After six losing seasons, Abreu finally heading to playoffs

Jose Abreu has been on Zoom silence for the past week or so, most likely to concentrate on helping the White Sox end a long playoff drought.

The 33-year-old first baseman put out word he'd be available for interviews once the Sox clinched a spot.

That happened on Thursday with a 4-3 win over the Twins at Guaranteed Rate Field.

Afterward, Abreu again declined to talk until Friday, before the White Sox open a three-game series at Cincinnati.

When he does get back in front of the interview camera, Abreu is going to have plenty of things to talk about.

The first is the MVP race. With 2 more RBI and a solo home run in the clincher, Abreu continued to show he's the best player in the American League.

Ranking first in the majors with 51 RBI and 68 hits and second with 17 home runs to go with a .332 batting average, Abreu is a lock to win the trophy.

He's always preferred putting team achievement over individual accolades, so Abreu is likely going to focus his answers on the Sox getting it done this season.

"He was here before me, but we've been here," shortstop Tim Anderson said. "And to finally see that the hard work is paying off, we're kind of heading in the right direction we want to be in."

In Abreu's first six seasons, the White Sox never had a winning record. A free agent at the end last year, he pushed to come back to be a part of a much better roster.

"Obviously, he's a big part of who we are," manager Rick Renteria said. "We're very thankful he's still here and a part of the White Sox. This is where he started his career. He does represent the White Sox in the best way you can possibly represent the White Sox."

Keuchel returns:

Originally expected to start Thursday, Dallas Keuchel is now scheduled to return from the injured list Saturday at Cincinnati.

That would line up the veteran left-hander for Game 2 of the opening round of the playoffs, behind Lucas Giolito. Keuchel, 6-2 with a 2.19 ERA, has been dealing with back spasms.

Jonathan Stiever makes his second major-league start Friday against the Reds.

Temper tantrum:

Twins third baseman Josh Donaldson was ejected from Thursday's game after, wait for it, hitting a home run.

Donaldson had some words for umpire Dan Bellino in the sixth inning before hitting a solo homer. When Donaldson touched home plate, he kicked dirt at Bellino and got the boot.

"We need Josh on the field, out there playing and at third base," Minnesota manager Rocco Baldelli said. "That's when we're at our best. So that's really the end of it. I think we can move past it at this point."

Mendick sent down:

In need of another bullpen arm Thursday in the event Reynaldo Lopez had a short start, the Sox brought up Jose Ruiz from their Schaumburg training facility.

To clear a roster spot, infielder Danny Mendick was sent back to Boomers Stadium.