The Pistons activated rookie forward Rodney White from the injured list before Tuesday's game with Phoenix, but the real surprise occurred when they put rookie center Ratko Varda on the active roster for the first time this season.

To make room for White and Varda, the Pistons placed forwards Brian Cardinal (tendinitis) and Victor Alexander (back spasms) on the injured list.

White had been on the injured list since Jan. 5 with a sprained left ankle he suffered during warm-ups two days before in Houston.

He and Varda got mop-up time in the 99-71 loss to the Suns, each scoring five points. It was White's 11th game this season