CHICAGO -- Matt Davidson didn't have time to talk with the media waiting at his Guaranteed Rate Field home clubhouse locker Tuesday, as the White Sox third baseman was on his way to the airport to begin an injury rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte.
Davidson has not played since Aug. 1, when he sustained a bruised right wrist after being hit by a Marcus Stroman pitch.
"We're going to have him DH the first game," said White Sox manager Rick Renteria, laying out Davidson's rehab plan. "Probably go out there and play five innings back-to-back, probably have a day off, then extend his innings usage to seven, to nine. Do that for a few games and see where he's at, then give him a day off. Make sure that he's feeling completely sound before he returns.
"The reason he's going down there is because he had that setback that pushed his timetable back a little bit. He's been working very hard doing all the drill work, doing everything to physically keep himself fit to swing. But getting down there and seeing some live pitching is certainly going to help."
Davidson has 22 home runs and 51 RBIs during his rookie campaign.
Minaya saves the day
Juan Minaya has three saves since Aug. 18 -- including a save in the victory over Minnesota in Monday's first game -- and three saves in total for his career. The right-hander is enjoying a move into the ninth inning, brought about by the trade of five White Sox late-inning relievers since the All-Star break.
"This is a good opportunity," Minaya said. "I never had that before, so now I've got the opportunity, and I'm going to work hard. I'm going to take advantage. I'm going to learn to do that because it is a tough situation in that moment.
"It's one of the most important parts of the game. To be in the ninth inning is a tough situation right there. Everybody wants to be in that spot."
Abreu making history
According to STATS LLC, José Abreu is the first player in White Sox history to begin his Major League career with four-plus consecutive 25-homer seasons and the 10th in Major League history to accomplish the feat. Abreu needs 23 RBIs to become the third player in Major League history to begin his career with four straight seasons of at least 25 homers and 100 RBIs.
Abreu would join Joe DiMaggio (1936-39) and Jose Pujols (2001-12) on that exclusive list.