HOUSTON — When Avisail Garcia was out of sight and out of mind while missing two months on the disabled list, it seemed to put a hurt on whatever trade value the 2017 All-Star outfielder had built when he batted .330 with 18 homers and 80 RBI.
But Garcia has hit home runs at a torrid clip since his return from the DL, including a two-run shot in the ninth inning of Friday’s 11-4 loss to the Astros, suggesting last season’s breakout year was no fluke and perhaps rekindling interest from other teams.
“I’ve been through the same thing every year,’’ Garcia said of trade possibilities. “It’s not something new. I don’t pay attention to all of that. I control what I can control. Working hard, doing my best during the game and whatever happens, happens. It’s business. One day you are here, the next day you never know. So let’s see what happens.’’
Garcia is making $6.7 million this season and has a year of arbitration eligibility left before he hits free agency. And the Sox do have outfield depth in their farm system, starting with Eloy Jimenez.
Despite tightness in his hamstrings, Garcia has hit safely in every game since his return. His hitting streak ended at a career-high 14 games Thursday.
After homering once in his first 22 games, Garcia has hit seven long balls in his last 11 games.
“I’ve been working hard to go back and try to see better pitches, just swing at strikes,’’ he said. “Try to make contact. And don’t try to do too much.’’
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Acquired in a trade with the Tigers in 2013, Garcia reminds everyone that he’s “only 27” and that some assume he’s older “because I’ve been here five or six years.’’
He is not hoping for a trade, however.
“I feel a part of it,’’ he said of the Sox’ rebuild. “So let’s see what happens. I come here trying to work hard and do my best and be an example for all these guys.’’
Anderson out of lineup
Shortstop Tim Anderson was out of the starting lineup after getting hit with a pitch on the left forearm in the eighth inning of the Sox’ 4-3 loss Thursday.
Anderson stayed in the game and stole second base but did not play in the field after that. He took batting practice and was available Friday and said he likely would start Saturday.
“It’s a little sore,’’ Anderson said. “Swollen a little, but I feel a lot better than yesterday.”
“We’ll give him a day to calm it down, and hopefully he’ll be back in the lineup tomorrow,’’ manager Rick Renteria said.
Anderson got hit after Leury Garcia’s go-ahead home run, but he said he did not think it was intentional.
Anderson is hitting .353 with two homers, seven RBI and 12 runs scored in his last 13 games, raising his average from .230 to .251.
Delmonico on rehab assignment
Outfielder Nicky Delmonico began a minor-league rehab assignment with Class AA Birmingham. He has been on the DL since May 19 with a fractured third metacarpal on his right hand.