Jose Abreu says White Sox are missing key players, need reinforcements

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Jose Abreu is one of the leaders, if not the leader of the White Sox, so when he says something, it’s a fair guess to think it’s representative of a large chunk of the clubhouse.

After the White Sox lost to the Royals on Thursday, a loss which finished off a four-game sweep and extended the team’s losing streak to seven games, Abreu talked to reporters in Kansas City and sounded frustrated. He was asked about the importance of not having Tim Anderson and Eloy Jimenez, both on the IL, in the lineup.

Anderson took ground balls before the game on Thursday, which was the second straight game he had done so. He is likely nearing his return. Jimenez just went on the IL on Wednesday.

When Abreu was in Cleveland for the All-Star Game, he said he would “sign myself here” if the White Sox didn’t offer him a contract extension. For him to say something that can be interpreted as frustration towards the organization is notable. It’s also worth mentioning that this was said through a translator so it’s possible a subtlety was lost.

It’s not surprising to hear frustration in the middle of a seven-game winning streak for a team that appeared to be showing signs of improvement in the first half of the season. It’s also not surprising for Abreu to potentially be referencing his countryman Luis Robert.

Abreu helped recruit Robert to the White Sox when he was an international free agent leaving Cuba. Abreu and fellow Cuban Yoan Moncada were said to be part of the draw for Robert to sign with the White Sox.

The 21-year-old outfielder entered Thursday hitting .440/.500/.960 with three home runs in six games since getting promoted to Triple-A Charlotte. Despite his incredibly productive season which has led him to shoot up to No. 5 overall in MLB Pipeline’s prospect rankings, general manager Rick Hahn told reporters on Wednesday that they shouldn’t expect Robert to get called up this season though.

Meanwhile, the big league club is missing two key hitters and in the middle of a seven-game losing streak.

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