Abreu takes break from lineup in cautious move

MINNEAPOLIS -- White Sox manager Robin Ventura wouldn't describe American League Most Valuable Player candidate Jose Abreu as injured. But his day off Tuesday, following a team day off Monday, was designed to make sure Abreu's general soreness doesn't turn into something worse.

"He's not injured, but every time you look at him it looks like he might get injured," said Ventura of Abreu. "He wants to play, but I think we're just making sure he doesn't do anything worse. For right now, just give him a day."

Ventura has tried to give Abreu a break without taking him out of the line up by using him at designated hitter. He hopes to have Abreu back Wednesday, although with another off-day Thursday, Abreu could benefit from four straight days of inactivity.

Entering Tuesday, Abreu had hit in 60 of 67 contests he played since June 15 and had a .500 average as part of a current 12-game hitting streak.