White Sox star Jiménez out most of season after rupture

A week before opening day, the Chicago White Sox found out slugger Eloy Jiménez will be closed down for most of the season.

Jiménez is expected to be sidelined for five to six months after rupturing his left pectoral tendon trying to make a play in the outfield during an exhibition game.

The 24-year-old Jiménez needs surgery to repair the injury, putting his season in jeopardy. General manager Rick Hahn said the team will know more when he begins the rehab process.

“Obviously a difficult loss for us, important part of our offense, and one that is a bit of a shock to the system,” Hahn said Thursday on a video conference call, a day after Jiménez was hurt.

Chicago, coming off a playoff appearance and aiming at the AL Central title, opens next Thursday at the Los Angeles Angels.

Jiménez was hurt Wednesday when he tried to make a leaping grab at the wall on Sean Murphy’s solo homer for Oakland. Jiménez’s left arm barely moved as he walked off the field with a trainer.

The injury immediately led to another round of questions about whether Jiménez might be better suited for designated hitter than left field.

“Our biggest concern is Eloy. He’s the guy who’s hurt,” manager Tony La Russa said.

Jiménez, who throws and bats right-handed, was acquired in a July 2017 trade with the Cubs. He hit 31 homers in his first year in the majors in 2019. He batted .296 with 14 homers and 41 RBIs in 55 games during the pandemic-shortened season.

“Fundamentally, he got hurt trying to make a play,” Hahn said. “Was it the right decision to go for that ball, especially when put in the context of spring training? Perhaps not, but fundamentally you like the fact that he was trying to make the play,” he said.