Trouble Afoot for White Sox Slugger Abreu (updated)

May 18, 2014 @ admin → No Comments

Sunday smorgasbord: Chicago White Sox designated hitter Jose Abreu ran so painfully to first base during Saturday’s 6-5 loss to the Astros in Houston that Paul Konerko pinch-hit for him in the seventh inning. Too bad Konerko didn’t have a chance to pinch-run for Abreu. That very well could have been a career first in Konerko’s farewell season.

There’s video below of 2013 Miss Universe Gabriela Isler from Venezuela. In case you care (and even if you don’t).

* Abreu’s condition is such that the Sox decided Sunday to put him on the 15-day disabled list with posterior tibia tendonitis in left ankle. It may take some of us 15 days to figure out what posterior tibia tendonitis is.

* Speaking of the Sox loss, starter Hector Noesi (0-4) allowed six runs (five earned) on eight hits and three walks in six innings to see his earned-run average inflate to 7.31. Keep that up and Noesi could end up on the disabled list with an inflamed ERA.

* Speaking of ERAs, Cubs right-hander Edwin Jackson lowered his to 3.98 with seven innings of no runs, four hits, one walk and 11 strikeouts in a 3-0 victory vs. visiting Milwaukee.

* Speaking of strikeouts, Brewers right-hander Matt Garza had seven but allowed three runs as his ERA rose to 4.83 and his won-lost record fell to 2-4. Yes, that’s the same former Cub who had remarks about wanting to leave the Cubs so he could win. Maybe it’s merely Wrigley Field that was Garza’s problem. Something says that’s probably not accurate.

* Having watched the Chicago Sky win its WNBA game on ESPN2 against the New York Liberty 79-65 at Madison Square Garden, you humble correspondent tuned in to Comcast SportsNet for its midnight “Sports Central” for a highlight or two. Nothing. Zilch. Zip. Nada. Unless I blinked and missed any coverage. Strange, considering the channel features Sky star Elena Delle Donne on its latest “Inside Look.” Devoting 10 seconds or so to the Sky (2-0) isn’t asking too much, is it?

* Speaking of the Sky’s victory and Delle Donne, she had 23 points to lead the team in scoring. Rookie reserve guard Jamierra Faulkner, who looked impressive in Friday’s victory vs. Indiana, had five turnovers in eight minutes on the court against the Liberty (1-1). Sky forward Jessica Breland had 13 points and 11 rebounds and appears the frontcourt scoring threat the team has been lacking. Nice offseason acquisition by Sky general manager/coach Pokey Chatman, it would appear.

* Ex-White Sox of the day: Toronto left-hander Mark Buehrle received a no-decision in the Blue Jays’ 4-2 victory at Texas. Seeking his big-league-leading eight victory of the season, Buehrle allowed two runs in 6 2/3 innings. His ERA rose to 2.11 and his road ERA went up to 1.00. He did have six assists. The major-league record is 11, held by several — including White Sox right-hander Ed Walsh (1907, twice).

* Ex-Cub of the day: Philadelphia outfielder Marlon Byrd went 2-for-5 and scored two runs in a 12-1 victory vs. visiting Cincinnati. Reds reliever Sean Marshall allowed five runs on three hits and two walks in 2/3 of an inning to lift his ERA to 12.15. For those Cubs fans who miss Marshall and think he would have helped the bullpen.

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