"Shortstop Alexei Ramirez's sprained right ankle is improving, and he should be able to return Wednesday. That news allowed the White Sox to bolster their short-handed bullpen Saturday.

The Sox sent infielder Brent Lillibridge back to Class AAA Charlotte one day after he was summoned and recalled right-hander Jhonny Nunez.

Nunez, 23, had a combined 3-0 record and 2.45 ERA in 33 relief appearances at Class AA Birmingham and Charlotte. Minor-leaguers were hitting .219 against Nunez, whom the Sox acquired from the New York Yankees as part of the Nick Swisher deal in November.

Ramirez suffered his injury in the series finale Wednesday against the Minnesota Twins at the Metrodome.

''Ramirez is doing better and started running and riding the bike,'' manager Ozzie Guillen said."