(670 The Score) Veteran White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu is proud of what his team has accomplished around the one-third mark of the regular season despite encountering adversity.
The White Sox were 33-22 and sitting in first place in the AL Central entering Wednesday, with the second-place Indians trailing by 2.5 games. The White Sox have played quality baseball despite left fielder Eloy Jimenez (pectoral) and center fielder Luis Robert (hip) suffering serious injuries that will keep them out until at least late in the regular season.
"We must take it one day at a time and one inning at a time," Abreu said. "We can't get ahead of ourselves. The guys we have right now have done a great job. We must recognize that these guys are doing what they are supposed to do. Everyone is helping win as a unit. We want Luis and Eloy to be with us as soon as possible, but they are not here now. We need to be at peace with ourselves and enjoy life."
After a poor April, Abreu has been helping to carry the offensive load for the White Sox lately. He hit .333 with a 1.053 OPS in May, and his 46 RBIs lead MLB. He preached the importance of everyone picking each other up both on the field and off of it.
"We learn to play as a family. It doesn't matter about the results on the field. We must first stick together as a family first. We are in first place now, but you don't know where we will be in a week or a month. Staying together as a family comes first."
The player who carried the White Sox early in the season was rookie designated hitter Yermin Mercedes, who hit .415 with a 1.113 OPS in April. Mercedes has since cooled off, as he hit .221 with a .619 OPS in May. Mercedes has expanded his strike zone a bit too often, and Abreu has made a point to encourage him and help Mercedes stayed focused.
"Last night, we were on the bus going back to the hotel and I was talking to him," Abreu said. "I told him that baseball is not a fair sport. We don't make a season in two months. I told him you have to work hard and grind the whole season. Sometimes you don't get the results you are seeking, but you must keep working. Don't get too comfortable. The way to measure success is playing your best the whole season."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
