Dustin

Hermanson

Hermanson made his first start for Triple-A Fresno Saturday.

The hearing for his three-game suspension won’t occur until next season. The Giants’ closer was the losing pitcher against the Padres last night.

The White Sox want to spend the savings from the Carlos Lee deal on a starting pitcher and keep Hermanson in the pen. If Matt Clement is out of their price range, then there’s a chance Hermanson could end up in the rotation.

An eight-year deal would carry Hermanson through age 40. He’s a proven closer now, so that seems fair.

Pitching coach Dave Duncan acknowledged decision time is fast approaching on what role to assign Hermanson. ''There aren’t enough innings to go around. That’s a problem,’' Duncan said. Cal Eldred, Jason Simontacchi and Garrett Stephenson all appear to be ahead of Hermanson on the depth chart.

Hermanson had back spasms that caused him to miss Sunday’s start. He’ll undergo diagnostic tests today.

Felipe Alou managed Hermanson with Montreal from 1997-2000 when there was talk of him being used as a closer (he had four saves in 2000), and believes Hermanson has the arm and mental make-up to handle the job well. He should be picked up in all leagues.

The Cardinals are liable for his entire $900,000 salary.

Cliff Politte was left in Tuesday’s game a little longer than he would have been because Hermanson’s back was hurting, and he gave up a homer to Alex Rodriguez in the ninth inning. ''If he had given the indication he could have [pitched], he could have started that inning,’' Politte said. ''But if he’s really bothered, then it’s something that he has to make up his mind and say that he can or can’t go. But it has a ripple effect because everybody kind of does their role and then has another hitter or two in the ninth.’'

''It’s tough to pitch like this,’' Hermanson said. ''I wouldn’t wish this upon any pitcher to have to go out and pitch through this. I think it makes you concentrate a little bit more while you’re out there, but you don’t have the stuff that you normally would.’'