Soto to DL; elbow surgery a possibility, White Sox catcher says

Geovany Soto, left, talks with pitcher Tyler Danish, right, after their pitching session during spring training in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

For the second time this season, the White Sox put catcher Geovany Soto on the 10-day disabled list with right elbow inflammation.

Soto, 34, said he experienced “very sharp pain in the back of the elbow” and said surgery is “a possibility.’’

“Kind of waiting on what’s the best route for us and see what the doctor can tell me about what’s going on,’’ he said before the Sox game against the Twins on Wednesday was postponed by rain.

“Floaters, loose bodies, bone chips,” Soto said. “It’s just unfortunately moving in there and one of those things where you kind of feel sharp, sharp pain.”

Catcher Kevan Smith was recalled from Class AAA Charlotte, as he was when Soto was placed on the DL the first time 27 days ago.

Soto, who was scratched from the lineup Tuesday, has struggled to stay on the field the last two seasons. He was limited to 26 games with the Angels in 2016 because of knee injuries and lasted 10 days before going on the DL on April 13.

Soto has batted .190 with three homers and nine RBI in 13 games.

Smith, 28, was with the Sox from April 13-20, going 1-for-11 over three games. In 14 games with Charlotte, he batted .377 with six doubles, 15 RBI, six walks and a .435 on-base percentage.

“It’s an easy transition,’’ Smith said. “I feel comfortable up here. It feels like I haven’t missed a beat.’’

The Sox probably could use a veteran in their catching mix, but bullpen catcher Mark Salas said the coaching staff is comfortable with Smith and Omar Narvaez, whom they view as intelligent young catchers.

Sox, Twins postponed

The rained-out game against the Twins will be made up as part of a doubleheader starting at 4:10 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 21.

The rainout doesn’t affect the pitching rotation. Left-hander Derek Holland, scheduled to start Wednesday, will pitch Thursday against the Twins’ Phil Hughes with Miguel Gonzalez, Dylan Covey and Jose Quintana facing the Padres this weekend at home.

Anderson mourns

Tim Anderson still is mourning the loss of close friend Branden Moss, 23, who was fatally shot early Sunday after he reportedly came to the aid of a man being assaulted by several others outside a Tuscaloosa, Alabama, bar.

Moss is the godfather of Anderson’s young daughter, and Anderson is the godfather of Moss’ daughter.

“We definitely had a very tight bond,’’ Anderson said Wednesday. “He was very close to me, more so a brother.’’

Manager Rick Renteria gave Anderson the day off Sunday in Baltimore. He was back in the lineup Tuesday.

“Just tears, hurt,’’ Anderson said. “It was tough, just to think about the last conversation and text we had was real tough.’’

A suspect is in custody.

Putnam update

Right-hander Zach Putnam (elbow) had an MRI on Wednesday and expects to play catch Thursday for the first time since going on the DL. Putnam said he hopes to throw off a mound in 10-14 days.

“Everything is good,’’ Putnam said. “Looks like there has been some healing taken place, and I think everybody is comfortable with the progress being made. We aren’t going to jump out there and get on the mound right away. Build up slow.’’

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Email: dvanschouwen@suntimes.com