Tue May 6 13:39:00 2008

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White Sox reinstate Cuban Ramirez from restricted list

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Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - The Chicago White Sox reinstated utilityman Alexei Ramirez from the restricted list Tuesday, allowing the Cuban defector to return to the club after skipping a weekend series in Toronto.

The 26-year-old, a former member of Cuba's national team, would likely have had visa problems traveling between Canada and the United States. He stayed in Chicago during the club's four-game set in Toronto.

In 14 games this season, Ramirez is batting .121 with a pair of runs batted in.

To clear the roster spot for Ramirez the White Sox optioned pitcher Adam Russell to Triple-A Charlotte after Monday night's 1-0 loss. Russell had been recalled for the series as an extra arm in the bullpen for the White Sox, but did not pitch as Chicago was swept by the Blue Jays, extending its losing streak to six games.

Russell, a 25-year-old right-hander, was 1-0 with a 3.27 earned run average in nine relief appearances for Charlotte.