"The White Sox have used 33 different lineups in their first 43 games, but there is one spot that probably won't be changed soon.

That's the second spot, where Alexei Ramirez has shown signs of snapping out of a slump that has lingered for most of the season.

Ramirez entered Monday night's game against the Los Angeles Angels batting .304 in his last seven games and has batted three of the last four games in the second spot.

"I think for now, we're going to keep Alexei there at second," fill-in manager Joey Cora said. "First, he's swinging better, and it's better for us."

Cora added that being sandwiched with Scott Podsednik at the leadoff spot and Jermaine Dye, Jim Thome, Paul Konerko and Carlos Quentin hitting behind him will give Ramirez better pitches to hit.

"I don't think they're going to mess around with him," Cora said. "It's good for him in that spot.""