a career-high 40 RBI in a career-best 108 games. Since April, however, he has hit .198, close to the .195 average he posted last season. As bench Mark Parent said, a lot depends on what the rest of the lineup looks like.

“I could have been the catcher on some teams,’’ said Parent, a .214 lifetime hitter.

“I would expect just from free agency and other issues that the lineup is going to look different next year,’’ Hahn said. “So you do have to evaluate each spot about how it fits: Left, right, power, on base, speed. Whatever elements that each guy brings and how you are balancing out the lineup and the bench.’’

Flowers hopes he is part of the lineup “but you never know,’’ he said. “There’s still a lot of time to potentially solidify that spot or potentially not solidify it. It’s back to the daily grind where someone is coming for your job every day.’’

After having shoulder surgery last year, Flowers wasn’t at all sure he would be signed back by the Sox, who had interest in free agent Brian McCann. Even after he was re-signed, he knew he was not a sure bet to be the team’s No. 1 catcher, let alone a backup.

“Put it this way, I didn’t rent a place up here until I was told I made the team,’’ he said.

A .215 career hitter, Flowers’ performance at the plate has been up and down throughout the season. He hit .354 in April, .208 in May, .129 in June (with a season-best 10 RBI) .269 in July and .189 in August.

He’s not sure what the future brings, but Flowers, a 33rd-round draft pick, believes he will survive.

“I’ll definitely play baseball next year,’’ he said. “I know that. I hope that it’s here. I like where I’m at. I like this group and what we’ve got going here.’’

NOTE: With center fielder Adam Eaton expected to return from his injury rehab at Charlotte for a right oblique strain, Jordan Danks was optioned to Charlotte.

◆ Outfielder Moises Sierra (left oblique) began an injury rehab assignment at Charlotte on Monday.

White Sox need help on defense

BY JOHN GROCHOWSKI / Chicago Sun-Times

When the White Sox traded Gordon Beckham to the Angels last week, many noted that while he was contributing little at the plate, he was a plus in the field.

That’s true on both counts. His 2.8 runs created per game — meaning a lineup of nine Beckhams would average fewer than three runs a game — didn’t fuel any pennant dreams. On defense, he was at plus-1 under Baseball Info Solutions’ runs-saved stat, where zero signifies major-league average.

One run saved doesn’t indicate a defensive whiz, but it does indicate a competent defender. The Sox could have used more of that this season, though not at the cost of carrying as weak a bat as Beckham’s has been. The Sox are at minus-37 runs saved this season. They’ve been above average at only two positions — , where Alexei Ramirez is plus-1 and the team is plus-2, and center field, where Adam Eaton and the team are plus-8. Beckham was plus-1 at second, but the team is at zero overall.

At some positions, the Sox are close enough to zero that you can say they’ve been getting average defense. The team is at minus-1 at catcher, though it’s plus-3 when Tyler Flowers is behind the plate. Sox are a collective minus-3. And the team is at minus-4 in left field, though is at plus-2.

That leaves three positions in double figures on the minus side. The weakest has been right field, where Dayan Viciedo is at minus-9. When he slides over to left or sits out, the other right fielders have added to the deficit, bringing the position to minus-16 overall. Viciedo also is minus-6 in left, more than offsetting De Aza’s contribution.

The Sox are at minus-12 at first base, with the most frequent first baseman, Jose Abreu, at minus-7. Adam Dunn has tacked on the other minus-5.

And at third base, Conor Gillaspie and the team are at minus-11.

The minus-37 overall puts the Sox in a serious hole relative to the best defensive teams in the American League. The East-leading Orioles top the AL at plus-47, followed by the Central-leading Royals (plus-33), Red Sox (plus-27) and Athletics (plus-26).

The Sox have scored 548 runs and allowed 620 on their way to a 59-71 record. If they had an average defender at every position and had allowed 37 fewer runs to cut the total to 583, their Pythagorean record would be 61-69. They’ve lost about two extra games because of defense.

By no means would they want to give up Abreu’s bat for the sake of average defense at first. His cost- benefit ratio tilts far to the benefit side. But shoring up right field, along with another defensive upgrade or two at other spots, wouldn’t hurt.

