MIAMI — White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu is free to return to spring training in Arizona now that he’s concluded his testimony in the trial of two men accused of illegally smuggling Cuban ballplayers to the United States.
Sox manager Rick Renteria said Thursday he expects Abreu to start in the Sox’ spring training game against the San Diego Padres Friday night.
Abreu testified for a second day Thursday in the trial in Miami. On Wednesday, he testified that he ate a chunk of a fake passport while flying to the U.S. to cover up his illegal travel.
On trial are Florida sports agent Bartolo Hernandez and baseball trainer Julio Estrada on charges of conspiracy and alien smuggling.
Abreu testified Wednesday he ordered a beer on a flight from Haiti to Miami and consumed the page containing a false name and his photo.
Abreu says he traveled illegally because he was worried about losing his $68 million contract with the Sox.
