DETROIT -- Jose Abreu was out of the White Sox starting lineup for Friday's 7-3 win over the Tigers due to a mild right hip flexor strain suffered during Wednesday's victory over the Royals.
It had to be a tough absence for the first baseman, who is a .295 career hitter at Comerica Park with eight home runs and 20 RBIs, but out of the starting lineup didn't mean out of action to Abreu.
When asked if he was available to pinch-hit, Abreu smiled and didn't need an interpreter to provide a quick "yes" in response.
"If that moment shows up, I will tell [White Sox manager Rick Renteria], 'Hey I'm ready for it,'" said Abreu through interpreter Billy Russo. "I feel good.
"It's not something I like, just being here doing nothing, but it was Ricky's decision and I know he's trying to think of me. But I feel good. I hope to be in the lineup [Saturday]."
Abreu left in the fifth inning Wednesday after he tried to field Cheslor Cuthbert's spinning grounder and stretched awkwardly into the splits. Renteria hopes to have Abreu back in the lineup on Saturday afternoon, although rain is called for each of the final two games. Despite not homering in 32 straight games dating back to 2016, Abreu is 11-for-24 with four doubles and three RBIs over his last seven games.
"I am feeling more comfortable now at home plate," Abreu said. "The results have been there in the last couple of days and that's something good for me, too.
"Good for my confidence. All the work that I've been doing has been [showing] up. I feel like my offense is catching up with where it's supposed to be."