Rookie Jordan Danks did enough in his limited opportunities for the White Sox to designate veteran outfielder Kosuke Fukudome for assignment on Friday afternoon.
Fukudome, who had been on the disabled list since June 7 with a strained right oblique, played four games this week in a rehab assignment at Triple-A Charlotte. He was activated off the DL prior to the move.
Fukudome hit .171 in 21 games for the White Sox this season before his injury.
Danks, the younger brother of pitcher John Danks, had his contract selected from Triple-A Charlotte on June 7. He is hitting .385 in 13 at-bats with a stolen base in 10 games.
(Danks) does a lot of different things, White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. He can play all three outfield positions. He can run. He did enough with the bat. Just different things, I think. Its good to give (Fukudome) a chance to go somewhere else and get playing time.
Danks said he understood the reality of his situation when he was first promoted to the majors and thought Fukudome could take his position when he returned. But Fridays announcement gave Danks a second boost as he knows he and Brent Lillibridge are now slated to share backup outfield duties.
When I first got called up, I knew it may only be temporary, Danks said. This does wonders for my confidence. Im glad to be sticking around.
MLB
Fukudome said sticking around Chicago after four seasons with the Cubs was a point of emphasis when he opted to sign a 1 million deal with the White Sox in Februrary.
The Japanese outfielder signed a four-year, 48-million deal with the Cubs before the 2008 season. He hit .262 over four seasons with the Cubs and hit a career-high 13 homers in 2010.