Chicago White Sox Closer Bobby Jenks Headed to Birmingham Barons

MLN - THE RAW FEED - www.mlntherawfeed.com - BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The Birmingham Barons are expected to welcome Chicago White Sox closer Bobby Jenks Wednesday when the Barons begin a five-game road trip at Montgomery. Jenks, a member of the Barons bullpen in 2005, is concluding a brief Minor League rehab assignment for the White Sox.

Jenks was placed on the Major League Disabled List on July 9, retroactive to June 30, with scapular bursitis in his left (non-throwing) shoulder. He tossed a pain-free bullpen session with Chicago this past Saturday. He joined the White Sox' A-Advanced affiliate, Winston-Salem, Monday and tossed an inning of work at Kinston (N.C.). Jenks surrendered a run on three singles and threw 11 of his 18 pitches for strikes.

Jenks is expected to work in Birmingham's contest at Montgomery on Wednesday, although it is not known how many innings he would pitch or at what point in the game he would appear. According to White Sox officials, his appearance is subject to change.  After pitching for Birmingham, Jenks would return to Chicago to be activated from the DL when the second half of the season begins Friday against Kansas City.

The 6'3", 275-lb. closer began the 2008 season with a 2-0 mark, 18 saves (in 21 chances), and a 1.95 ERA for Chicago. He has struck out 19 and walked only 8 in 32.1 innings of work spread over 32 contests. He is a two-time American League All-Star selection and last season tied a Major League record by retiring 41 straight batters from July 17-Aug. 12. He was a crucial member of the White Sox bullpen in the team's run to the 2005 World Series title.

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Originally drafted by the Los Angeles (then Anaheim) Angels in the 5th Round of the 2000 draft out of Inglemoor (Wash.) HS, Jenks was eventually released by the Angels in 2003 and signed by Chicago. He joined the Barons prior to the 2005 season and collected a 1-2 record, 19 saves, and a 2.85 ERA in 35 contests. He fanned 48 batters and walked just 20 in 41 innings before being promoted to Chicago in July. Since Birmingham became a White Sox affiliate in 1986, Jenks became the 39th player transferred directly from the Barons to the parent club.

Birmingham and Montgomery are scheduled to square off Wednesday night at 7:05 pm at Riverwalk Stadium in the opening game of the season's second half. RHP Kyle McCulloch (6-7) was originally slated to start for Birmingham and is still expected to work. He will be opposed by Biscuits LHP Jino Gonzalez.

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