White Sox's Jose Abreu out for Twins series with ankle inflammation

X-rays on the ankle were negative but an MRI showed the inflammation that's keeping the 34-year-old sidelined. Manager Tony La Russa said he could start Abreu for the weekend series at the New York Yankees following Thursday's off day. 

"It's good news and best news. The good news was it wasn't anything more serious," La Russa explained, according to Scott Merkin of the MLB website. "And the best news is, if we get through these three games in Minnesota without him, then an off-day, there's a possibility he'll play against the Yankees.

"We're not going to rush him back even then. We're all excited. He went through a lot of pain last night. But he's here now. They were kidding that they were going to put spikes on his boot that he had to play in. Just shows you everybody knows how tough he is. We'll find a way." 

Across 38 games this season, Abreu is hitting .255 with eight home runs and 33 RBIs. 

Chicago began Monday's action leading the American League Central with a 24-15 record. Minnesota, meanwhile, is in the basement of the division standings at 13-25.