KANSAS CITY -- After running down a fly ball to end the seventh inning, White Sox center fielder Austin Jackson said he felt discomfort in his left foot. One inning later, he was removed from the game with a case of turf toe in Sunday's 5-4 loss to the Royals.
"When he was out there, it really started bothering him," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "[It was] serious enough for him to come out of the game."
Jackson's foot was taped and bandaged after he left the game. He said he wasn't really sure what the injury was until he was told by the team, adding it was the first time he'd ever had turf toe.
"I've never had it before. I really don't know." said Jackson, who drove in two runs Sunday. "I'll be probably doing a lot of Googling."
Both Ventura and Jackson said they weren't sure of the timetable on Jackson's return, though Jackson said he'd see how it felt Monday before proceeding.
The injury put a damper on what was a good defensive and offensive day for Jackson, who earlier in the game made a brilliant catch to start a double play. In the first inning, Royals designated hitter Kendrys Morales lined the ball deep to center field. Jackson ran back and snagged the ball, then he fired it to shortstop Tyler Saladino, who threw to first to catch Eric Hosmer and complete the double play.
"For him to make that play, it changed the whole game," White Sox starter Chris Sale said.