When contending times come for the Sox, they won’t want to be giving away a couple of games because of defense while opponents such as the Royals are gaining a couple in the field.

Sox to Eaton: Tone down reckless style of play

By Scot Gregor / Daily Herald

After he ran full speed into the fence trying to track down what turned out to be a home run by Adam Rosales during an Aug. 6 game against the , Adam Eaton was initially able to laugh it off.

"The outfield field wall at U.S. Cellular Field: 1, Adam Eaton: 0," he tweeted.

But as Eaton languishes on the disabled list for the second time this season, the Sox' devil-may-care center fielder is beginning to realize his reckless play has become a serious concern.

If you've seen the clip of Eaton hitting the fence at full force, the first reaction is likely -- how is he not out for the season? "After it happened I asked Paul (Konerko), 'When am I going to learn just to kind of think a little bit more in those situations?'" Eaton said.

The White Sox are starting to ask the same question.

On the one hand, they want the 25-year-old outfielder to continue bringing needed energy to the field every day and playing with an aggressive style.

On the other, they want Eaton to understand the importance of self preservation.

On Monday, the Sox optioned outfielder Jordan Danks to Class AAA Charlotte, clearing the way for Eaton (oblique) to come off the DL and play against the Indians Tuesday night at U.S. Cellular Field. Eaton

The White Sox are hoping Eaton thought long and hard about the importance of staying healthy during his second stay on the DL this season.

"Well, we did talk earlier in the year about the headfirst slide and stuff like that, which obviously has played a role in some of his issues," general manager Rick Hahn said. "I think he's learned a little bit about himself in terms of, I don't want to say toning it down, because part of what makes him good is that aggressiveness, but sort of being more selectively aggressive as a means of preserving his health."

Acquired in a three-way trade from the last winter, this is Eaton's first full season in the major leagues.

In addition to learning how to approach opposing pitchers at the plate and opposing hitters in center field, Eaton is obviously learning how fast he can run his engine before it crashes.

"Guys are going to get hurt but I think there are ways for guys to manage it," manager said. "This is not a guy that's played 10 years, so he's got stuff that he'll learn as he goes along, like how important he is to the team to when to run face-first into the wall and when not to when the ball's 10 feet over the fence. So hopefully he can learn that."

When he's not slamming into fences, Eaton is actually an above-average defensive outfielder, and he uses his standout speed to track down drives to the gaps on either side of center.

His bat has been an even bigger bonus, and the left-hander ranks ninth in the American League with a .304 average and ninth with a .370 on-base percentage.

Since he's been on the DL, the White Sox have gone 4-9 and scored 4 runs or more just three times.

"We view him as an important part going forward," Hahn said. "We see the way the offense functions a little bit better when he's at the top playing the way he can play. He knows that. He knows he needs to be out there in order to help us."

Rongey: Bad month aside, White Sox on right track

By Chris Rongey / Daily Herald August is stupid.

Unless the White Sox finish with a strong final week, this will be the worst month they've played in the nearly 5-month-old season. So far, it has been the least productive one in terms of batting average, on- base percentage, runs per game and ERA. They've gone from just a couple of games away from .500 to a team that's 12 under.

Ultimately, the final record this year isn't going to mean a whole lot for next season except to affect the team's draft position in 2015, though an improvement in record from last year to this one gives the appearance that the organization is at least moving forward.

It would be nice for all of us to get to say that the Sox were X-amount of games better in 2014 than the miserable 99-loss season.

Which leads me to a question most of us have been asking since the season was under way: Are the White Sox better than they were in 2013?

At this point, I still think they are. I realize a 59-71 team doesn't exactly shout drastic upswing, but if we examine the foundation of a team that will remain mostly intact, there's plenty of reason to think we'll see some real advancement in 2015.

Why? Well, let's start with the offense. With the additions of Jose Abreu, Avi Garcia and Adam Eaton -- combined with the emergence of Conor Gillaspie and the return of Alexei Ramirez -- the lineup already has taken long strides forward.

The 2013 Sox were statistically one of the two worst hitting teams in the American League, maybe the worst. This year they've leaped to the middle of the pack in categories such as WAR, weighted on-base and OPS.

