Levine: Abreu Set For Return Monday

By Bruce Levine=

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu will come off of the DL on Monday.

After injuring his left ankle on May 17, Abreu has been rehabbing with the team's medical staff and trainer, ending with a simulated batting and running tune-up Sunday.

"Our intention is to activate him tomorrow in Los Angeles," said GM Rick Hahn. "Anytime you miss a couple of weeks you accumulate some rust. In the case of Jose it won't be any different. Coming back against Clayton Kershaw is not ideal in terms of shaking off that rust. After talking it over [with the coaching staff] it makes the most sense to get him going."

Abreu was leading all of baseball in home runs (15) and RBI (42) before going on the disabled list on May 18. Without a DH role available against a National League opponent on the road, Abreu can't moderate his return and he will have to play in the field.

"We have the ability to monitor him on a daily basis," Hahn said. "We will have the roster depth, especially in a NL park."

The White Sox have been struggling without Abreu in the lineup. The team's offense has scored just 15 runs in the last six games. The Sox were up to five runs-per- game average over the first five weeks of the season.

"Yes, I think am ready to go," said Abreu through the team's translator. "I am a little anxious to get started. I am ready. "

Abreu said he is not concerned about resting or a getting injured again.

"There are no limitations," he said. "I may have to make some adjustments with my hitting routine, other than that we are going ahead. Myself, I don't like days off but that is not all my decision. The manager will decide that."