White Sox optioned INF Brent Morel and RHP Deunte Heath to Triple-A Charlotte; reassigned INF Carlos Sanchez, LHP Daniel Moskos and RHP Zach Stewart to minor league camp.

Morel batted .216 (8-for-37) with two homers and an 8/1 K/BB ratio in 18 games this spring. While he opened last season as Chicago's starting third baseman, he'll now serve as infield depth in the minors.

Brent Morel played an inning at shortstop in Thursday's Cactus League game against the Brewers.

It's the first time he's played the position since he was there for 17 games in 2010 at Triple-A Charlotte. The White Sox are trying to increase Morel's versatility as he fights for a bench job. "We went to him, and he's done it before in the past in the minor leagues, as well as second base," manager Robin Ventura said. "With all the guys competing for jobs, it's good to be able to have a little versatility like that."

White Sox manager Robin Ventura said that Brent Morel could get some reps at other infield positions during spring training in order to increase his versatility.

Ventura last month said that Morel is "still in the mix" for the team's third base job, but the reality is that Jeff Keppinger has that position locked up. Thus, Morel will enhance his chances of winning an Opening Day roster spot if he can show the ability to play multiple positions. Morel was limited to just 35 games due to a back injury last season, but he's healthy now and, according to Ventura, showing better bat speed.

White Sox manager Robin Ventura said Brent Morel is "still in the mix" for the team's third base job.

Morel is coming off a disastrous 2012, and was limited to just 35 games due to injury before finishing out the season at Triple-A Charlotte. The White Sox have since signed Jeff Keppinger to a three-year deal, but Morel will be given an opportunity to compete for a roster spot in spring training. The 25-year-old has a .230/.273/.338 batting line and .612 OPS over parts of three seasons in the majors and remains well off the fantasy radar.

White Sox activated INF Brent Morel from the 15-day disabled list; optioned him to Triple-A Charlotte.

Morel is finally recovered from his lumar back strain, but there's no need for him at the major league level now that Kevin Youkilis is the regular third baseman. He figures to return when rosters expand in September.

Brent Morel (lumbar strain) has moved his rehab assignment to Triple-A Charlotte.

Morel hit just .227 with four doubles over seven games for High-A Winston-Salem, not that it really matters. With Kevin Youkilis currently the White Sox's everyday third baseman, he could remain in the minors when healthy.

Brent Morel (back) went 0-for-2 with a strikeout as the designated hitter Friday in his first rehab game with High-A Winston-Salem.

It was Morel's first game action since he was shut down from an earlier rehab assignment in June. The White Sox don't have much of a need for him with Kevin Youkilis in the fold, so they aren't going to rush him back. It's possible he could be optioned to Triple-A once he's deemed ready.

Brent Morel (back) is scheduled to restart a minor league rehab assignment Friday with High-A Winston-Salem.

Morel has been sidelined for two months with a lumbar back strain and suffered a setback during his first rehab assignment last month. The White Sox have Kevin Youkilis at third base now, so given that Morel was struggling even before the injury, he figures to stay with Triple-A Charlotte once he shakes the rust against lesser competition.

Brent Morel (back) is on a strengthening program and, according to Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times, "won't be back any time soon."

The White Sox have been frustrated by Morel's back ailment, as he's had numerous setbacks and they haven't been able to figure out exactly what's wrong with him. The club figures to seek help outside the organization for third base, but for now they're going with the slumping Orlando Hudson, who was benched Thursday after committing a big error that led to Wednesday's loss.

Brent Morel is feeling more back discomfort.

Morel left a rehab game Thursday at Triple-A Charlotte after experiencing the pain. He'll likely rest for a few days before trying again. The 25-year-old third baseman is batting .177/.225/.195 with zero home runs through 125 major league plate appearances this season.

Brent Morel left Thursday's rehab game with Triple-A Charlotte after just one at-bat.

No word yet on the reason for his exit. The 25-year-old is currently rehabbing a lumbar back strain.

White Sox manager Robin Ventura said Brent Morel (back) will stay with Triple-A Charlotte until he gets a "clean bill of health."

Morel is hitting .333 (7-for-21) with a double over his first six rehab games. While his health is important, the White Sox likely want to see him continue to have success with the bat. The 25-year-old was batting just .177/.225/.195 with zero homers and a miserable 39/7 K/BB ratio across 125 plate appearances prior to going on the disabled list.

Brent Morel (back) is 4-for-8 with a double and three runs scored over his first two minor league rehab games with Triple-A Charlotte.

Morel, who is currently rehabbing a lumbar back strain, played all nine innings at third base on Thursday. The 25-year-old is eligible to return from the disabled list on Saturday, but he'll likely need a couple more days.

Brent Morel (back) is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment Tuesday at Triple-A Charlotte.

Morel worked out on the field before Monday's game in Tampa Bay and told reporters that he's "feeling better than I have all year." The 25-year-old third baseman should return to the White Sox early next week.

Brent Morel (back) hopes to begin a rehab assignment by the middle of next week.

Morel took grounders Sunday without any apparent issues. His rehab assignment wouldn't figure to last long, so he should be back no later than mid-June if he doesn't have any setbacks.

White Sox placed 3B Brent Morel on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 18, with a lumbar back strain.

As expected. Morel's lower back failed to respond to a cortisone shot earlier this month, so the White Sox hope an extended absence will do the trick. The 25-year-old ended last season with some momentum, but he's batting just .177/.225/.195 with zero homers and a miserable 39/7 K/BB ratio across 125 plate appearances this year. The newly-signed Orlando Hudson will fill in for him at the hot corner.

Brent Morel was scratched from Friday's lineup due to a recurrence of his lower back pain.

Morel missed a handful of games earlier this month with the ailment but had returned to play over the last week. Clearly, the issue isn't behind him. Eduardo Escobar is taking his spot at third base.

Brent Morel returned to action on Saturday May 12.

Brent Morel is out Wednesday with back soreness.

Eduardo Escobar drew the start at third base against the Indians. Morel is being called day-to-day.

Brent Morel is back in the starting lineup for the second game of Monday's doubleheader against the Indians.

Brent Lillibridge started in his place in the first game and went 0-for-4 with a sacrifice fly. Morel is hitting just .188/.225/.212 in 27 games this season and has shown very little reason for optimism recently, so he could continue to lose playing time in the days ahead.