MINNEAPOLIS -- The White Sox will need to make a short-term roster move prior to Friday night's series opener against the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre due to visa problems encountered by Alexei Ramirez, according to general manager Ken Williams.

"I have to do something for the next four days because Alexi won't be able to get into Toronto," Williams told MLB.com before the series finale with the Twins. "Well, he might be able to get in, but we would like to be able to have him come back with us."

According to Williams, the move won't necessarily be the expected addition of outfielder Jerry Owens, who continues to perform well for Triple-A Charlotte. The team could opt for speed in Owens, who could be used as a pinch-runner for the next few days, but it also could go with another reliever.

"It depends on what we get from [Nick] Masset, and whether our need is for another long guy or bullpen piece to make sure we are covered," Williams said.

Having a visa issue involving a Cuban émigré while getting in and out of Canada is not uncommon, Williams pointed out. It's also an issue the team has been working on since Spring Training, to no avail.

Jose Contreras had the same problem during the White Sox first trip into Toronto after he joined the team. The team left the airport for the hotel, while Contreras was "locked in a little room" back at the airport, by Williams' recollection, for 35 to 40 minutes, according to Contreras.

Masset worked four innings in his spot start Wednesday, followed by two nearly flawless innings from Matt Thornton. Ehren Wassermann, Boone Logan and Octavio Dotel also pitched during the 4-3 setback, but Thornton said Thursday's off-day means no workload problem for the relievers.

"With the off-day, you feel great," Thornton said. "We'll feel fresh and ready to go."

Some pundits would push for Ramirez to be sent down to Charlotte in order to get more experience and more consistent at-bats, especially with the utility player hitting .121 entering the Toronto series. Williams is not completely opposed to the idea, if that's the approach best suited for Ramirez and the team.

But it didn't sound as if Williams was sold on that plan at this point, with Ramirez expected back with the team on Tuesday for the start of a three-game homestand against the Twins.

"Here's the thing about [Ramirez]," Williams said. "He's earned his way on this team. [Manager] Ozzie [Guillen] has been able to find him enough playing time, and he's versatile enough where we can go ahead and continue to use him.

"Remember, this also is the first time he's played in anything under probably 70 degrees for quite some time. People don't understand that it's a different game.

"So, even though he hasn't hit the ball especially well," Williams added, "let's allow him to get out there with a little bit more favorable conditions and see what he can do."

As for Owens, the fleet-footed left-handed hitter launched his first home run during Charlotte's 5-2 win over Norfolk on Wednesday. The potential leadoff man raised his average to .306 to go with his five stolen bases in 16 games, and continues to stay on the White Sox radar.

"What I like about this team is we have the ability to go small ball, go with more speed," Williams said. "I feel good that Ozzie is provided with that option. Ozzie only needs to give me the nod and we can give him that type of team without having to go outside the organization."