White Sox's Jose Abreu negative for COVID-19, game-day decision vs. Astros

The Chicago White Sox received some good news regarding slugger and first baseman Jose Abreu but don't yet know if the reigning American League Most Valuable Player will be available for Thursday's AL Division Series opener at the Houston Astros. 

According to Jesse Rogers of ESPN, Abreu has been battling flu-like symptoms since this past weekend and will be a game-day/game-time decision on Thursday after he tested negative for COVID-19. 

"He caught a bit of the flu," Chicago manager Tony La Russa told reporters Wednesday. "Got to the workout yesterday [in Chicago], and he had had a tough night with fever, and now we're all brimming with happiness and excitement because the fever broke.

"He passed the [COVID] test, which [is] mandatory, and he'll be flying back here tonight." 

First pitch at Minute Maid Park is scheduled to occur at 4:07 p.m. ET Thursday afternoon. 

Abreu enters the postseason batting .261 with 30 home runs and 117 RBI on the campaign. Shortstop Tim Anderson referred to Abreu as "the biggest key that we need healthy" for the AL Central champions. 

"But I'm sure you know, we all know, how stubborn he is, and you know he's not going to want to sit out. He's not going to be happy about that," Anderson added about Abreu.