Abreu hospitalized with infection in thigh

CLEVELAND -- It's unclear when White Sox slugger José Abreu will play baseball again, but it definitely won't be against the Indians this week.
The All-Star first baseman was sent to a nearby hospital in Cleveland due to a right thigh infection that's unrelated to his recent stint on the disabled list, the club announced before Tuesday's series opener at Progressive Field.
"They cleaned him up and he's recovering real well," White Sox manager Rick Renteria said. "He's out for the series. We'll see how he's doing once we get him home and know what to do."
Abreu is considered day to day, but he recently missed time recovering from surgery to relieve pain caused by testicular torsion, which put him on the DL from Aug. 22-Sept. 10. Abreu, 31, is hitting .265/.325/.473 with 22 homers and 78 RBIs through 128 games this season, his fifth in the big leagues with Chicago.
Renteria said it's another tough break for the team, but the priority is to make sure Abreu will return completely healthy.
"It's been a tough year," Renteria said. "Obviously, a few different things, but you know, he's dealing with it the best he possibly can. It's not one of these things you expect, but it happens. They're dealing with it, he's dealing with it and we're looking for a full recovery."
Worth noting
• Outfielder Nicky Delmonico was a late scratch in Tuesday's lineup due to neck stiffness, but Renteria said the ailment isn't expected to be serious, Delmonico will be evaluated by trainers prior to Wednesday's game.
Delmonico tweaked his neck on a sliding play in the club's 8-4 loss to the Orioles on Sunday, but he stayed in the game. Ryan LaMarre started in his place on Tuesday.
"Nicky was originally in the lineup, but when we came in, he was stiff," Renteria said. "He experienced some stiffness in his neck. It doesn't make sense -- maybe he can't turn his head to hit -- to keep him in there."

• Daniel Palka was in the lineup Tuesday as the team's designated hitter after the outfielder jammed his right shoulder diving for a fly ball in the ninth inning on Sunday. He was listed after the game as day to day. Renteria said Palka may be back in the field on Wednesday.
"Palka seems fine," Renteria said. "Didn't have any complaints that I'm aware of right now. We'll see how he's hitting."