Chicago White Sox: Bench Looks to Play a Bigger Role

The Chicago White Sox may find their reserves taking on more responsibility in the next few games as they look to make up ground on the Indians in the AL Central.

Manager Ozzie Guillen had the hot-hitting Brent Lillibridge in center field in place of Alex Rios. Sunday also saw the activation of Mark Teahen from the disabled list.

Both players may figure heavily for the White Sox, at least in the upcoming week.

Guillen is making it clear that Lillibridge is not the permanent man in center field. However, with Rios in a season-long battle with the Mendoza line, Guillen is choosing to get Lillibridge some time in the lineup.

The hope is that a few days off will get Rios back on track. With a .301 average and seven home runs on the season, Lillibridge has earned the opportunity for more at-bats. His play in the outfield has been solid, which is why Guillen figures he can sit his best outfield glove for a few games.

Teahen has been out of action since May 11 with an abdominal strain. He had eight rehab starts in the minors and comes back to the team at an opportune time.

With Paul Konerko coming off a procedure on his wrist a few days ago, Teahen gives the White Sox another option at first base. As Adam Dunn continues to struggle, watch to see if Guillen decides to get Teahen back into the mix with some starts at first or DH.

Teahen's return may prove to be vital if he can contribute to the offense. With Teahen, Lillibridge and Omar Vizquel all playing well, it would give Guillen some much-needed flexibility.

As an emergency starter Friday night, Dunn collected his first hit against a left-handed pitcher this season. His last 11 games has seen him hit just .111, and his average sits at a dismal .178 for the season.

Teahen is not setting the league on fire, hitting just .228. With Dunn hitting 50 points lower and Konerko's wrist issues, he still may get a few starts at first.

Guillen has two choices at this point of the season: He can continue to pencil in Rios and Dunn night after night no matter what and hope they eventually figure it out at the plate, or use his bench to help keep the team afloat until that happens.

Hopefully, Teahen and Lillibridge can lead a surge by the reserves in June and help win some ball games.