Hahn: Abreu rehabbing, has no history of ankle trouble
Before signing Jose Abreu to a six-year, $68 million contract, the White Sox did their homework.
On the physical end, there was no history of ankle trouble.
"No, the ankle issues are new," general manager Rick Hahn said. "There was an issue with an arm a while back but nothing related to an ankle."
On Sunday, Abreu landed on the 15-day disabled list with inflammation in his left ankle. He's in a walking boot and the injury does not appear serious.
"He's here today, receiving treatment," Hahn said before Thursday night's game against the Yankees. "He remains in the boot and will stay in the boot through the weekend. We'll re-evaluate next week. So far he's progressing and we continue to be optimistic about him being ready about the time the 15 days are up."
Abreu's ankle has been flaring up off and on since spring training, and the Sox are hoping a couple weeks rest cures the condition.
"It's unfair to project this out as a chronic issue," Hahn said. "Is it something we will have to monitor for the rest of the season? Sure. But with any guy we are going to have to be cognizant with any issue they have. When Nate Jones comes back, his back. Or Chris (Sale) tonight with how his arm is feeling. You are aware of it going forward through the balance of the season."
Pitching change:
With Chris Sale activated off the disabled list, the White Sox cleared a roster spot by designating relief pitcher Frank Francisco for assignment.
The Sox also announced their starters for the rest of the Yankees series. Hector Noesi opposes Hiroki Kuroda Friday night, John Danks opposes Vidal Nuno Saturday afternoon and Andre Rienzo opposes Masahiro Tanaka Sunday afternoon.
Scott Carroll goes from the rotation to long man in the bullpen.
Carroll was 1-3 with a 6.49 ERA in 5 starts with the White Sox.
"They just said, 'Hey, we're going to need to use you in the bullpen as the long guy,'" Carroll said. "I kind of welcomed it. I think it's going to be a great opportunity because it's still going to be able to have some structure, you know, as far as any position in the bullpen. This one has the most structure, as far as a reliever, because I'm going to throw multiple innings, I know I'm going to be out there for a little while and it kind of gives me a chance to still have a routine, even though I'm not starting."
Cruise control:
At some point, Adam Eaton is likely to run full speed and dive headfirst into first base or crash into the fence trying to make a catch.
But after coming off the disabled list Sunday after being sidelined with a strained hamstring, the Sox' center fielder is focused on toning his game down a bit.
"A lot of the guys have been talking to me, Paul (Konerko) and Dunner (Adam Dunn), just little things that I can do to conserve my legs a little better," Eaton said. "If you didn't notice, (Wednesday) I grounded out twice and I gave 80 percent or so but I didn't give my full effort, and that's you know, you need to conserve your legs. And as much as I hate doing it, I really do, it's like pulling teeth for me, but it's something I need to do to play 162 games and be in this lineup every day for these guys."