MINNEAPOLIS — AJ Pollock returned to the White Sox lineup Friday, taking the place of center fielder Luis Robert as the team was set to open a three-game series against the Twins in Minneapolis.
The good news for the Sox is that Luis Robert, who suffered a groin pull in the Sox’ 6-3 loss at Cleveland on Thursday, could avoid the injured list and miss only a few games.
Pollock was reinstated from the injured list after suffering a hamstring strain during the Sox’ opening series against the Tigers.
Robert will likely miss the series at Target Field. The Sox are off Monday before opening a homestand Tuesday against the Royals.
“I would think he won’t play these three [in Minnesota] manager Tony La Russa said. “Off Monday. If we can play him Tuesday and not lose him for 10 days, it’s huge.”
“He did the MRI and that’s what we hoped for — it looked minor. He felt a little tug and he stopped, so he didn’t run through it.”
Right-hander Matt Foster was placed on the family medical leave list, making room on the roster for Pollock. Foster owns a 1.42 ERA with five strikeouts in five relief appearances covering 5 1⁄3 innings. Foster has contributed to a bullpen that has allowed four runs on 12 hits over 23 innings (1.57 ERA) in the Sox’ last five road games.
The Sox acquired Pollock from the Dodgers on April 1 in a trade for right-hander Craig Kimbrel. He landed on the IL on April 12 (retroactive to April 10) with a strained right hamstring.He is is 4-for-7 with with a double, RBI and run scored in two games.
Right-hander Michael Kopech (0-0, 1.00) will oppose Twins righty Bailey Ober (1-1, 3.27) in tonight’s game. First pitch is 7:10 p.m.
The Sox lineup:
Anderson ss
Garcia 2b
Abreu 1b
Jimenez dh
Sheets rf
Pollock cf
Vaughn lf
McGuire c
Burger 3b
Kopech p
