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Make no mistake about it, the reason the Chicago White Sox are in first place in their division is their pitching staff. The White Sox have the best team ERA in baseball at 3.39, and it could be argued that the Dotel-Linebrink-Jenks combination at the back of the bullpen is the best in baseball (I heard Joe Morgan say it, so it has to be true).

So with the Twins refusing to get off their backs, the Sox can't really afford to lose any of their pitchers, and they got some good news on Saturday when they found out Bobby Jenks won't have to spend any time on the disabled list.

The White Sox were concerned enough about the tightness in Bobby Jenks' upper left back that they ordered an MRI and CTScan Saturday. The results were negative and Jenks should be ready to pitch in the Kansas City series starting Tuesday.

The Sox bullpen closer has not appeared since last Sunday against the Cubs, when he allowed a hit and walk but escaped with no runs. Though the tightness is not in his throwing shoulder, it was painful enough that it affected his performance.

It was in that game against the Cubs that the team noticed Jenks was only hitting 91-93 on the radar gun, down from his normal 95-96 range, and became concerned. Considering the struggles that Scott Linebrink has had when he's filled in during 9th innings this season, this is very good news for the White Sox, though it's probably a situation they'll be keeping their eye on.