(670 The Score) White Sox slugger Eloy Jimenez was back in the lineup in a win against the Royals on Tuesday after missing the previous four games with a groin strain, an ailment that came shortly after he had just returned from a four-month absence due to a pectoral tear.
Jimenez served as the team's designated hitter for a few different reasons but none more essential than keeping him healthy. For the time being, the White Sox plan to use Jimenez at DH, which will keep his big bat in the lineup and – hopefully – help keep him healthy. The White Sox previously had discussed using him in left field and at DH as needed, but manager Tony La Russa wants to use him at DH for the next few days at least.
"We have been communicating with him, and obviously he can play left field defense," La Russa said. "The first day he came back, he was the defensive star of the game in KC. What you do in spring training is you try to build each guy's stamina for the position they play. The smart thing here is to build stamina and strength. I told Eloy just run at a comfortable pace, and if it's really critical, I will pinch run for you. I told him do not try to stretch hits into a double. You do not want to coach the aggressiveness out of him, but you have to be careful and know the ability of your legs. So he understands, and we will hope for the best."
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The 24-year-old Jimenez understands filling the DH role is what's best for him and the team right now, even if it's not his preference in the big picture. Jimenez is 2-of-15 with one homer and three RBIs in four games this season.
"I need to be smart about it," Jimenez said of his groin issues. "That doesn't mean I can't play hard. I just have to figure out how to do that. I would rather be in the field, because I am more in the game. I enjoy talking to the fans and all of that, so when you are a young player and you are a DH, it's boring.
It is what it is right now."
Jimenez has worked hard on his outfield defense in recent seasons. While he has still had his struggles, he takes great pride in it.
"I feel I can play out there," Jimenez said of left field. "This is not my decision right now. I do feel good enough to play outfield. I am very happy to be here and ready to play. Whatever they decide to do, I am happy, but I am still not happy being DH. But in this situation, I understand."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
