DETROIT -- Just as he suggested earlier, Robin Ventura felt Adam Eaton received his message and didn’t need a day off Thursday.
The White Sox manager considered Wednesday’s issue, when Eaton stopped twice after believing his line drive had been caught, moot. Ventura believes the leadoff man knew he made a mistake and didn’t need a game to think about the poor play, one that hasn’t previously been an issue.
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“We said enough then,” Ventura said. “He understands where I stand on it. And we are going to go play today.”
Eaton quickly admitted to his mistake after a 6-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday. His effort and energy are key reasons the White Sox want him in the lineup. Given the team’s offensive struggles, Ventura would have found it hard to sit Eaton, who entered the opener of a four-game series against the Detroit Tigers with a .288/.374/.413 slash line in 91 June plate appearances.
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“You run everything out hard,” Ventura said. “Don’t take anything for granted. And he understands that.
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“You have that talk. He’s been playing great. I think even before when there might be a mental lapse where he’s throwing the ball, he’s been doing great. It’s a moment that happens but for us we have to be able to get past that and you play everything out.”