Indians’ Bauer makes progress

Trevor Bauer threw to hitters for the first time since breaking his right leg last month and hopes to be back on the mound for Cleveland in time for the postseason.

The right-hander pitched three simulated innings of about 17-19 pitches per inning and jokingly told manager Terry Francona he was available against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night.

“I’m glad he feels that way,” Francona said. “I don’t think that’s going to happen, but it’s nice to hear him say that.”

Bauer is 12-6 with a 2.22 earned run average in 25 starts. He has been sidelined since he was struck on the lower leg by a line drive Aug. 11.

He pitched to Indians reserves Eric Haase, Adam Rosales and Brandon Barnes.

“The biggest takeaway is that I was able to completely focus on competing instead of being worried about or noticing if there’s any discomfort,” Bauer said. “I didn’t really think about it at all, and that’s the most important thing.”

Bauer hopes to pitch in a game before the regular season ends Sept. 30. Francona said a meeting will be held with Bauer and the team’s medical staff.

“The quicker we can get him in a game without risk the better,” Francona said.

Abreu hospitalized: Chicago White Sox allstar slugger Jose Abreu was hospitalized with an infection in his right thigh.

Abreu was admitted Tuesday to a hospital in Cleveland and had the infection “cleaned up,” manager Rick Renteria said.

Abreu will miss this series and the team will provide an update on him Friday in Chicago, the manager said. The White Sox open a three-game series with the Chicago Cubs on Friday.

The 31-year-old first baseman was picked for his second all-star team this year. He needs three home runs to become the ninth player in majorleague history to hit at least 25 homers in each of his first five seasons.

Abreu is batting .265 with 22 homers and 78 RBI in 128 games.