It's not a world-beating offense, but it's good enough to win, and it's not yet finished.

I can't imagine that getting better production from the two undecided positions (left field and second base) will be difficult. The Sox ranked third worst and worst, respectively, at those two positions in terms of offensive output.

Really, they can only get better. They cannot get any worse.

Pitching, though, is where the Sox will need real help. The top of the rotation is in good hands with Chris Sale and Jose Quintana, so there isn't much to worry about there. John Danks posted a strong first and third month this season but has faltered in the other three.

Barring a trade, Danks will be back, which leaves two spots to fill. Hector Noesi probably has the inside track on one of those spots after making steady improvement since being introduced into the rotation. I believe the final starter in 2015, though, is not on the current roster.

The bullpen has gotten exponentially worse since the middle of the season, and it would be hard to believe that would continue next year.

Considering the fluctuating nature of relievers in general, and the fact it has been years since the Sox have allowed the bullpen to remain awful in consecutive seasons, there's a good chance this doesn't happen again. At least I hope not.

There's no doubt general manager Rick Hahn and company have their work cut out for them, for sure, and there's plenty yet to be decided. However, I like the general direction the rebuild is heading. Like last year, this will be a fascinating off-season.

Sale, Rodon: Similar but different

By Doug Padilla / ESPNChicago.com

CHICAGO -- Despite their similarities, Chris Sale and Carlos Rodon figure to be different enough to form a formidable 1-2 punch at the head of the Chicago White Sox's rotation one day.

Rodon and Sale are both talented left-handed pitchers who were high draft picks and look to be on a similar route from college starter to a major league roster in the same year. Both compliment a plus with an impressive slider.

The White Sox haven’t announced what is next for Rodon, who has made two starts at Triple-A Charlotte this month. It is suspected, though, that the 21-year-old will be called up to the major leagues when rosters expand in September.

Rodon’s first taste of the major leagues could be out of the bullpen, just as it was for Sale, but he could be in the club’s rotation as early as next season. If Sale and Rodon end up pitching back-to-back in the rotation one day soon, their differences could prove to be an advantage.

As White Sox center fielder Adam Eaton observed this past weekend while on an injury rehab assignment at Charlotte, these aren’t copy-cat sliders.

“It’s good,” Eaton said about Rodon’s slider. “It’s short but it’s very late (breaking). It’s definitely not a Chris Sale slider that will break two feet, a foot and a half. A Rodon slider is kind of short has kind of the same type of arm action as a (fastball). Both are very effective, but definitely different-looking.”

Rodon’s first two Triple-A outings have been impressive. He gave up one run on one hit over four innings Sunday against Norfolk, while striking out eight. Last week against Gwinnett, he gave up one run on one hit over three innings while striking out three.

The White Sox continue to build Rodon’s (he threw 73 pitches Sunday), all while declining to outline the plans they have for him in the near future. General manager Rick Hahn won’t say if Rodon is coming up to the major leagues in another week, although he did seem to suggest that if he did, he would be a reliever.

Rodon said he doesn’t know the plan, when asked about it by reporters in Charlotte on Sunday.

“I have no idea,” he said. “I assume probably (pitching for Charlotte) Saturday.”

Beyond that, only the front office seems to know for sure.

Despite his impressive results during his short time in the White Sox’s organization, Rodon sounded like a guy who is still looking to refine some things.

“I felt good, better command, struggled a little bit but made an adjustment and it ended up working well,” he said after Sunday’s start. “(The slider) wasn’t bad. A lot of them were for strikes and I need to work on getting it down to be somewhat of a chase pitch.”

Adam Eaton expected to return Tuesday

By Doug Padilla / ESPNChicago.com

CHICAGO -- While he admitted he was a little uneasy when his rehab assignment began this past weekend, Adam Eaton appears to have passed all tests for his strained left oblique and is expected to rejoin the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday.

Eaton played in just two games with Triple-A Charlotte on Saturday and Sunday, going 3-for-10 (.300) with a pair of runs scored.

“To be honest I was very nervous going into it,” Eaton told reporters in Charlotte. “I’ve never had an injury like this before and to come out of it after two days and to have the confidence I do, I’m extremely happy with it.”

