(670 The Score) As the White Sox worked have their way to an eight-game lead in the AL Central and solidified their place as a legitimate championship contender, injured left fielder Eloy Jimenez has struggled to watch.
Jimenez suffered a torn left pectoral in late March while climbing an outfield wall in an attempt to rob a home run in a spring training game, and he hasn't been with the White Sox all season. He often calls teammates like first baseman Jose Abreu or third baseman Yoan Moncada and is quickly put on speaker phone for the entire clubhouse to hear.
He has so badly missed being part of this team.
"I got to be honest, I've watched a couple games, but I don't watch every single day because sometimes I (am) sad that I wasn't there," Jimenez said.
On a happier note, it seems Jimenez will be back with the White Sox soon enough.
On Thursday morning, the White Sox announced the 24-year-old Jimenez will begin a rehab assignment Friday with Winston-Salem, the organization's high Class-A affiliate. Just more than three months after surgery -- and ahead of the expected timetable for his return to game action -- Jimenez is taking a major step toward returning this season.
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The White Sox need Jimenez's bat back in their lineup. They're 51-35 and in full control of the AL Central race, but they're also missing center fielder Luis Robert (hamstring) for at least another month, second baseman Nick Madrigal (hamstring) for the remainder of the season and catcher Yasmani Grandal (knee) until at least late in the season.
Jimenez will likely work an extended rehab of 20 days, general manager Rick Hahn said last week, in what would represent a gradual buildup through the minor leagues to replicate a second spring training. Robert isn't too far behind Jimenez on the recovery timeline as he continues his rehab from a serious hip injury.
"It's hard not to look at the standings, look at the guys who contributed on the team this year and not be really proud and impressed with what the players and coaches have been able to do under challenging circumstances," Hahn said. "You also look at the second half and who may be joining us, it's hard not to be optimistic about what lies ahead as well."
Jimenez was cleared on June 14 to begin baseball activities, and he worked through that phase of his rehab at the White Sox's facilities in Glendale, Arizona. He's swinging a bat without restrictions and claimed to be at "200%" health now.
Once he returns, Jimenez projects to fill the designated hitter role more often than play left field, as manager Tony La Russa has hinted at that previously. Despite missing Jimenez and Robert, the White Sox have found stability in the outfield. Rookie Andrew Vaughn, previously a first baseman, has played 64 games in left field this season. Adam Engel, Brian Goodwin, Billy Hamilton and Leury Garcia have contributed enough that the White Sox were comfortable designating veteran outfielder Adam Eaton for assignment on Wednesday morning.
Jimenez brings the White Sox an impact bat, having hit .276 with 45 home runs and 120 RBIs in 177 career games across two MLB seasons. But he has been a liability defensively, with a mark -14 defensive runs saved, according to FanGraphs. He also has suffered multiple injuries playing the outfield. While Jimenez prefers to play left field and not be the regular designated hitter, that's a decision for La Russa and Hahn to make once he returns.
After spending more than three months away from the White Sox, Jimenez just wants to be back with his team and part of their push for the playoffs.
"It feels really good because we're still winning with a couple good players down," Jimenez said. "I feel happy for them and feel happy that I'm going to be back and help the team.
"We want to dominate the league."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
