ALL- STAR IS BORN FOR SOX
Abreu becomes first S. Sider to be voted starter in 22 years
HOUSTON — First baseman Jose Abreu will represent the White Sox at the All- Star Game and, nicer yet, as a starter voted in by the fans. He is the first Sox player voted in since Frank Thomas in 1996.
‘‘ It’s a huge honor,’’ Abreu, 31, said through a translator Sunday. ‘‘ To be voted in by the fans means a lot.’’
An irony is that Abreu, who also made it as a 27- year- old rookie in 2014, isn’t having his best season. The news that he was voted in for the American League came during a 2- for- 23 stretch at the plate. He is batting .184 with three home runs sinceMay 26.
‘‘ I think he’s trying to carry a heavy load, to be honest,’’ manager Rick Renteria said. ‘‘ He’s got a lot on his plate.’’
Even as he maintained a comfortable lead in the balloting with each passing week, Abreu became increasingly unenthused about discussing his All- Star chances with the media. His performance is why. But fans recognized his entire career, which has been marked by consistency.
‘‘ It’s no secret my numbers right noware not as good as Iwant them to be or as good as an AllStar player should have,’’ Abreu said. ‘‘ But I’ve been working hard during my whole career, even this year and even through the last five or six weeks. It hasn’t been easy.’’
Abreu, who is batting .259 with 12 homers, 27 doubles and 50 RBI, would have been an All- Star one way or another. He would have been added to the team as the Sox’ only representative had he not been voted in. He has been their best player in his 4 ½ seasons since coming over from Cuba, and there are no other viable candidates this season.
Besides, no one commands more respect in the Sox’ clubhouse.
‘‘ He has the attitude a leader needs,’’ said left- hander Luis Avilan, who joined the Sox in a trade last offseason. ‘‘ He has it all.