Abreu could play third base when Sox visit Milwaukee
Jose Abreu said he played more than 50 games at third base for Cienfuegos in his native Cuba.
Abreu also said he hasn't played the position in five years.
When the White Sox play a three-game interleague series at Milwaukee Monday, is Abreu going to move from first base to third?
"There's a possibility of that," manager Robin Ventura said.
Abreu has been taking some groundballs at third during batting practice this season, including during Friday's abbreviated session.
The Sox-Reds game was rained out Friday night and will be made up Saturday as part of a straight doubleheader. Game 1 starts at 3:10 p.m.
Abreu, the White Sox's regular first baseman, was surprised to hear he might play third against the Brewers.
"I didn't know it," Abreu said through an interpreter. "If it is the best for the team, I will be very glad to do it. That's it. I'm always trying to help the team."
If Abreu plays first base at Milwaukee, where there is no designated hitter, Adam LaRoche would have to sit out. If LaRoche played first, Abreu would have to sit.
That's why third base is an option with Abreu.
"I know that when he did his workouts and things like that, (Sox vice president) Kenny (Williams) was talking about him playing third base," Ventura said. "Part of it was him going over there and taking groundballs, and seeing him take groundballs, he can do it. I'm not saying any of these guys, when they go to a position, they're comfortable with. It might not be his best position but he can play. So if we need that offense to stay in there with LaRoche, we can move him over to third base. I'm not afraid to do that."
Ventura, a standout third baseman during his playing days, is not afraid of Abreu getting hurt on the other side of the diamond.
"Not if he's on the corner," Ventura said. "I think if I tried playing him at second base or maybe in the outfield, that might be a different thing. But playing the corner, it seems pretty natural for him. He won't be catching."
Doubleheader information:
After being rained out Friday night, the White Sox will play a doubleheader against the Reds Saturday at U.S. Cellular Field.
Hector Noesi starts Game 1 against Cincinnati's Johnny Cueto at 3:10 p.m. In Game 2, which starts 30 minutes after the opening game, Carlos Rodon makes his first major-league start and opposes Jason Marquis.
Even if Rodon pitches well, he is still going back to the bullpen. The Sox are keeping a close eye on the rookie's innings, but Rodon should be in the rotation later in the season.
"He knew coming up here that he was going to be in the bullpen," manager Robin Ventura said. "That's just part of the learning curve of being able to be up here and get people out."