Doug Padilla, ESPN Staff Writer 10y

Abreu gets day to catch his breath

CHICAGO -- Jose Abreu was held out of the Chicago White Sox’s lineup Tuesday against the Kansas City Royals, as manager Robin Ventura elected to give his sensational rookie first baseman a day of rest.

Ventura acknowledged a sore back for Abreu as his main inspiration for making the move, but said it is nothing serious.

“(Monday) night I was watching him run around,” Ventura said. “Going through the all-star stuff and everything else, not having a break, you just see little things, back stuff and him moving around. It looks like today is a good day to do it.”

Ventura brought Abreu into his office after Monday’s game for a little chat.

“I talked to him ... just being honest with him and him being honest with me so today was just a good day to do it,” Ventura said.

Conor Gillaspie was back up in the No. 3 spot of the lineup, while Paul Konerko was inserted at first base and slated to bat sixth. Adam Dunn was the designated hitter bating fifth, while Dayan Viciedo was the cleanup hitter.

It’s not like any minor aches and pains Abreu might have been experiencing have affected him much. He is currently riding a 12-game hitting streak and has a hit in 30 of his last 31 games. He has 29 home runs but hasn't hit one since July 12 at Cleveland.

Ventura said Abreu would be available as a pinch hitter late in the game.

“We talked about this a few days ago that every once in a while when things come up just knowing that he’s starting to get to the most games he’s ever played in a year portion, when things like this happen, you just give him a day,” Ventura said.

The regular season in Cuba, where Abreu has played the last 10 seasons, is less than 100 games. Abreu has already played 86 games this season.

“It’s not like (Abreu) is from another planet and he can’t do it,” Ventura said about the 162-game schedule. “I think every time a player does it for the first time there will be adjustments and things will be different. Other guys have done it and been able to manage it. I don’t think he will fall apart once he gets over 100 games.”

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