A.L. Central.(BASEBALL)

CHICAGO WHITE SOX

RHP Jose Contreras (sciatica) was placed on the D.L. last week as a precautionary measure. He is expected to return to action this weekend against the Cubs. Contreras' absence created an opportunity for RHP Charlie Haeger, but Haeger threw his knuckleball too hard and couldn't find the plate in his only start. RHP Brandon McCarthy was expected to take Haeger's rotation spot.... Off-days during the last homestand allowed CF Brian Anderson to work with hitting coach Greg Walker on refining his swing. The rookie responded with five hits, including two home runs, and four RBIs in his next 14 at-bats. TSNUMBER: 23--Quality starts by the rotation, most in the A.L., in the club's first 35 games. Despite an increase in offense with the addition of DH Jim Thome, the team's success still begins and ends with its pitching.--Scott Merkin

CLEVELAND INDIANS

Two rotation newcomers, RHPs Paul Byrd and Jason Johnson, have been a disappointment. The club has hot prospects Jeremy Sowers and Fausto Carmona pitching well in the minors, but the contracts of Byrd ($14 million over two years) and Johnson ($3.7 million in '06) wouldn't make an overhaul easy.... CF Grady Sizemore continues to provide a spark at the top of the lineup. During a recent series against the Royals, Sizemore led off consecutive games with a triple. Manager Eric Wedge says Sizemore consistently puts together high-quality at-bats that give his teammates a read on what the opposing pitcher is throwing. TSNUMBER: .032 (1-for-31)--The percentage of runners C Victor Martinez had thrown out through 35 games. The ability of opposing players to steal at will has compounded the pitching staff's early struggles.--Anthony Castrovince

KANSAS CITY ROYALS

With OFs David DeJesus, Shane Costa and Reggie Sanders all missing time because of hamstring injuries, Kerry Robinson has had a rare opportunity to play every day. He has added some much-needed speed to the lineup. Robinson, 32, is at his best when he slaps the ball to all fields and keeps it on the ground. He is solid defensively.... DH Mike Sweeney suffered a bulging disk in his upper back in early May and still is hurting. He likely will miss a significant number ...