The timetable on Carlos Quentin returning to the starting lineup is still a bit blurry, but for the first time in over a month, the White Sox at least now have a starting point with their All-Star left fielder.

Manager Ozzie Guillen announced on Friday that Quentin was sent out to Class AAA Charlotte and was scheduled to play three innings with the Knights on Saturday.

The 2008 MVP candidate has been on the shelf with plantar fasciitis in his left foot since May 26. He said last month that even if the tendon in the foot holds up the rest of the season, he could be facing offseason surgery.

If it doesn't hold up?

"We're aware that if a relapse happens where the tendon ruptures even more, well that's major," Quentin told the Sun-Times three weeks ago.