Jose Abreu moves into third on White Sox’ career home-run listJared Wyllyson August 15, 2021 at 11:40 pm

With his ninth-inning home run Saturday, Jose Abreu moved ahead of Harold Baines to third on the franchise list for career home runs, with 222.

“I am happy for this new mark I just reached.” Abreu said. “It wasn’t something I ever imagined, but my hard work and my family support as well as the help of my teammates and the White Sox made this possible.”

Abreu is behind only Frank Thomas (438) and Paul Konerko (432) on the Sox’ all-time list.

“It is very well earned and speaks to his impact on this organization,” Baines said. “All of us know, Jose is a great person and a great baseball player. The respect is truly mutual.”

Manager Tony La Russa said that Abreu deserves consideration as not only one of the best players in Sox history, but one of the best in baseball history.

“I think he’s on that list with the best run producers, home run/RBI guys in the game’s history and he’s still got a lot left,” La Russa said.

Abreu’s 86 RBI are tied with the Angels’ Shohei Ohtani for the third-highest in baseball this season, and his 757 career runs batted in are 23rd among active players. Abreu also ranks 23rd among active home run leaders.

Abreu is the only player on the active list of the top 50 RBI leaders and the top 25 home run hitters with less than nine years in the majors. He also stretched his current hitting streak to 12 games with a first inning single on Sunday.

No concern for Liam

Liam Hendriks has given up three home runs in his last two outings, costing the Sox in the late innings on both Thursday and Saturday. But La Russa is not concerned about his closer.

Some of Hendriks’ troubles might be because he has pitched in non-save situations, like Saturday, when Hendriks took the mound in the tenth inning with the game tied 4-4.

“It’s just a different mentality,” La Russa said.

Hendriks was not available for comment Saturday or before Sunday’s game, but La Russa said he had spoken with him, and Hendriks is still confident and eager to get back on the mound with a lead to protect.

“He’s just drooling and salivating and hoping to get another chance today,” La Russa said. “Smoke coming out of his ears and nose. He’s a very tough guy. He’s proven it and he’ll be ready.”

Rodon recovering quickly

Carlos Rodon was placed on the 10-day I.L. Wednesday with shoulder fatigue, but early reports are that he should be back on the mound quickly.

“The exam was encouraging. No damage, just tired,” La Russa said. “The soreness was there but it wasn’t anything that wouldn’t make us optimistic that at the end of 10 days he’ll be ready to pitch.”

Rodon has thrown 109 2/3 innings this season, the most for him since 2018. He pitched just 7 2/3 innings in 2020 because of shoulder pain.

Leury Garcia was placed on the 7-day I.L., retroactive to August 13, with a concussion after he ran into the outfield wall during the Field of Dreams game.

It’s possible Rodon could return to make a start in Toronto next week, La Russa said.

SOX VS ATHLETICS

Monday: Dallas Keuchel (7-6, 4.51) vs. Frankie Montas (9-8, 3.98), 7:10 p.m., ESPN, NBCSCH, 1000-AM

Tuesday: Reynaldo Lopez (1-0, 1.35) vs. Chris Bassitt (12-3, 3.06), 7:10 p.m., NBCSCH, 1000-AM

Wednesday: Lance Lynn (10-3, 2.26) vs. Cole Irvin (8-11, 3.52), 7:10 p.m., NBCSCH, 1000-AM

Thursday: Dylan Cease (9-6, 4.04) vs. TBD, 1:10 p.m., NBCSCH, 1000-AM

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