Jimenez has surgery, still expected to miss 6-8 weeks

The news on Eloy Jimenez isn't great, but it could be worse.

The White Sox announced their injured left fielder had successful surgery Tuesday morning at Rush Oak Brook Surgery Center to repair a torn hamstring tendon behind his right knee.

Jimenez, who hurt himself running to first base Saturday at Minnesota, is expected to be sidelined 6-8 weeks. That was the initial estimate.

"Obviously, that could adjust as we go through his recovery and rehabilitation," Sox general manager Rick Hahn said. "On the positive side of things, we have some track record and feel pretty confident in that 6-to-8 return time frame depending on any potential setbacks."

Injured starting pitcher Lance Lynn had a similar surgery on April 4 and catcher Yasmani Grandal also had the procedure last year and was out from July 6 through August 27.

More injuries:

Center fielder Luis Robert was not in the starting lineup Tuesday, missing his fourth straight game with a groin injury.

With Wednesday's game against Kansas City moved from 6:10 p.m. to 1:10 due to cold weather, Robert might be able to play the middle game of the series.

Third baseman Yoan Moncada (right oblique strain), who opened the season on the injured list, continues to improve and is aiming to join Class AAA Charlotte this weekend on a rehabilitation assignment.

New relief pitcher Joe Kelly, who signed a two-year, $17 million contract in mid-March, has yet to pitch due to a biceps nerve injury. The right-hander has been making good progress throwing in Arizona and could also be headed to Charlotte for a rehab stint this weekend.

Josh Harrison was back in the lineup as the White Sox's designated hitter vs. the Royals after missing four games with a sore right shoulder.

Closer Liam Hendriks is dealing with back spasms, but the injury is not considered serious.

Generally managing?

Manager Tony La Russa's decision making was the hot topic on social media throughout the Sox's road trip that resulted in an 0-6 showing at Cleveland and Minnesota.

In a 6-4 loss to the Twins Sunday, Bryan Buxton was an obvious intentional walk candidate in the 10th inning.

La Russa let Liam Hendriks pitch to Buxton, and he hit a game-winning 3-run homer.

GM Rick Hahn was asked about the decision Tuesday.

"I have opinions on that, for those involved in decision making," Hahn said. "We have those conversations internally and talk things through as a group."

La Russa, a Hall of Famer, pretty much operates on his own.

"Ultimately, the manager has the lineup card and he's the one who will answer any questions you have about how he's using the players and when and why," Hahn said. "But the front office absolutely has conversations with him and we're trying to provide him with the best information and the staff with the best information to make the best decisions.

"Obviously, from time to time there's stuff that those outside of the clubhouse aren't aware of in terms of a player's health or availability of any issues they may be dealing with. It affects what he's able to do, but in the end it's the matter of giving him everything he needs to make the best decisions."