Angels-White Sox postponed by rain

Chicago's series opener against the Los Angeles Angels was postponed due to heavy rains Monday night and rescheduled as part of a traditional doubleheader on Tuesday.

Ventura removed Ronald Belisario from the closer role on Friday after the reliever allowed two runs in the ninth inning to Toronto and has failed to find a permanent ninth inning pitcher since Matt Lindstrom's ankle injury in May.

''The way the bullpen is right now, we're going to by usage, matchups and just the feeling of who you want in there at that time,'' Ventura said on Monday. ''You don't know on a daily basis who you're going to use in which spots.''

The storm hit U.S. Cellular Field just after scheduled first pitch. The postponement was announced at 7:30 p.m.

The first game Tuesday afternoon will start at 4:10 p.m. with Chicago's Hector Noesi (2-5, 5.07) going against Los Angeles' Garrett Richards (8-2, 2.76), who were slated to start Monday night.

Scott Carroll (2-4, 4.76) will go for the White Sox against the Angels' Jered Weaver (8-6, 3.33) in the second game.

Though his team is in the middle of a tough stretch of games, Angels manager Mike Scioscia did not want to be forced to play a doubleheader.

''At some point you're going to have to play the stretch like we're in now, 20 straight, and you want to play,'' Scioscia said. ''A doubleheader does not benefit anyone at any time.''

The postponement also gave Los Angeles slugger Albert Pujols an extra day to rest a groin injury he suffered Sunday during a loss to Kansas City. He remained in that game and was in Monday night's starting lineup set to hit third and play first base.

NOTES: White Sox 1B Jose Abreu, tied for the MLB lead in homers with 25, has found himself at the center of Home Run Derby speculation, but the rookie slugger remained mysterious on his possible participation. ''I'm more concentrated on helping the team right now,'' Abreu said. . Angels SP Garrett Richards has allowed 4 ER over his last five starts and carries a 4-0 record in that span. . Tyler Skaggs will start the series finale on Wednesday for Los Angeles. He will face John Danks (7-6, 4.26).