Justin Morneau On Joining White Sox: Opportunity 'Fit Both Sides Well'

(CBS) Newly signed White Sox first baseman/designated hitter Justin Morneau indicated he had several suitors as he remained a free agent into the start of June, but he said choosing to come to Chicago was clearly the best choice for him.

"This was the opportunity I liked the most, the best opportunity, the one that seemed to fit both sides well," Morneau said. "I think there's a little bit of a need for some more left-handed bats in this lineup. You obviously have a very good first baseman over there. I'll be able to DH and try to help (Jose Abreu) out whenever I can (at first base). I think the situation just worked out well."

Still recovering from offseason surgery on his left elbow and now officially on the 15-day disabled list, Morneau believes he'll be ready to return to action shortly after the All-Star break.

"Somewhere around the All-Star break, probably on the back side of the All-Star break," Morneau said. "I've started swinging, taking dry swings. Everything's progressing as it should be. We'll keep passing those steps as we go. It's reacted better than I thought it was going to after having the surgery. I'm happy with the way things have gone so far."

The 35-year-old Morneau hit .310 with three homers and 15 RBIs in 49 games for the Rockies in 2015, a season in which he missed nearly fourth months because of a concussion. He believes he still has plenty left in the tank, and he'll primarily get at-bats as a designated hitter if he can get healthy.

"I wouldn't come back if I didn't feel like I was here to contribute and be a part of this lineup and help out in any way I can," Morneau said.

"I still have a desire to compete, and I still have a fire to go out there and prove every day that I belong on the field and try to win. In the end, all that's left for me is to try to win and be a part of a winning environment."

The White Sox have struggled to find consistency at the DH slot all season. They're currently 30-30, in fourth place in the AL Central, 3.5 games behind the first-place Indians.