White Sox Notebook: Richard will start after call-up

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CHICAGO - Clayton Richard's promotion cost him a trip to the Olympics. Baseball America reported Monday that Richard, 24, was removed from the USA Baseball roster upon his call-up. According to the report, Richard would have to be sent down this week to be eligible. (The Beijing Olympics begin Aug. 8). And considering Richard is starting Wednesday, such a scenario is unlikely. “It happens,” he said. “But this is a dream in itself.” Richard's whole year has been a dream, actually. After starting the season at Double-A Birmingham (6-6, 2.47 ERA), he earned a promotion to Triple-A Charlotte. There, he won all six of his starts. He was named to and started the Futures Game. A week ago, he was named to the Olympic team. Now he's pitching - starting - in the big leagues. “It's been a whirlwind,” Richard said. “It's all been really exciting.” Sox general manager Ken Williams applauded Richard's effort. “Good for him,” he said. “He's taken the ball and run with it. He's established both sides of the plate, he's got a good breaking ball and change-up. “There's a lot to like about Clayton.” Richard, a left-hander, will make his major league debut Wednesday against Texas. “This kid's on a roll now. He's having a good year,” Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said. “Why not take a shot with him to see how he handles it?” Guillen said the stuff should be there - he just hopes he controls his emotions. He should, considering his resumé. “[Richard was] picked for the Futures Game for a reason,” Guillen said. “[He was] picked by the national team to go to the Olympics for a reason. “Hopefully, we find another good pitcher from the minor leagues. We're not going to expect him to be [Mark] Buehrle or one of those guys - hopefully, he's himself.” Richard (6-foot-5) said he pitches off his fastball - he'll sink it, run it inside. Considering his age and experience, he seems composed. “[The Olympics] ... I'm really not sure on how it's going to work out,” he said. “But I know I'm very happy where I'm at.” Buehrle moved up Mark Buehrle will start tonight, not Wednesday. The southpaw's grandfather died this weekend. With services scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, the Sox pushed Buehrle up a day. Guillen said Buehrle didn't want to miss a start, even if it will be on short rest. “It's not that short [of rest] - it will be four days,” Guillen said. Dye healing As expected, Jermaine Dye missed Monday's game against Texas after being hit by a pitch Sunday against Kansas City. However, he said his bruised right knee, though stiff and sore, “feels a lot better.” Dye expects to be in the lineup tonight. “I don't have [a full range of motion] yet, but it's coming along good,” he said. “I'll do treatment the rest of [Monday] and be ready to play [Tuesday].” Dye said he dodged a bullet. “I thought it hit me in the kneecap,” he said. “Any time you get hit in an area like that, there's possible cracks and all that. But the X-rays were negative.” help. I'm going on vacation.”