White Sox outfielder AJ Pollock leaves game with tight hamstring

DETROIT — White Sox outfielder AJ Pollock left the team’s game against the Tigers Saturday with tightness in his right hamstring.

After reaching first base on a single against right-hander Case Mize in the third inning — his fourth hit of the season — Pollock grabbed the back of his right leg as he returned to first. He is being further evaluated, the team said.

Pollock was replaced by Andrew Vaughn as a pinch runner and in right field.

The Sox were already getting overwhelmed with injuries, and Pollock is just the latest to be heaped on the pile.

Opening Day starter Lucas Giolito will miss at least two starts after leaving Friday’s game, and third baseman Yoan Moncada (oblique strain) and right-hander Ryan Burr (sore shoulder) landed on the IL Wednesday. All-Star right-hander Lance Lynn (knee) and lefty reliever Garrett Crochet (Tommy John) had surgery on Tuesday.

Pollock was going to miss at least one game to be with his wife for the birth of the couple’s second child. He planned to go home after Sunday’s game against the Tigers and was set to miss the team’s home opener against the Mariners.

The Sox have an off day Monday. Players on paternity leave must miss the next team game, but no more than three games.

The Sox can replace Pollock with a player on the 40-man roster.

Kate Pollock delivered the couple’s first child three months premature in March, 2020. Maddie Mae Pollock weighed one pound and six ounces.

“That was the one thing that was a little stressful [about getting traded by the Dodgers to the Sox eight days ago], Pollock said on April 2 after he was acquired for Craig Kimbrel. “We have a baby coming in 10 days. Our first daughter was born at 24 weeks old so there is a little stress going into the pregnancy but I talked to Tony, he is super supportive, I know he’s a big family guy. So early on in the season we’ll enjoy that and get back at it.”

La Russa’s options for right field include Andrew Vaughn, Adam Engel, Leury Garcia and Gavin Sheets.