Slumping LaRoche to sit out two games

BOSTON -- Adam LaRoche will sit for the first two games of a four-game Boston set, as the White Sox designated hitter tries to work his way out of a season-long slump that hit somewhat of a low point during the four-game weekend series in Cleveland.

The 35-year-old is hitting .212 with nine homers, 34 RBIs and a .347 slugging percentage. LaRoche also has fanned 108 times over 311 at-bats, including 11 times in Cleveland. He has not homered since June 24 in Minnesota, covering a stretch of 25 games.

"Probably give him two just to work out some things," said White Sox manager Robin Ventura of LaRoche's absence from the starting lineup in Monday's eventual 10-8 victory. "I know you can get frustrated. I know he's frustrated with yesterday, and you give him today.

"Rochey can kind of work it out in the cage and have a couple of days knowing he can go in there and work on some stuff. He's trying to figure it out. You continue to do that. He'll be back in there to play. But for two days, he's going to ease the mind and not be in there."

Adam Eaton moved into the designated-hitter's spot, with J.B. Shuck taking over in center. Eaton jammed his left shoulder in a game Saturday and sat out Sunday. So giving him a couple of days to rest isn't the worst thing, although both Eaton and Ventura said he was physically stronger on Monday.

Eaton never had an at-bat as the designated hitter, but went 3-for-6 with two RBIs and finished a home run shy of a cycle.

"I might swing harder, that's what you're supposed to do, right? Drive in runs and swing harder," a smiling Eaton said before the game. "It's going to be different."