CHICAGO -- Chicago White Sox third baseman Mark Teahen was reinstated from the 15-day disabled list before Sunday's 7-3 loss to Detroit while right-hander Jeff Marquez was designated for assignment.
Teahen, who had been out since May 13 with a strained right oblique muscle, returned to the major league roster slightly earlier than expected. Manager Ozzie Guillen had hoped to get Teahen multiple days at a variety of positions while in the minor leagues in preparation for his return to a utility role.
But with Paul Konerko still trying to return to full strength after having a bone chip flushed out of a sensitive area in his wrist, the White Sox elected to bring back Teahen. Following Adam Dunn, the only other option at first base is Omar Vizquel, who has played just one game there and did that on the last road trip.
"Now is also the time that it's getting hot and will be a good time to get a break for Carlos (Quentin) and Dunn and [Konerko]," Guillen said before the game. "Having [Teahen] here will give a chance for (Brent) Lillibridge to play center field and get (Alex Rios) out and get more flexibility in the lineup."
After a rough start on his rehab assignment, Teahen was starting to improve at the plate. He was 6-for-31 in eight games. He started four games at third base, two at first and one in left field and right field each.
"I kind of worked my way through it, but now I've played eight days in a row or whatever it was and it held up well and got loose as I went so it's good," Teahen said about the muscle strain in his side.
Marquez did not appear in a game after his contract was purchased May 30. He had a 3-4 record with a 3.97 ERA in nine starts at Charlotte.
Doug Padilla covers the White Sox for ESPNChicago.com.