KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Chicago White Sox received an encouraging report Monday on rookie first baseman Jose Abreu, who was placed on the disabled list Sunday due to a left ankle injury.
An MRI exam in Chicago revealed only inflammation, no structural damage.
“It is good news,” White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. “They’ve done all the tests and determined it is inflammation. We just have to make sure we get that out of there.”
Abreu will wear a boot on his left foot for several days and will be re-evaluated during a 10-game homestand that begins Thursday. There is no timetable for his return.
Abreu leads the American League with 15 home runs, 42 RBIs, 103 total bases and a .595 slugging percentage in 44 games. The White Sox signed the 27-year-old Cuban slugger to a six-year contract for $68 million contract last October.
“You get him in the middle of your lineup, you’re different,” Ventura said. “But you have to fill in and make do, and when he gets back, you hope he picks up where he left off.”
Paul Konerko and Adam Dunn will get more playing time in Abreu’s absence. Konerko was the designated hitter and Dunn played first base Monday for the series opener at Kansas City. Konerko hit a two-run homer as the White Sox rallied for a 7-6 victory over the Royals after trailing 5-0.