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player ready...The Sox optioned pitcher Scott Ruffcorn to their Triple-A Nashville team Saturday night and recalled 36-year-old left-hander Atlee Hammaker.
Ruffcorn suffered two losses since he was called up two weeks ago.
Manager Gene Lamont said he would use a four-man starting rotation up to the time of the proposed strike on Aug. 12. The four are Jack McDowell, Alex Fernandez, Wilson Alvarez and Jason Bere.
Bench strength: Seldom-used position players Norberto Martin, Bob Zupcic, Bob Melvin and Craig Grebeck encouraged Lamont by combining to share six of the 12 Sox hits in Friday night’s 5-4 victory over Seattle. Lamont packed his lineup with seven right-handed hitters, everyone except Robin Ventura and Lance Johnson, because the Mariners started a lefty, John Cummings.
“I try to get all of them some at-bats,” said Lamont, “because they have a tough job, and they work hard to prepare themselves mentally and physically to play.”
Lamont may call again soon on his right-handed lineup. He expects Texas to start two lefties in the three-game series in Arlington next week.
Camera day: Ken Griffey Jr., on Friday afternoon, and Frank Thomas, Saturday, took early batting practice sessions, swinging at yellow tennis balls. The two sluggers took part in photo sessions for Sports Illustrated, which plans a piece on them. The photographer lay flat on his back to capture a home-plate view of bat meeting ball.
Farm report: Drew Denson hit his 21st homer as Triple-A Nashville (61-48) beat Omaha 12-1. Glenn DiSarcina had three doubles and three RBIs as Double-A Birmingham (50-37) beat Carolina 6-5 in 10 innings. Class A Hickory (63-42) lost 2-1 to Fayetteville, but Hickory’s Rich Pratt was named South Atlantic League pitcher for July, going 4-0.