CHICAGO – Lucas Giolito will miss at least his next start, which was targeted for Tuesday night in Oakland, after leaving Tuesday night’s 4-2 victory over the Pirates in the fifth inning with left hamstring tightness.

“We're not getting any indication from the trainers that he can be ready Tuesday,” said White Sox manager Tony La Russa of his starter. “I don't think there's any way he'll pitch in that game. We'll get a read on it in Kansas City like Friday. If he tries to throw a bullpen, see how he feels. If that doesn't go well, he won't pitch again in the weekend series against Boston. You've just got to really be careful with him and Lance (Lynn).”

Giolito’s injury came about on the same day the White Sox put right-hander Lance Lynn on the injured list with right knee inflammation. The White Sox believe Lynn only will miss one start, with Reynaldo López taking the mound Saturday night against the Royals. But the club will be left with another opening on Tuesday, a spot most likely not to be filled by Carlos Rodón, who started Wednesday and would be working on five days’ rest.

“I think the plan now is he would pitch Wednesday,” said La Russa of Rodón. “A lot will depend on what his outing today is, if he's very economical with his pitches and he's going to have five full days if he's pitching on the sixth day.

“If you look at it, if he pitches Tuesday, we're off Monday, so he can't pitch until the Tuesday after and have six days' rest, so I'm not sure we gain much. Right now, I think the plan is he will pitch Wednesday.”

With a sizeable lead in the American League Central and only 28 games remaining, the White Sox can take time with Lynn, Giolito and shortstop Tim Anderson (on the IL with a left hamstring strain) to let them get healthy. The goal is to be fresh for October, when the White Sox second straight foray into the playoffs begins.

“In both cases, the priority, and it will be communicated, will be for them, like Tim, when you come back, you're 100 percent,” La Russa said. “If there's two weeks left in the season, that's good, you'll get enough work. If you only miss one start, that's fine. It's not having some kind of arbitrary deadline, ‘You must get back by.’ This is just letting Mother Nature take its course.”

Abreu’s “family” excelling on the field

Eloy Jiménez and Luis Robert joined in for about half of José Abreu’s 12-minute media session prior to Wednesday’s game against the Pirates. They didn’t ask any questions but did have a little fun at the expense of their team leader.

“We love you, Pito,” said Jiménez at one point from beyond the media.

“They’re my kids,” said Abreu, through interpreter Billy Russo, while shaking his head with a broad smile. “They are always messing around. That’s why they’re here, that’s why you can see them there. Just messing around.”

Abreu’s presence has been valuable for these young standouts, who view Abreu as a friend as much as a teammate. But the reigning American League Most Valuable Player also understands the talent this duo possesses.

“I’m happy because I know that I have two MVPs with me,” Abreu said. “They are going to be MVPs, Luis and Eloy. They are going to be MVP players.”

White Sox honor Childhood Cancer Awareness Day

The White Sox hosted three families impacted by childhood cancer at the ballpark Wednesday as part of MLB’s recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Day. The youth and their families attended home batting practice, announced 'Play ball' and team at-bats and received a VIP experience in one of the Diamond Suites.

Brady Nelson and his family were in attendance Wednesday. Nelson, 12, is battling glioblastoma, an extremely aggressive form of cancer that is rare in children. Jiménez dedicated his first homer to Brady upon his return from injury rehab and met Brady during a ballpark visit on Aug. 17.

González gets the call

Romy Gonzalez has gone from an 18th round selection in the 2018 Draft to the Majors. González, the club's No. 21 prospect, is one of seven players in the Minors with 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases, putting together 23 HRs and 22 SBs between stops at Double-A Birmingham and Triple-A Charlotte.

González didn’t think a callup was possible back in Spring Training. But he did everything possible last year to make it happen.

“I didn't take a day off in 2020,” González said. “I kept hitting every day, working out every day and I had that make or break mindset, going into the 2021 campaign. I took every day as it was my last day.”