To make room on the 25-man roster for starting pitcher Jose Contreras, the White Sox optioned pitcher Wes Whisler back to Triple-A Charlotte this afternoon. They also announced the signing of starting pitcher Freddy Garcia to a minor league contract.

Whisler, 26, gave up 2 runs in 1.1 IP at the major league level in limited action. He was 5-3 with a 2.81 ERA for Charlotte before his promotion, and he could either start or continue to work in relief for Charlotte.

Garcia, a member of the 2005 World Series team, will be looked at to provide starting depth after being cut early this spring by the Mets. He spent the end of last season with the Detroit Tigers, pitching in the makeup game at the end of the season. No timetable has been set for his return to the mound.