Eaton over flu, returns to starting lineup
CHICAGO -- Adam Eaton returned to the White Sox starting lineup Tuesday after missing three games in Minnesota due to a severe bout with the flu. Eaton had a temperature hovering in the 103 degree area for three days and said he lost 10 pounds before the fever broke on Sunday, with the flu symptoms taking hold Wednesday in Baltimore.
"I'm glad my wife [Katie], she went to Minnesota. I'm glad I had the strength of her to help me out and give me fluids or I really don't know what I would have done," Eaton said. "I would have probably just died in my bed.
"It felt like I was going to die. I'm still not feeling that great, but I'm able to get out of bed so I'm here. Hopefully get a couple of wins to make me feel better."
Eaton went to two different doctors before he could get his illness under control. He flew home Saturday and was glad that the flight from Minneapolis to Chicago was not a long one. Somewhere around seven White Sox players dealt with this flu issue.
• Nate Jones has joined the White Sox for this homestand and will throw a couple of side sessions before returning to Arizona. The right-hander will throw a few more side sessions in Arizona, before getting into games at extended spring training.
Jones underwent Tommy John surgery at the end of last July, but he should be able to help the White Sox at some point this season.
Around the horn:
• Jeff Samardzija and Chris Sale have yet to serve their five-game suspensions stemming from an April 23 benches-clearing fracas with the Royals. But it sounds as if the White Sox have an idea as to when those suspensions will start.
"We've got a pretty good idea how it's going to unfold," White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said. "Shark is starting tonight, Sale tomorrow then we'll go from there."
If each pitcher begins to serve his respective suspension after the start, then Samardzija could return Monday in Milwaukee and Sale Tuesday. Carlos Rodon also would figure to get a start this weekend.
• Reliever Matt Albers, who injured the pinky on his throwing hand during the Royals fracas, needed surgery to help the injury heal. Pins were inserted in the finger and his return has been pushed back to six to eight weeks.
• The start time for the White Sox game at Toronto on May 27 has been changed to 11:37 a.m. CT. The White Sox are scheduled to play a straight doubleheader on May 28 in Baltimore.