Eaton struck out twice Sunday and that might have been the biggest test of all.

“I feel more confident every time I go up there with my side,” Eaton said. “The more swings I can put on balls (the better). When I swing and miss, it’s still a positive, feeling it out and getting more confidence.”

When the White Sox open a seven-game homestand Tuesday with a three-game series against the Cleveland Indians, Eaton is expected to take the roster spot of Jordan Danks, who was optioned back to Triple-A Charlotte. Outfielder Moises Sierra (oblique) was also sent to Charlotte to begin a rehab assignment.

Eaton crashed into the U.S. Cellular Field fence on Aug. 6 while chasing a fly ball that easily left the park for a home run. A few days later, his oblique injury surfaced and he has been out ever since.

“That was the plan, I think it was 8-to-12 at-bats, two or three games and see where it’s at,” Eaton said. “It’s in a good place right now and we’ll continue treatment for right now."

White Sox look for fresh start as they kick off new series

Associated Press

(AP) -- A strong stretch by the rotation has played a major role in the Cleveland Indians staying in the playoff hunt.

A matchup with the offensively challenged Chicago White Sox should give them a good chance to continue their roll.

The Indians go for their 10th win in 14 games while trying to send the AL Central-worst White Sox to a seventh consecutive loss in the first of three at U.S. Cellular Field on Tuesday night.

Cleveland starters have posted a 1.71 ERA during a 9-4 stretch, helping the Indians (66-63) recover from a four-game losing streak that had dropped them two games under .500. They've gained 3 1/2 games on Detroit over that span, but have lost ground to a red-hot Kansas City team that has moved into first place in the Central. The Indians are also part of a crowded battle for a wild-card spot.

"We have our work cut out for us, but if we pitch like that we're going to give ourselves a chance," manager Terry Francona said following Sunday's 3-1 home win over Houston.

[MORE: Lindstrom hopes to lend experience to White Sox bullpen in 2015]

T.J. House (2-3, 3.80 ERA) had been shuffled between the major league roster and Triple-A before settling into the rotation nicely of late. The rookie left-hander, who hasn't given up more than three earned runs in his last eight starts, lowered his August ERA to 1.65 by allowing four hits over 5 1-3 innings of Wednesday's 5-0 win at Minnesota.

House pitched well in his only career start against Chicago, surrendering one run with eight strikeouts over 6 1-3 innings May 28. He didn't get a decision as the White Sox rallied against the bullpen for a 3-2 home win.

Now House is looking for a similar effort against a Chicago team that has totaled 16 runs during its worst slide of the season.

Avisail Garcia, Conor Gillaspie and Alexei Ramirez hit home runs Sunday, but the White Sox (59-71) went hitless in their three chances with runners in scoring position and Dayan Viciedo made a critical error in a 7-4, 10-inning loss at Yankee Stadium.

"It is not for lack of effort," Sunday's starter Chris Sale said. "Nobody here is hanging their head. Nobody in here is giving up. Just some unfortunate bounces sometimes. We need to start stringing some things together and win some games."

[RELATED: Frank Thomas joins CSN's coverage of JRW parade]

Chicago could get a boost if Adam Eaton is activated from the disabled list. The center fielder, who hasn't played since Aug. 8, batted .444 in a 19-game span prior to suffering a strained right oblique.

Jose Quintana (6-10, 3.25) will try to lead the White Sox to their ninth win in 14 meetings with Cleveland this season.

The left-hander has gone 3-0 with a 3.07 ERA in seven career starts against the Indians. He's surrendered three runs over 12 innings in a pair of 2014 meetings - both Chicago victories.

Quintana, however, is aiming to halt a three-start losing streak after giving up four runs over six innings in Tuesday's 5-1 home defeat to Baltimore. He's posted a 4.91 ERA during the skid while receiving one run of support in each contest.

Michael Brantley is 7 for 15 with a home run against Quintana, and he's expected back after resting Sunday. The All-Star is in a 3-for-30 slump, but has batted .367 with four homers in his last 15 against Chicago.

