The Chicago White Sox have dealt with numerous injuries to key players this season, and they are trying a new approach to address the issue — not hustling.
White Sox manager Tony La Russa told reporters on Saturday that certain players have been instructed to “slow it down” running to first base if they hit into what appears to be a routine out. Tim Anderson, who returned from a groin injury last week, has been told not to hustle to first on sure outs. The same goes for Jose Abreu, Luis Robert, AJ Pollock and Andrew Vaughn. La Russa said there are other “key offensive guys” on the list as well.
“As long as the fans understand it,” La Russa said, according to ESPN.com. “They’re not lazy, but their legs are important.”
La Russa made the comments after the White Sox lost their fourth straight game, a 6-2 defeat at the hands of the Baltimore Orioles.
The White Sox entered Sunday with a losing record of 33-37. They are 5.5 games behind the AL Central-leading Minnesota Twins. They are openly trying to make health a priority with the All-Star break quickly approaching. Time will tell if it pays off.
