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Astros Release José Abreu: A Painful Move In The Midst Of Struggles

Nathaniel Marshall — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 03:50:14 +0000

The Houston Astros made a tough decision on Friday, releasing former American League MVP José Abreu less than halfway through his three-year, $58.5 million contract. The decision was marked by financial implications and the emotional weight of parting with a player of Abreu’s caliber.

General manager Dana Brown reflected on the difficulty of the decision, noting the substantial financial commitment still owed to Abreu. “It’s always tough when the deal doesn’t work out, but it just didn’t work out this time,” Brown said to ESPN.

Abreu, 37, has struggled mightily this season, batting a dismal .124 with only two home runs and seven RBIs. His performance had already led to an effort to correct his swing, but the hoped-for resurgence never materialized. With $30.8 million still owed to him, the Astros had to make a hard call.

Both Brown and manager Joe Espada met with Abreu to deliver the news, a conversation that was challenging given Abreu’s contributions to the team. “I have nothing but good things to say about him,” Brown said. “He handled it well. He understands baseball, and he understands that he wasn’t producing and that he ran out of time.”

Espada echoed these sentiments, highlighting Abreu’s professionalism and his significance to the team. “Very tough day,” Espada said. “It was not an easy conversation.”

Abreu, a three-time All-Star and the 2020 AL MVP during his tenure with the Chicago White Sox, signed with the Astros with high expectations. His career averages and accolades underscored his potential value. However, a .237 batting average last year hinted at a decline, which has continued into this season.

Brown noted the inability to see improvements in Abreu’s at-bats as a critical factor in the decision to move on. “We just didn’t see that there was a change in the at-bats, and we felt like it was probably time to make a change,” Brown said.

The decision shook through the Astros’ clubhouse, casting a somber mood before their 4-0 win over the Detroit Tigers. “Watching him go, it’s not good,” said teammate Mauricio Dubón. “We’re a family here, that’s the thing. It’s a gut punch for the vibe in the clubhouse.”

Looking forward, the Astros have turned to Jon Singleton as their everyday first baseman, “Ultimately, if he can step up now that he’s getting some playing time … if he grabs the bull by the horns and he takes off, then we won’t have to address that at first base,” Brown said.

Singleton, hitting .213 with five home runs and 14 RBIs in 50 games this season, is aware of the opportunity before him. “I’m still going to go out there and try to the best of my ability to help the team win ballgames. I’m grateful for the opportunity,” Singleton said.

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Shohei Ohtani Pitches 101 MPH & Hits A Home Run In Same Inning

Allan Perez — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 22:30:22 +0000

Shohei Ohtani showed off his two-way ability on Sunday. The Los Angeles Angels designated Ohtani as their designated hitter for Sunday’s game against the Chicago White Sox.

Ohtani got off to a strong first inning. The starting pitcher faced Tim Anderson, Adam Eaton, Jose Abreu, and Yoan Moncada. The pitcher forced Anderson out with a ground out, struck out Eaton and walked Abreu. The pitcher ended the half-inning with another ground out of Moncada.

In that inning, Ohtani threw three pitches that went above 100 mph, and his first pitch of the game was 98 mph. The highest pitch he threw was above 101 mph and a 100.6-mph fastball to Eaton.

While his pitching went fantastic, Ohtani did not end it there. The pitcher was also the designated hitter for the game, so he came to bat and was second in the batting order. The pitcher came up to the batter box to face White Sox’s starting pitcher Dylan Cease.

Cease only threw one pitch to Ohtani because he crushed the ball for a 450 feet home run.

Ohtani now owns the hardest pitch thrown so far and the hardest-hit home run with 115.2 mph. The accomplishment did not end there. Ohtani became the first starting pitcher to hit a home run within the first seven spots of the batting order. The last time that happened was by Babe Ruth in 1933.

Unfortunately, Ohtani was pulled from the game after an ankle injury in the fifth inning. The starting pitcher finished the game with two hits, one earned run allowed, and seven strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings. As a batter, he finished one for three and an RBI.

After the game, Ohtani was happy with his performance in the game. “I’m glad I got this game under my belt,” Ohtani told reporters, “It will lead to more confidence.”

“There’s a huge difference with the fans, it helps me concentrate at the plate and on the mound. Ohtani said, “I feel like I get that extra push and extra gear.”

The Angels beat the White Sox 7-4.

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2021 Chicago White Sox: Team Schedule [Tickets Available]

Mia Perlman — Sat, 13 Mar 2021 15:30:48 +0000

Major League Baseball’s Opening Day is just around the corner! With that being said, it is time to make predictions for each team heading into the 2021 season following a campaign shortened by the pandemic in 2020.

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The Chicago White Sox made some big free-agent additions over the course of the offseason. After seven straight losing seasons and no playoff appearances since 2008, the White Sox finished second in the American League Central, earning a wildcard berth in 2020. Looking onto 2021, the battle for the AL Central this upcoming season should be interesting, to say the least.

