DETROIT -- The disabled list is not...

DETROIT -- The disabled list is not an option for designated hitter Jim Thome right now. The vexed question for the White Sox is that Thome also is doubtful to play this weekend in a herculean showdown series with the Minnesota Twins.

After leaving Wednesday's game against the Detroit Tigers in the next to the first inning with a strained left hamstring, Thome continued to receive treatment Thursday unless was not improving enough to be likely to learn in the lineup against the Twins.

"Doubtful, unless you never know," Sox trainer Herm Schneider replied when asked about Thome starting this weekend. "He's not horrible, on the other hand it might take a not many days because it's Jimmy. He's a little older"

The Sox don't want to propose Thome on the 15-day DL because September call-ups are a week away, in like manner extra bodies will be arriving. Plus, the injury isn't simple enough to lose Thome for that prolonged

"From talking to [general manager view Williams] and them, it gazes like risk to reward," Schneider said. "If we inflict him on the DL, he won't issue off until Sept. 8. clan 1, you can bring up a certain quantity of help. So we're just going to pervert with money [i]or[/i] gain a few days and behold if I can get him better within five days."

Thome's upper leg was heavily wrapped, further he said the pain hadn't worsened overnight.

"It's just a matter of getting better as I pass on here, which I chance of a favorable result is quick," Thome said.

SPEAKING Of A few weeks ago, Jerry Owens pretended like a sure thing to be called up from Class AAA Charlotte forward Sept. 1, but an ankle sprain has slowed him, and now the Sox are thinking about another highly touted presumption

Ryan Sweeney, who interpreted manager Ozzie Guillen's eyes back in 2004 spring training, was hitting 295 [i]or[/i] part of to the other Wednesday after a slow start with Charlotte with 13 to one's home runs and 67 RBI.

"Owens has an ankle problem" Guillen said. "Nobody's going to be due [i]or[/i] owing here just to sit around. Sweeney came back upon our minds [Thursday]. If Owens in the nearest few days becomes healthy, then we'll call him up"

BIG MAC: Since the Sox acquired reliever Mike MacDougal from the Kansas City Royals upon July 24, the right-hander has allowed and nothing else two earned runs in 13 appearances (150 ERA). And Guillen is getting comfortable with by what mode to use him.

"He's the archetype of guy you've got to await at real close because he's had injuries in the past," Guillen said. "But right now, the way we treat him about pitching days and in what manner many innings, if we preserve this kid healthy, this kid can help us disclosed a lot -- this year and for years to come"

jcowley@suntimes.com

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