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Abreu shows patience in White Sox debut

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The most significant occurrence to come from Jose Abreu's first Cactus League contest, aside from it being his first spring contest, were the 11 pitches he saw over two hitless at-bats in the White Sox 5-0 loss to the Dodgers on Friday.

Abreu took seven of those pitches, giving a brief glimpse of the patient plan of attack he employs at the plate.

"I'm trying to see a lot of pitches right now," Abreu said through translator and White Sox manager of cultural development Lino Diaz. "I want to get a feel for the strike zone and I want to be able to see a lot of them so I feel comfortable swinging the bat."

While Yasiel Puig was not part of the Dodgers' lineup, fellow Cuban countryman Alex Guerrero started at second for Los Angeles.

"It is a great opportunity to play with a fellow Cuban on a different ground, on a different place," said Abreu, who lined out to left and grounded out to second. "Like I always said to all the Cuban players, 'You have to keep working hard so you have a chance to come in and play at this level.'"

Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Merk's Works, and follow him on Twitter @scottmerkin.
Read More: Chicago White Sox, Jose Abreu