Armando

Rios

Rios singled in a run Wednesday as a pinch-hitter, while Rowand (0-for-6, one strikeout) and Lee (0-for-6, four strikeouts) are both off to sluggish starts.

Rios was released immediately after serving a suspension. The reason for the suspension wasn’t provided, but it was most likely related to his role in the BALCO scandal.

''I’ll probably run him out there again Tuesday, just to keep his little streak going,’' manager Jerry Manuel said of Rios. ''If we’re not scoring runs, I have to go with somebody who’s driving them in.’' Rios has five RBI in 16 at-bats. Rowand, meanwhile, is hitting .188 and can expect Rios to take more playing time from him the longer his slump continues.

Rios is expected to be back in the lineup tonight for his third straight start. He’s playing well, knocking in three runs on two doubles last night, and is helped by the fact that neither Aaron Rowand nor Carlos Lee has gotten going. Rios isn’t going to be a long-term regular with the White Sox, but ride him while he’s hot.

Rios joined the Cardinals’ Triple-A club in Memphis last week. He hit well for Baltimore’s Triple-A team in Ottawa, but this news could prevent the Cardinals from considering him for a callup.

Rios was designated for assignment after Carl Everett was acquired last week.

Expect manager Jerry Manuel to stick with the hot hand and start Rios in center field again tomorrow. The outfielder is worth picking up in AL-only leagues.

He went 3-for-6 between the two games. Rios, who didn’t play in the majors last season, is batting .288/.348/.496 with five home runs in 125 at-bats.

Rios, who didn’t play in the majors last season, hit .294/.370/.508 in 38 games in Puerto Rico this winter. He could have a slim chance of beating out Michael Restovich or Eric Munson for a bench spot.

Rios, who was signed to a minor league contract by the Twins in January, is now a free agent.