Ventura: A-Rod has put together impressive career

The statistics say Alex Rodriguez is one of the greatest players in major-league history.

That doesn't mean he's a surefire Hall of Famer.

In a news conference held Sunday morning at Yankee Stadium, New York announced Rodriguez will play his final game Friday and then become a special adviser and instructor with the Yankees.

White Sox manager Robin Ventura played for New York in 2002-03. The 41-year-old Rodriguez joined the Yankees in 2004 after breaking in with the Mariners and signing a 10-year, $252 million contract with the Rangers before the 2001 season.

"When he first came up, you're talking about an 18-year-old kid that makes it to the big leagues," Ventura said. "I think today you look at (Bryce) Harper or when Ken Griffey Jr. made it. When guys make it that young, I think guys that have been around awhile, you're in shock, first, that they can do that at such a young age.

"But even playing 20-something years is impressive as well."

There is little doubt Rodriguez has had an impressive career, given his 696 home runs, three MVP trophies and 14 trips to the All-Star Game.

But Rodriguez might never make it to Cooperstown after twice admitting to using performance-enhancing drugs. The third baseman was suspended the entire 2014 season and playoffs for using PEDs.

Power surge:

After failing to hit a home run in 32 straight games, Jose Abreu has cleared the fence three times in his last four.

On Sunday, Abreu hit a solo shot off Baltimore starter Dylan Bundy in the sixth inning.

"Just his hands," Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "It's always his hands working, but it's going to also be pitch selection and his aggressiveness. He just looks better. The way his bat's coming through the zone, it's a little quicker."

Injury update:

Injured center fielder Austin Jackson was in the White Sox's dugout Saturday night at U.S. Cellular Field, but he's still not close to getting back on the playing field.

Jackson had surgery on June 15 to repair a medial meniscus tear in his left knee, and he initially was expected to miss a minimum of six weeks.

It has been nearly eight weeks since the surgery and the Sox still aren't sure when Jackson is coming back.

"I don't know if he can play center any time soon, but he looks great," manager Robin Ventura said. "It was nice seeing him and I think guys like seeing that. But I don't think we're necessarily any closer to him coming back and playing."

Signed to a one-year, $5 million contract on March 6, Jackson hasn't played since June 9.

Second baseman Brett Lawrie has been on the disabled list since July 22 with a strained left hamstring and left-knee issue.

"We're hoping he's getting closer," Ventura said. "I'm hoping he actually gets closer within the next week or so to be able to get out and do a rehab assignment. He hasn't really been able to get out here and get on the field and hit.

"We're hoping he can do that first and jog around a little bit and then be able to go on a rehab assignment."

Alex Avila has been sidelined since July 6 with a right-hamstring injury. Set to return to the Sox after spending 15 days on the DL, Avila reaggravated the hamstring in a rehab game with Class AAA Charlotte.

"He's doing better, but he's still not at the point where he can let it go," Ventura said. "He jogged a little bit (Saturday) and there's still something there that's not comfortable."