Jon

Adkins

As the second lefty, Cotts would be the favorite for the job. If the White Sox choose to keep 12 pitchers, Adkins likely would remain in the majors, though Felix Diaz and Arnie Munoz could enter the competition.

Someone had to go with the Padres needing a starter tonight, and the club decided Chan Ho Park wouldn’t require a DL stint. As a result, Adkins loses his spot despite a 3.63 ERA. He’ll be back on Sept. 1.

The Padres had to send Adkins down Monday in order to add a fresh arm. He’s back to join the pen just five days later because Scott Williamson was placed on the DL.

Adkins gave up eight runs in 8 1/3 innings for the White Sox. They shouldn’t have expected much more, given that he had a 5.58 ERA in Triple-A.

Adkins already knew the demotion was on the way. He’s expected to join Triple-A Charlotte’s rotation, but what chance he had of returning to the majors as a starting pitcher has greatly diminished due to Brandon McCarthy’s emergence.

White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper said Adkins will be the first pitcher Chicago calls up when they need a reliever. ''I talked to him and he knows what happened,’' manager Ozzie Guillen said. ''This is one of the guys we’re going to count on.’'

In his effort to make the team, Adkins pitched two scoreless innings yesterday, giving up a lone hit to Todd Helton. ''Ozzie [Guillen] has been behind me from Day 1,’' Adkins said. ''Him giving me the opportunity, I appreciate that.’'

Adkins will be making his season debut after going 4-9 with a 5.58 ERA in 21 starts for Charlotte. He’ll be used in middle relief.

Adkins, who had a 3.83 ERA, replaces Joe Smith in the bullpen. He could be cut to make room for Mike Pelfrey on Saturday.

It was bizarre that the Mets called him up in the first place, especially since he was out of options. Adkins pitched a scoreless inning in his only appearance.