March 06--Adam LaRoche's back spasms were not serious enough to merit getting an MRI, and the White Sox said Sunday there was no nerve damage.
LaRoche, who was removed from Saturday's game after hurting his back on a swing, was not scheduled to play on Sunday. He appeared to be in significant pain, but whether the injury will sideline him for any extended period is unknown.
After a disappointing first season on the South Side, LaRoche has to "earn" his playing time in 2016, manager Robin Ventura said when camp opened. This obviously isn't a good start for LaRoche.
The White Sox play host to the Padres on Sunday at Camelback Ranch, with former Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez in the lineup for San Diego.
The Sox have an American League-leading .510 slugging percentage after their first four games, and five home runs, including one on Saturday from Adam Eaton. Ventura isn't looking for Eaton to hit for more power.
"I think he got a little happy with it at times," Ventura said. "There's nothing wrong with him hitting homers. But I think if he gets carried away in trying to hit homers, and it takes away from hitting line drives and getting on base, it can really take away from his (value) as a leadoff guy.
"If he's just staying within himself, he has enough pop to be able to hit some homers. But you don't want him sitting there falling in love with it and turning it into strikeouts and pop ups."
Here's the Sox lineup against Padres left-hander Robbie Erlin:
Eaton DH
Lawrie 2B
Abreu 1B
Frazier 3B
Cabrera LF
Rollins SS
Garcia RF
Avila C
May CF
