Jose Abreu takes Clayton Kershaw deep in his first game back
By Mike Marteny
Chicago White Sox rookie slugger Jose Abreu took Dodger ace Clayton Kershaw deep in the fourth inning of tonight’s game in his return from the disabled list. Abreu had been out since May 18th with tendinitis in his left ankle.
Abreu’s blast, a two run shot that plated Gordon Beckham, put the Pale Hose up 2-0. The White Sox relinquished the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning, and now trail 5-2 through six.
Abreu is now hitting ,261 with 16 homers and 44 RBI.
This can only help Abreu in his quest for AL Rookie of the Year honors. Although I do use the term “rookie” loosely when it comes to Abreu. He is 27 years old, and had played organized baseball in Cuba for more than a decade at the time of his defection in August of 2013.
Abreu was the Cuban League MVP in 2010-11. That season he hit and incredible .453 with 33 homers and 93 RBI. Despite missing two weeks with a shoulder injury
Abreu made an instant splash in the Major Leagues as well, winning the AL Player of the Month and AL Rookie of the Month awards for April. That is a lofty resume for a supposed “rookie.”
Needless to say he has not had a tough time adjusting to Major League Baseball here in the States.
Abreu has been one of the main reasons that the White Sox are at .500 and in second place in the American League central division.