Chicago White Sox's Abreu to miss Twins series with left-ankle injury
Looking back on Jose Abreu and the weekend that was, White Sox manager Tony La Russa summed it up pretty well before Monday night's game against the Twins at Target Field.
"He's gotten beat up the last couple days, no doubt," La Russa said. "He's due some rest."
On Friday, the 6-foot-3, 235-pound Abreu survived a collision with the Royals' 6-foot-4, 220-pound Hunter Dozier in Game 1 of a doubleheader at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Abreu had to leave with a facial contusion and laceration and bruised left knee, but he avoided a concussion. The reigning American League MVP missed Game 2 but was back in the Sox's lineup Saturday.
In Sunday's game vs. Kansas City Abreu scored the winning run in the ninth inning, coming home from third base on Wade Davis' wild pitch.
Sliding in, Abreu was called safe on a close play. Afterward, Abreu wasn't feeling good.
"(Sunday) night, when we landed in Minnesota I felt an intense pain in my left ankle," Abreu said through White Sox translator Billy Russo.
X-rays were negative and an MRI showed inflammation in the ankle. Abreu is going to miss the three-game series against the Twins, but he hopes to be back in the lineup Friday vs. New York at Yankee Stadium.
"Even though I was afraid and concerned at first, I am now relieved knowing the pain I experienced was just inflammation in my left ankle," Abreu said. "At this moment, I am feeling better but still in pain. I'll be getting treatment to come back ready to play as soon as possible. I'm keeping a positive mindset and attitude."
Already playing without two of their best hitters - injured left fielder Eloy Jimenez and center fielder Luis Robert - the Sox are fortunate Abreu didn't come out of a difficult weekend in much worse shape.
Abreu is batting .255/.346/.482 and leads the White Sox with 8 home runs and 33 RBI.
"It's good news and best news," La Russa said. "The good news was it wasn't anything more serious. And the best news is, if we get through these three games in Minnesota without him, then an off-day (Thursday), there's a possibility he'll play against the Yankees. But we're not going to rush him back even then.
"We're all excited. He went through a lot of pain (Sunday) night. But he's here now and they were kidding they were going to put spikes on his (walking) boot that he had to play in. Just shows you everybody knows how tough he is."
Andrew Vaughn moved from left field to first base, his natural position, and he figures to stay there until Abreu comes back.
"Do whatever we have to do in the outfield," La Russa said. "First base position, you see the way Jose plays it, there's a lot of good things that happen when a guy is an excellent defender."