Abreu still set for Monday return
Jose Abreu's sore left ankle wasn't the problem Saturday as he took part in a simulated game at U.S. Cellular Field prior to the White Sox' 4-2 loss to the Padres.
In his second at-bat against Bradley Salgado, a minor-leaguer and converted shortstop, Abreu was hit by a pitch just above the left elbow.
The game immediately came to a halt, and trainer Herm Schneider bounced out of the dugout to have a look.
Abreu was OK, and he'll go through another practice game Sunday before talking to reporters.
"He did take one in the upper arm but he seems fine," manager Robin Ventura said. "He didn't seem bothered by it."
When asked if Abreu is coming off the 15-day disabled list on time Monday, Ventura said: "Yeah."
That should be a huge boost to a Sox offense that has been in a rut the past week.
"When your 3 and 4 hitter, when they're out, it definitely is not a disturbance but definitely somebody they don't have to avoid as much," leadoff man Adam Eaton said. "It adds a little more presence for us, definitely. We'll be excited to get him back."
Quick hook:
For the second straight start, Sox right-hander Andre Rienzo struggled with his command and was hit hard.
Rienzo lasted just 3⅓ innings Saturday and allowed 3 runs on 7 hits and 2 walks in the Sox' 4-2 loss to San Diego.
"Command was bad," Rienzo said. "My ball was up, my ball was flying. The command was really bad and the walks were back and I don't really like that. It was the same as last year. If I walk a bunch of guys and my balls are up, guys will crush and that happened today."
Welcome back:
Two members of the visiting Padres have ties to the White Sox.
Outfielder/designated hitter Carlos Quentin played for the Sox from 2008-11 and was the team leader in home runs (36) and RBI (100) during his first season on the South Side.
"I was able to establish myself here," said Quentin, who was traded to San Diego for minor-league pitchers Simon Castro and Pedro Hernandez. "When I came here we had great players like Paul Konerko, Jim Thome, Jermaine Dye, a whole veteran team. Basically the whole team that won the World Series (in 2005) was here so it was a crucial point of my career to see how those guys conducted their business and that helped me to become the player I am."
Jose Valentin, who played shortstop for the White Sox from 2000-04, is San Diego's first-base coach.
"It's great to be back here, a lot of great memories," Valentin said. "And the stadium, it looks a lot better than it did when I was here."
Valentin is in his first year on the Padres' staff after managing Class A Fort Wayne to playoff appearances in each of the past two seasons.
"It's great," he said. "Managing in the major leagues is something I think about, but with all of the media stuff you have to do now, and all of the other worries, I'm just enjoying my job now and making sure guys go from first to third and don't get picked off."