Eaton receives Sox's Heart and Hustle award

CHICAGO -- Adam Eaton did not want to talk on Tuesday about a Chicago Sun-Times report that the White Sox leadoff man was playing with a broken middle finger on his non-throwing hand. He was more than happy to discuss his honor as the club's 2014 Heart and Hustle Award winner as announced on Tuesday by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association.

One player from each Major League club was selected for his passion for the game of baseball and who best embodies the values, spirit and tradition of the game. This award is voted on by former players, with the overall winner to be announced on Nov. 18.

"I'm pumped. My wife and I talked about it today, and it's my first big league trophy, which is kind of cool," Eaton said. "I'm honored. I remember Willie Bloomquist getting it last year when we were in Arizona, and for me it's something you should get every year.

"If you're playing the right way and healthy, and doing what you should be doing, you should definitely compete for that trophy every year. I'm very pleased, and I feel like I'm in with some good company. You've got to play hard every day, and I'm blessed to have the opportunity, and I'm excited."

Eaton entered Tuesday's contest against the Royals with an eight-game hitting streak, and was 7-for-10 with three walks over his previous three games. So whatever the issue is with his finger it doesn't seem to be a problem.

"I'm fine. It's not broke. It's just hurt," Eaton said. "I'm fine. I don't even want to talk about it. Let's not talk about it. We're good."