White Sox will activate Thomas

NOTES

White Sox slugger Frank Thomas will be activated from the disabled list today, making him available to play for the first time since offseason surgery on his left ankle.

Thomas hit just .190 in 11 games on a rehabilitation assignment, but manager Ozzie Guillen said Sunday that Thomas would rejoin the team for its Memorial Day game at home against the Los Angeles Angels.

“He’s healthy and ready to help this team,” Guillen said. “Our offense will be better. He’ll take the pressure off a couple of guys.”

Guillen said he didn’t know if Thomas, who last played for the White Sox on July 6, would be in the starting lineup.

“In the past when we win, it’s because Frank is hot, and when we lose it’s because Frank is not,” Guillen said.

“He’s a big part, but he’s just another player. We’ve been winning with different people. Hopefully, we can continue to do that.”

Thomas was 8 for 42 during his rehabilitation assignment at Triple-A Charlotte. His only home run came in his last game there on Saturday night, when he also had three RBIs.

Guillen said Thomas will take some grounders during pregame drills today before a decision is made on whether he can play first base or be used as a designated hitter and pinch hitter.

Clearing the bases

The Chicago Cubs recalled right-handed pitcher Jon Leicester from Triple-A Iowa. Leicester fills a bullpen spot that opened when the Cubs traded LaTroy Hawkins to San Francisco for right-handers Jerome Williams and David Aardsma. … The Giants designated popular reliever Matt Herges for assignment to make room for new setup man Hawkins. The Giants have 10 days to either trade Herges or release him. … The Tampa Bay Devil Rays optioned left-hander Jon Switzer to Triple-A Durham after their 10-9 loss to the Seattle Mariners. The team plans to fill the roster spot today, when the Devil Rays begin a three-game series at Oakland.