Abreu's 2 home runs power White Sox to win over Tigers in Lynn's return

Lance Lynn came off the injured list Monday and made his first start of the season after having right knee surgery on April 5.

The big right-hander looked rusty while giving up 3 runs on 10 hits in 4⅓ innings while throwing 88 pitches.

Off the mound, Lynn and third base coach Joe McEwing had a heated argument in the White Sox's dugout after the second inning that appears to have been sparked by defensive positioning.

When you're going through a tough stretch like the Sox are, and with Tony La Russa's future as manager in doubt, tensions should be running high.

In the first of three games against the Tigers Monday night at Comerica Park, Jose Abreu lightened the mood with a pair of 2-run homers in the Sox's 9-5 win over Detroit at Comerica Park.

The Chicago Sun-Times asked Lynn about the exchange with McEwing after the game.

"He was trying to get me going," Lynn said.

The 35-year-old pitcher also said the argument was about steak. "Joe kept telling me filet is better than rib-eye," Lynn said.

La Russa, who was close to the near scrap, offered this explanation: "(Lynn) was mad at himself because he made a horse manure pitch. He was made because he didn't make the pitch. It wasn't at Joe. He's never going to blame a coach. It's a huge plus for him that he's accountable.

"Joe's the same way, he's not looking to blame somebody else."

Abreu - who continues to climb out of an early slump that left him with a .197 batting average on May 15 - is now hitting .260 after going 3-for-4 and driving in 4 runs.

In the first inning, he homered off Tigers starter Rony Garcia. In the ninth, Abreu's 2-run shot to center field off reliever Joe Jimenez traveled 444 feet.

Along with Abreu, the rest of the offense is coming alive. Over the last five games, the White Sox have scored 41 runs.

Shortstop Tim Anderson (groin) and left fielder Eloy Jimenez (hamstring) are missing from the lineup, and Jake Burger might be sidelined for a while after being hit by a pitch on the right hand in the fourth inning.

X-rays were negative, and the designated hitter/third baseman is listed as day-to-day. La Russa said Burger's hand was feeling better later in the game.