Gavin Floyd last started a game for the White Sox on July 7. He developed some discomfort in his throwing elbow, and he had his next start pushed back, although an MRI came back clean. It didn't look like Floyd would need to go on the disabled list, as nothing serious appeared to be wrong.

Floyd's now going on the disabled list anyway, to make roster room for Philip Humber, who's back from injury.

The #WhiteSox placed RHP Gavin Floyd on the 15-day DL (retroactive to July 8) with right elbow tendinitis

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) July 17, 2012

This being retroactive to July 8 means Floyd is eligible to return next week. Which means Floyd doesn't stand to miss much more time, provided he feels good and strong. The White Sox are in first place in the AL Central, so they have ground to give, but the Tigers are playing better, so it's not like the White Sox want their players going on the DL all willy-nilly.

Floyd's never before been placed on the DL. There was a time this season that he looked like a mess, as his ERA stood at 5.63 on June 14. But it's down to 4.54, and his peripherals are about as good as ever. A healthy Gavin Floyd could and would be important for the White Sox down the stretch.