Abreu says injury shouldn’t keep him out
Jose Abreu is day- to- day with a mild right hip flexor strain after the first baseman injured himself trying to make a play on a ground ball in the fifth inning of the White Sox’ 5- 2 win over the Royals on Wednesday.
Abreu did a split with his back to home plate trying to plant his right foot on the infield grass after Cheslor Cuthbert’s ground ball went off his glove. He was charged with his fourth error, then walked off alongside trainer Herm Schneider with a slight limp. The Sox are off Thursday and Abreu will be re- evaluated Friday when the team opens a 10- game road trip in Detroit.
Abreu, who doubled in his two at- bats against right- hander Nate Karns, is in the midst of his best hitting groove of the season with five multihit games in his last seven to raise his average to .253. He is still looking for his first homer.
The Abreu error led to the Royals’ first run, which was unearned, against lefty Jose Quintana.
Todd Frazier moved from third base to first, Tyler Saladino from second to third and Yolmer Sanchez came into the game at second.
Abreu, who described it as a groin issue, tried to talk manager Rick Renteria into letting him stay in the game.
“I got treatment and I feel good right now,’’ he said through translator Billy Russo. “The day off is going to help and I hope to be ready for the first game in Detroit.’’
TV for Thome
Jim Thome has been hired by MLB Network for studio work.
“It’s not full- time but it gives me an opportunity to have a little fun,’’ said Thome, who will continue in his duties as a special assistant to general manager Rick Hahn.
Thome, who hit 612 homers, including his 500th as a White Sox in 2007, isn’t sure how much broadcasting is in his future. He also hasn’t ruled out managing.
“I answer that the same way with, ‘ You never say never,’ ’’ Thome said. “If an opportunity comes up and you feel it’s a great opportunity you know, think about it. Getting a manager’s job would be a tremendous opportunity. So I would definitely have to think about that, yes.’’
Thome worked for MLB Network as a guest in February. His first official gig is Monday on ‘‘ MLB Tonight’’ alongside Sean Casey.
Shields update
James Shields, on the 10- day disabled ( retroactive to April 18) with a right lat strain, was “very encouraged” with progress made in the last day or so.
“It has kind of subsided a little bit,’’ said Shields, who hopes to resume throwing this weekend. “We’re going to ramp it up in the next couple of days and see how it feels.’’
Going on the DL for the first time in his career was a tough pill to swallow for Shields. He took a lot of pride in always being available.
“I still take pride in that,’’ Shields said. “I’ve always been a believer in doing as much as you can within your realm of posting every five days. Being on the DL is a new thing and it’s not fun. I want to get back on the field as quickly as possible.’’
Farm show
Comcast Sports Net will broadcast eight Charlotte Knights games, giving fans a chance to see promising young talent like Yoan Moncada, the No. 1 rated prospect according to MLBPipeline. com. The first live telecast is May 3. It’s the first time CSN will do an entire Class AAA series.
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