By Adam Hoge-

U.S. CELLULAR FIELD (CBS) White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski is hoping to return Friday in Texas after suffering a strained oblique Monday.

“Right now he’s aiming for Friday,” manager Robin Ventura said Wednesday. “He could play (right now). It’s just one of those where we don’t want him to re-injure it and be out for any longer.”

Pierzynski missed Tuesday’s game against the Twins and was once again out of the lineup Wednesday after coming down with the injury mid-way through Monday’s win. Thursday is an off day before the White Sox go to Texas to take on the Rangers in a three-game series.

“You never know how bad it’s going to be,” Ventura said. “For him, he’s a tough guy. He could probably play through it, but if he injures it worse then he’ll probably end up on the DL. So it’s better to be protective of it.”

If Pierzynski were to go on the disabled list, either Josh Phegley or Hector Gimenez would likely come up from Triple-A Charlotte to backup.