Frank Thomas telling a television audience he got the word from general manager Rick Hahn that Luis Robert likely won’t be a September callup created enough of a stir to prompt a response from the White Sox Thursday.
“To reiterate both Rick and [manager] Ricky’s [Renteria] previous statements: No decisions have been made yet on September call ups,” a Sox spokesperson said via email during the Sox’ game against the Twins. “We are going to wait until [Class AAA] Charlotte finishes its season before final decisions are made.”
There has been no indication or speculation in recent weeks, however, that Robert, 22, despite tearing up the minor leagues with minor league player of the year numbers was a candidate to join the Sox when rosters can expand beginning Sunday. Eloy Jimenez was in a similar situation last year, wasn’t called up in September and was expected to be promoted in April. When he signed a six-year, $43 million contract during spring training, Jimenez made the Opening Day roster.
Thomas, who does pregame and postgame work for NBC Sports Chicago, spoke to Hahn on the field before the game. Thomas said Hahn told him the Sox were leaning to “no” on a callup, backing up what he said last week that any such decision would be based on what is “best for the long-term health of the organization” and that there were “certainly some elements of his game that they’re still fine tuning, still working on.”
Broadcast news
With play by play man Jason Benetti having college football commitments with ESPN in the next two weeks, Tom Paciorek will sit alongside Steve Stone Friday and Saturday in Atlanta, and Chuck Swirsky will work with Stone next Friday and Saturday at home.
Four hits for Abreu
Jose Abreu had his second four-hit game, including two doubles giving him 212 for his career, the eighth-most in the major leagues since 2014, his first season.
Abreu is batting .360 in August with six homers, 10 doubles and 28 RBI.
This and that
The Sox were swept by the Twins for the third time in their last six series. They were 5-11 against the Twins this season and outscored 101-51.
*Yolmer Sanchez (2-for-4, RBI, run) reached base for the 16th straight game and Eloy Jimenez (2-for-4, RBI, run) had his 22nd multihit game.
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