Abreu 'ready to play'; Kopech getting close

CHICAGO -- White Sox manager Tony La Russa smiled when pondering the two different responses to the question about first baseman José Abreu's physical condition, presented to La Russa prior to the postponement of Monday’s series opener with the Twins.

“Do you want his update or our update?” La Russa said. “You can just guess what his is and what ours is. But there’s no game today. We’ll check him tomorrow. He said he’s ready to play.”

Abreu was hit on the inside of the left knee by a 96 mph sinker from Seattle’s JT Chargois in the sixth inning of a 3-2 loss to the Mariners on Sunday, which was the completion of Saturday’s suspended game due to inclement weather. Abreu writhed on the ground in pain and slammed his helmet in disgust.

Eventually, the 2020 American League Most Valuable Player Award winner got to his feet, but Abreu was helped off the field and didn’t play in the regularly scheduled game. It was the latest in a series of physical maladies endured this season by Abreu, who also collided with the Royals' Hunter Dozier while chasing his pop up on a May 14 contest.

Yet, the White Sox leader, who prides himself on playing every inning of every game, seems to have superior recuperative powers.

“You fear the worst right away and you hope for the best, and the fact that he’s strong and has survived them is a huge comfort and advantage for us,” La Russa said. “What I really want to have happen is put an end to that stuff and keep him on his feet and healthy. You don’t take for granted we caught a break there.”

Kopech getting close

Michael Kopech threw another simulated game on Monday and could be getting closer to a return. Kopech, who is out with left hamstring soreness, also threw a simulated game on Friday.

“All and all, very positive piece of work,” La Russa said. “Next is to wait and see how he feels tomorrow. Make sure his arm is good, his legs are good. Just hope the answer is yes, and if it is, we’ll get serious about what’s next.”

Kopech, who has a 1.72 ERA over 14 games, last pitched on May 26 vs. the Cardinals when he suffered the injury.

Mercedes making a move

After one month of the season, Yermín Mercedes not only looked like a prime AL Rookie of the Year Award candidate, but also one of the frontrunners for the MVP Award.

Fortunes had taken a decided turn for the worse for Mercedes, who was 1-for-20 in his last six games and 7-for-68 with five RBIs in his last 20 prior to Sunday. But the designated hitter knocked out three hits and drove in three on Sunday, giving a boost to himself and the team.

“We keep the head up, keep working hard every day, every time,” Mercedes said. “That's the keys for me, just keep the head up, keep grinding, keep working hard every day. We're working in the cage, the coaches, the hitting coach, don't try to do too much because a lot of times I'm trying to do too much, like the last month.

“I'm working with the coaches right there. They told me don't try to do too much because you are a good hitter. Just focus on every pitch, trust in yourself, you've got good hands, you've got a good mentality when you go to the home plate. The key is don't do too much. We're working on it every day.”

Everything all right for Hamilton

When Billy Hamilton returns from a right oblique strain, which could be soon, the switch-hitting outfielder likely will be swinging solely from the right side, according to La Russa. Hamilton has a .280/.308/.640 slash line from the right side and a .182/.213/.273 slash line from the left side.

“He has always been better right than left, and he’s talked to [hitting coach] Frank [Menechino] about it,” La Russa said. “I think just at this point he feels like he can be just as effective, he can be even more effective against right-handed pitching than if he hits left-handed. So, I’m looking forward to having him try it.”