MINNEAPOLIS — Jose Abreu will miss the series against the Twins with left ankle inflammation, suffered while sliding into home plate to end Sunday’s 4-3 victory over the Royals.
X-rays were negative and an MRI showed the inflammation. Manager Tony La Russa said “there is a possibility” Abreu will return for the Yankees series this weekend.
“But we’re not going to rush him back even then,” La Russa said. “He went through a lot of pain last night.”
Sunday wrapped up an eventful three days for Abreu. Knocked down Friday when he collided with the Royals’ Hunter Dozier, he missed the second half of that day’s doubleheader, somehow recovered in time to play Saturday and homered, then added two more hits Sunday before scoring the winning run.
There was no indication after the slide or the celebration that ensued Abreu was hurt.
“The ankle got turned in a peculiar way,” La Russa said. “He’s gotten beat up the last couple of days, no doubt. He’s due some rest.”
Andrew Vaughn started at first base in Abreu’s customary spot and will likely be there for the entire series, La Russa said. The American League reigning MVP, Abreu would have played his 1,000th game Monday.
The Sox play the Twins Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and after an off day Thursday meet the Yankees in New York for three games Friday through Sunday.
“The way it was examined and the results, there’s a good feeling that three days of treatment, an off day — might even get him to the ballpark on Thursday, just to get him a little work — there’s a good chance he’ll play this weekend,” La Russa said. “If he needs another day or two, you give it to him. Knock on wood, it seems like we’re going to have him sooner rather than later.”
The Sox are now without three of their most prolific power hitters in Abreu, Eloy Jimenez (torn pectoral muscle) and Luis Robert (torn hip flexor) but enter the day with the best record (24-15) in baseball.
Monday’s lineup:
Tim Anderson, SS
Nick Madigal, 2B
Yoan Moncada, 3B
Yermin Mercedes, DH
Andrew Vaughn, 1B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Leury Garcia, LF
Danny Mendick, RF
Billy Hamilton, CF
Dallas Keuchel, SP
First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. on NBC Sports Chicago.
