Coming off an 0-6 road trip when they managed just nine runs, the Chicago White Sox returned home Tuesday and were confronted with more questions about two female blowup dolls than they were about their shaky offense.

Before Sunday's game in Toronto, an unnamed player positioned two nude blowup dolls in the clubhouse with bats of the players fanning out around them — a ritual of sorts to try and get the team out of its slump.

Some found the shrine more tasteless than amusing. Manager Ozzie Guillen said it was a joke that has been blown out of proportion after it got play in the press. General manager Ken Williams, who had lunch Tuesday with Guillen, said he was disappointed by the display and was assured it wouldn't happen again.

"We have proactively tried to and just did so this spring training, organizationally, we brought in some people to discuss a better work environment whether it's gender issues or racial issues," Williams said.

"And we had some very healthy discussions, so from that respect it is very disappointing. And I don't view this as a boys-being-boys type issue. This is you know boys being a little bit careless, a little bit irresponsible on this front."

Guillen, who went on a profanity-filled rant Sunday that also drew headlines around the country, said Tuesday he wouldn't apologize for the presence of the dolls because he didn't think his team did anything wrong inside its own clubhouse.

"I don't think we tried to disrespect or hurt anybody's feelings. We just tried to have fun and to keep things loose. Obviously a lot of people took it the wrong way," Guillen said, adding he did not buy the dolls.

Schilling throws, but isn't ready for mound:Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling tested his ailing shoulder by playing catch on flat ground, but isn't ready to begin throwing off a mound.

"He did good. He looked good," manager Terry Francona said. "It's a good step for him. But he's not ready yet."

The 41-year-old right-hander threw 25 balls from 60 feet away. He'll repeat the exercise Thursday before the Red Sox complete a four-game series against the Tigers.

Cleveland catcher Martinez scratched with stiff neck: Victor Martinez was pulled from the Cleveland Indians lineup because of a stiff neck.

The decision was made during batting practice before the opener of a three-game series against the New York Yankees. Martinez, an All-Star catcher, was replaced by backup Kelly Shoppach, who batted eighth. Jhonny Peralta moved up from fifth in the lineup to Martinez's No. 3 spot.

Martinez has been one of the few dependable hitters for the slumping Indians. He was leading the AL with a .347 batting average, though he hadn't hit a home run and 27 of his 33 hits were singles. Team spokesman Bart Swain said Martinez was day to day.