White Sox: Jose Abreu Shaking Off Rough Start to 2019 Season
White Sox veteran has been on a hot streak recently to close the first month of the season after he got off to a rather poor start.
Chicago White Sox fans are passionate about cheering for their favorite players. Whether that’s Tim Anderson, Yoan Moncada, Eloy Jimenez or others, White Sox fans love their players. Especially veteran first baseman Jose Abreu.
Since arriving to MLB in 2014 from Cuba, Abreu has solidified himself as a fan favorite on the South Side. Although he doesn’t speak much English when talking with the media, White Sox fans don’t bother to worry about that and instead focus on the value Abreu brings to the franchise.
After last season ended with Abreu missing time due to an injury and hitting a career-low .265, there were some White Sox fans who wondered if his best days were behind him. When Abreu got off to a slow start this season, there began to be many more Sox fans that wondered if we had seen the best of Abreu.
As of April 17, Abreu’s batting average was at .177 and he only had three home runs and 10 RBIs at that point. Fast forward to Monday and Abreu’s average on the season is at .271 and he has five home runs with 24 total RBIs. He should have six home runs but he made an egregious mistake on the basepaths last Friday that cost him a home run and one additional RBI.
Abreu has been a solid clubhouse leader since the Sox began their rebuild after the 2016 season. He’s also been one of a few consistent offensive threats in the Sox lineup since his rookie season of 2014. For some fans to give up on Abreu so quickly is nothing more than foolish on their behalf. Will Abreu regress? Sure. It’s natural. But will he regress to being unproductive as quickly as this season? Highly unlikely.
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In his last seven games, Abreu is hitting .500 with two home runs and 14 RBIs. Through Monday, his slash line is .273/.348/.495 with a .843 OPS. Clearly, Abreu still has a lot left in his tank. No need to be worried by his slow start to this season. It’s not how you start, but how you finish. Many Sox fans will do well to remember that when thinking about Abreu’s 2019 season.