White Sox's Engel yearns to return, but sticks to plan
Adam Engel is itching to return to action, but is sticking to the team's recovery plan and listening to his body.
Although sidelined by a strained hamstring, Engel expressed plenty of optimism as he spoke to the media Monday.
"An MRI shows that it wasn't a complete tear or anything too serious, so I dodged a bullet," he said.
Engel said the hamstring is definitely getting better, even after the second day.
One reason for his optimism is the White Sox staff. With a good plan and treatment, he said, "I'm pretty optimistic about a quick recovery," he said.
Still, he said, it is disappointing to be away from his teammates.
"Any time you're going to be away from the guys, it's tough," he said.
Another tough part is having the momentum going into the season interrupted.
"It definitely stinks," he said. "Obviously, you want to start the season out strong as a player and get off to a good start. I was feeling good there the last few days, especially offensively, so it's frustrating from that standpoint.
"But I'm staying positive now and just turning the page and keeping my eyes on what I got to do to get better as quickly as I can, and try and help the team, even if that means I'm doing it from a little different role for the next couple weeks or however long this may take."
Although eager to return, he is being advised to proceed cautiously.
"My dad called me the other day. Like, 'Hey, make sure you don't come back too soon.'"
But, he said, "I trust our staff. I trust my body. I'm pretty in tune with my body and injuries and pain. Fortunately or unfortunately, that's part of the athlete's life.
"We got a great staff here. We got a really good plan. The communication's been great so far, and I'm sure it will continue to be that way."
He didn't rule out a quicker return, but also didn't dismiss a longer recovery.
"At the end of the day, whatever my body is telling us is what we're going to listen to. And if that means a little bit quicker than average, then great. If that means a little bit longer than average, then that's something we got to fight through as well."
Engel said he is going to do anything he can to help the team, even though he is out of the lineup.
"That's the most fun part of this game, is being with your teammates, so I want to do everything I can to get out there whenever I can. And if that affords me the opportunity to help guys out, then obviously I'm not going to hesitate."