A player with no previous shoulder issues would likely have felt sore on Tuesday after they endured Adam Eaton’s workload on Monday night.
So it didn’t set off any alarms for the White Sox outfielder when he woke up feeling a little uncomfortable on Tuesday.
Eaton, who was involved in nearly a dozen plays in Monday’s blowout loss, is pleased with how his surgically repaired shoulder fared in its first true test of the season. Eaton, who had nerve decompression surgery in October, was in the White Sox lineup in right field for Tuesday’s game.
“I’m a little sore today, but that’s something we prepared for in spring training,” Eaton said. “Made a lot of throws in spring training, not in front of everybody, preparing ourselves for days like today or yesterday. We’re good.
“Everything came out real well, and I feel good. I think if I can survive days like yesterday, I can survive any day.”
Manager Robin Ventura had already checked in with the outfielder before Tuesday’s media session. He said he planned to keep his eye trained on Eaton for the second of four games against the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday.
The Angels kept Eaton very busy Monday. He was involved in 11 plays in all, including five in the first inning. Only one of the 11 didn’t require a throw as the other 10 were either base hits or fly balls with a man on base.
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Ventura liked what he saw from Eaton, who spent the first month of spring building up arm strength. Eaton didn’t play in the outfield in an exhibition game until March 19.
“He was warm,” Ventura said. “He was definitely warm. He got all the use he needed out of his arm. I thought he threw it great, plus hitting the cutoff man, he was fine. He seems to be fine today. I’m more concerned about today than I was last night.”
Eaton actually continued to work after Monday’s loss as he and the training staff worked to further strengthen his shoulder. The plan calls for strengthening twice a week, and Monday was on the schedule.
“Even after a long day, I still went out and strengthened a little bit and made sure all the muscles were all back there,” Eaton said with a laugh.
Eaton didn’t wear an ice pack when he addressed the media after Monday’s loss. He said icing the nerve can cause it to tighten up and lose circulation, and they want it to continue to move. Though Eaton’s shoulder will continue to require maintenance, he likes how it has responded. He also said most of the leg work has already been completed.
“The (trainers) did a great job preparing me for days like yesterday so a lot of credit goes to them,” Eaton said. “Keep everything flowing in the right direction. But realistically, a lot of my work is done out there.
“I feel like it’s really strong. The ball is coming out pretty well. I’m happy with where we’re at.”