Groin surgery puts Abreu out 2 weeks
White Sox All-Star first baseman Jose Abreu likely will be out at least two weeks after undergoing outpatient surgery on his groin area Tuesday, the White Sox announced.
Abreu had the procedure done at Rush University Medical Center after he complained of discomfort when he arrived at Guaranteed Rate Field for the Sox’ game against the Twins. He will be able to return to baseball activities in approximately two weeks, the Sox said.
Matt Davidson batted third and played first base in place of Abreu, who has hit safely in six consecutive games. In his last 25 games, he’s hitting .347/.400/.704 with nine home runs, eight doubles, 24 RBI and a 1.104 OPS. He has hit safely in 21 of those games.
Leury Garcia on DL
Outfielder Leury Garcia suffered a Grade 2 strain of his left hamstring Monday that will sideline him three to six weeks, meaning his season could be over. Garcia was put on the 10-day disabled list, and outfielder Ryan LaMarre was recalled from Class AAA Charlotte.
The Sox also optioned righthander Tyler Danish to Charlotte and purchased the contract of Michael Kopech, who made his major-league debut Tuesday.
The Sox’ 40-man roster is at 39.
Covey out of rotation
After Kopech and Carlos Rodon face the Twins, the Sox will start James Shields, Reynaldo Lopez, Lucas Giolito and Kopech against the Tigers on Thursday through Sunday in Detroit.
That means Dylan Covey (4-10, 5.87 ERA), who has made 17 starts, is going to the bullpen, likely for long relief and possible spot starts down the stretch. Covey pitched 5⅔ innings of two-run ball with three walks and six strikeouts in his last start Saturday against the Royals.
Joe McManager
Bench coach Joe McEwing, on managing in place of Rick Renteria, who was hospitalized Monday in Minneapolis after feeling lightheaded: “It’s enjoyable. It’s something you take on and you embrace it. You manage in the minor leagues, you go through it. You prepare yourself every day for opportunities, just making the most of every opportunity you can. That’s the way we’re going to go about it. We’re prepared, and we’re going to see after nine innings how it plays out.’’