While the White Sox are still in their rebuilding phase, first baseman Jose Abreu has continued to stay in the spotlight.
For the fourth time since his MLB debut in 2014, Abreu was named American League Player of the Week on Tuesday. This is the first time a White Sox player has received a weekly accolade since September 2015.
“I feel very happy for this award,” Abreu said through an interpreter. “It’s recognition for all the work every day and my preparation. That said, the most important thing is the team.”
Abreu has been nothing short of dependable for the South Siders. He stayed on a month long hot streak at the plate, batting .452 with two homers, three doubles, five RBI and seven runs scored with a 1.194 OPS over seven games. He also belted his 100th career homer on Tuesday against the Diamondbacks in Arizona, then tied his career high with four hits in Arizona the next day.
While the Diamondbacks were sweeping the Sox in their three-game series, Abreu became the 22nd player in club history to hit 100 homers.
This season, Abreu is batting .296 batting average with 10 home runs, 28 RBI and 32 runs scored through 49 games.
The Sox were preparing to face former teammate Chris Sale, the Red Sox’ starting pitcher against them Tuesday night.
“He has all my respect,” Abreu said. “I respect him a lot. He was my teammate for three years, and I like him. Now it’s actually competing against each other. He’s now with the Red Sox and we’re here to face him. We know he’s going to try his best, and we’re going to try our best.”