Teammate Mike Aviles is 3 for 5 off Quintana and 14 for 35 (.400) against the White Sox this season.

Lindstrom hopes to lend experience to White Sox bullpen in 2015

By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago

As they recover from a volatile season, the White Sox bullpen is likely to require a veteran presence for what promises to be another transition year in 2015.

Matt Lindstrom wants to be that steadying force.

A free agent after 2014, the right-hander hopes to return to a bullpen that general manager Rick Hahn has defined as an area that needs improvement in the offseason. Lindstrom has nearly two seasons with the White Sox under his belt and would like a third to help oversee the transition.

[RELATED - Yankees pay tribute to before final game at Yankee Stadium]

He sees the progress the rest of the team has made this season and doesn’t think the White Sox are far from contention, something he wants to see through.

“I’d like to be a part of something special,” Lindstrom said. “We’ve definitely seen the offense pick up here and I think we’re seeing some guys in the starting rotation learning on the job. I’d like to be a part of it here in Chicago. It’d be fun to win here. We definitely have the talent.”

They need more, especially in the bullpen.

With Lindstrom, 34, out for almost three months and Nate Jones having missed the season, the White Sox bullpen has spent most of 2014 without its two best relievers.

The result is a 4.46 ERA, the team’s highest since the White Sox posted a 5.49 ERA in 2007.

Lindstrom made 32 high-leverage appearances in 2013, posted a 3.12 ERA and induced 15 double plays. But not only did they lose his talent when he suffered an ankle injury in May, they lost his calm demeanor. They have that in bullpen coach Bobby Thigpen but Lindstrom is easily the most experienced reliever the White Sox have.

[MORE - White Sox clear room for Eaton with roster move]

“You’re always hoping you have someone in each area of your team that guys can draw from who has experience,” White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. “He has done a lot of different things in the bullpen.

“Matty has that.”

Lindstrom has maintained his collected manner even in the face of recent struggles. After he returned from the disabled list, Lindstrom gave up six runs, seven hits and walked a batter over two games last week.

But aside from voicing frustration, Lindstrom didn’t budge from his normal self because he has the experience to know how to handle the situation. He’d like another chance to pass that knowledge on to some of his younger teammates. “You just gotta kinda walk in the next day like it didn’t happen and that’s tough to do even for myself because you put so much time and effort into your craft and you want it to go well all the time,” Lindstrom said. “But you’ve got to remember this is where the best play and you’re going to have your ups and downs.

“You have to have that flush-the-toilet mentality. I’ve had to use it a couple times the last couple of days. You just gotta kind of be the same guy every day. If you learn to do that your job becomes a little easier on how to deal with it and you just go about it the same way the next day.

“You have to trust your ability and be confident even when it’s going bad and that’s the toughest thing to do in this game. Sometimes it just doesn’t go your way.”

[MORE - White Sox rookie Carlos Sanchez avoids looking at big picture]

As difficult as this season has been on the White Sox, Lindstrom sees some of the same positives Hahn mentioned last week. Injuries have afforded Jacob Petricka, Zach Putnam and Daniel Webb the chance to gain valuable experience.

The White Sox have gained insight on what each young right-hander can do.

On his sixth team in eight seasons, Lindstrom likes the potential he sees and wants to help the White Sox realize it in 2015.

“I would like to be a part of it,” Lindstrom said. “I like it here in Chicago. Over the last five years, I’ve had to change teams every year. It’s tough to getting to know teammates, gelling together with everybody. I feel like I’ve found a pretty good spot and I’d like to win here.”

White Sox clear room for Eaton with roster move

Tony Andracki / CSN Chicago

The White Sox cleared up some room for Adam Eaton by sending outfielder Jordan Danks down to Triple- A Charlotte.

Eaton is close to returning from the disabled list after a strained right oblique injury and is 3-for-10 in two games on a rehab stint with Charlotte.

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Danks, 28, has a .190 average on the year in Chicago with two homers and nine RBI in 33 games this season.

The Sox called Danks up for the second time this year on Aug. 9 and he hit .289 with a homer and four RBI in 12 games.

Danks figures to be back up in the big leagues sometime next month with rosters expanding Sept. 1.