Here are Chicago’s projected starters.

Chicago White Sox Projected Batting Order:

OF Luis Robert
3B Yoan Moncada
1B Jose Abreu
OF Eloy Jimenez
SS Tim Anderson
C Yasmani Grandal
OF Adam Eaton
OF Leury Garcia
2B Nick Madrigal

Chicago White Sox Projected Starting Rotation:

SP1: Lucas Giolito
SP2: Lance Lynn
SP3: Michael Kopech
SP4: Dallas Keuchel
SP5: Dylan Cease
CL: Liam Hendricks

Chicago White Sox Team Outlook:

Throughout the 2020 offseason, the White Sox did their part to push their team towards success in 2021. Regarding the starting rotation, the south side of Chicago gained an experienced arm by trading starter Dane Dunning to the Rangers for veteran Lance Lynn. Additionally, Chicago gained an elite closer by signing reliever Liam Hendricks via free agency, and later signed starter Carlos Rodon.

Chicago’s offense is in good shape, considering the team has three future stars in 24-year-old Eloy Jimenez, 23-year-old Luis Roberts, and 25-year-old Yoan Moncada. Their offense also has three bats that have proven successful in shortstop Tim Anderson, catcher Yasmani Grandal and first baseman Jose Abreu. Not to mention, the White Sox were able to acquire Adam Eaton during free agency. The core of this offense is very, very good.

2021 will be the year that the White Sox fight for first place in the division. They have the offensive power along with a strong enough pitching staff to battle amongst the top teams in the American League. Chicago’s new additions will help them push for a World Series title.

Chicago White Sox Schedule:

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White Sox First Baseman Jose Abreu Tests Positive For COVID-19

Mia Perlman — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 20:47:43 +0000

On Wednesday, the Chicago White Sox announced that first baseman Jose Abreu has tested positive for COVID-19. He is asymptomatic.

As a result, the reigning American League Most Valuable Player will report late to spring training camp. He will also remain isolated for the next several days, according to the team.

“He believes he contracted a mild case of the disease in January, which is reinforced by the presence of COVID antibodies in additional testing. Other than being frustrated, Jose feels great and, like the rest of us, is looking forward to when he rejoins the club in the not too distant future,” the team reported in a statement from White Sox general manager Rick Hahn.

Abreu is the third of the four major 2020 award winners to come down with a case of COVID-19. Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman battled the disease in July but recovered and won his first National League MVP award.

American League Cy Young Shane Bieber tested positive for COVID-19 before reporting to Cleveland Indians camp and missed the first four days of workouts.

In the 60-game abbreviated 2020 season, helping the White Sox to their first playoff appearance since 2008, Abreu slashed .317/.370/.617 with 43 runs, 76 hits, 19 home runs, and 60 RBIs. He also led the American League in hits, RBIs, slugging percentage, total bases, and extra-base hits.

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Red Sox Reportedly Interested In White Sox 1B Jose Abreu

Pablo Mena — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 19:49:01 +0000

The Boston Red Sox are seeking a power bat, so one of their top pursuits is reportedly Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu.

Jose Abreu Trade News

Abreu will be 31 in January. The Cuban right-handed hitter had 33 homers, 102 RBIs and 43 doubles last season while hitting .304/.354/.552.

According to some reports, the Red Sox have been interested in Abreu since he came from Cuba before he signed with the White Sox in 2014.

In his last four seasons, Abreu has recorded 25 or more homers, 100 or more RBI and at least a .290 batting average.

Abreu, who also serves as a designated hitter, is arbitration eligible after making $10.8 million in 2017. He can become a free agent after 2019, so the Red Sox would have two years of control on Abreu unless he signs an extension.

The White Sox and Red Sox completed one of the largest deals of last offseason when Boston acquired lefty Chris Sale for top third-base prospect Yoan Moncada and right-handed pitching prospect Michael Kopech. Chicago is rumored to be interested in Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr.

According to The Athletic, the Red Sox are estimated to clear $200 million in 2018 payroll.

In other MLB news, the New York Yankees interviewed Carlos Beltran for their manager position, four weeks after the final game of his 20-year professional career.

Beltran, 40, was a nine-time All-Star and played for the Yankees from 2014-2016. He also played for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2012 and 2013.

Others who interviewed for the Yankees managing job — which became vacant after Joe Girardi, the team’s skipper since 2008, was terminated following the playoffs — include Yankees bench coach Rob Thomson, former Cleveland and Seattle manager Eric Wedge, San Francisco bench coach Hensley Meulens, former big-league third baseman Aaron Boone and Dodgers third base coach Chris Woodward.

CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 26: Jose Abreu #79 of the Chicago White Sox hits his 32nd home run of the season, a solo shot in the 1st inning, against the Los Angeles Angels at Guaranteed Rate Field on September 26, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

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