GLENDALE, Ariz. — Jose Abreu is hot.
How hot?
How about .519 hot, his average with two days left in the Cactus League.
He’s also feeling the heat of the Arizona sun, and he’ll have more of it before the White Sox fly to Charlotte after their last game here Thursday. The Sox play their AAA team Friday, then head to Kansas City for Monday’s season opener.
“The plan is to come to spring training and start the season hot,” Abreu said after going 4-for-4 with two doubles against the Dodgers in the White Sox’ 2-1 victory Tuesday. “Right now I am very glad about what my results are and I think I can keep the momentum into the season. I’m ready for the season. I am anxious and tired because the sun is so hot here.”
Manager Robin Ventura has been encouraging Abreu to take a spa day. Maybe the big guy should take him up on it.
Abreu was kiddingly asked if he was going to hit .500 during the regular season.
“Nah, nah. It’s too hard,” Abreu said. “Hitting is something that is very difficult. I’m glad right now that our season is approaching and I hope to continue this in the season. I want to keep the rhythm and approach once the season begins.”
If there is a concern, and this would be a small one, it’s that Abreu has hit only one home run this spring. He hit two last spring, then hit 36 in his rookie season for the Sox in 2014.
“I am feeling good. Obviously I’m a little anxious also because I want to hit home runs sometime,” he said. “But if God is saving that for the season, it’s good for me. I’m just trying to get ready for the season and do my job.”
Temperatures in the Phoenix area have been in the mid 90s the last several days. The Opening Day forecast Monday in Kansas City calls for 70 degree temperatures and a chance of showers.
Sox lineups today:
Vs. Padres in Glendale:
Eaton CF
Shuck LF
Ramirez SS
LaRoche 1B
Flowers C
Gillaspie 3B
Beltre RF
Hayes DH
Johnson 2B
Samardzija P
At Mariners:
Bonifacio CF
Cabrera LF
Abreu 1B
Garcia RF
Kottaras C
Beckham SS
Michalczewski 3B
Farrell DH
Sanchez 2B
Carroll P