Abreu, Jimenez sidelined in White Sox's loss to Royals
Losing to the Royals 5-0 at Kauffman Stadium Thursday was not a huge deal for the White Sox.
They still have an 8-game lead over the Indians, who traded one of their best hitters, Cesar Hernandez, to the Sox and will be without standout manager Terry Francona (who is stepping aside due to health issues) for the rest of the season.
Getting everybody healthy remains the primary goal, and first baseman Jose Abreu and left fielder/DH Eloy Jimenez both sat out the loss at steamy Kansas City.
Abreu was sidelined with a stiff neck and Jimenez is dealing with groin tightness.
"Yesterday, (Abreu) had treatment for it," manager Tony La Russa said. "He played. It bothers him some when he has to make the look around. We just wanted to get him off his feet today, get him treated so he's close to 100% as possible before we go home."
The White Sox hope to have Abreu back in the lineup Friday, and the same goes for Jimenez.
Returning Monday after missing four months with a ruptured left pectoral tendon, Jimenez left Wednesday's loss to the Royals early before missing Thursday's game.
La Russa is not sure if Jimenez can play this weekend.
Carlos Rodon got the start as the Sox wrapped up a four-game series at K.C., where the heat index hit 108 degrees during the game.
Uncharacteristically flat early, Rodon gave up a 2-run homer to Salvador Perez in the first inning and a solo shot to Michael Taylor in the second.
"I really didn't think about the heat, just try to go out there and compete," Rodon said after allowing 4 runs on 8 hits over 4 innings. "Started slow and eventually just showed up. Just trying to get it going. Just have to make some adjustments, feel better for the next start and get it going, get going faster."
Andrew Vaughn made his first start of the season at second base in the loss. Her made a nice catch in short right field and also started a double play.
"I didn't want him to lose any sleep, so I didn't tell Andrew until he got to the ballpark," La Russa said. "He can play second base. Very comfortable. The highlight of the day is that he can play second base."