Mercedes’ early success has led to a restaurant naming a burger after him, t-shirts bearing his likeness, and something of a cult-hero status.
Yermin Mercedes is surprised about where he’s at a month into the season but wants to stay there.
“I never imagined that,” Mercedes said. “I never believed I’d be at this point right now. So I’m so excited for that. I never imagined I would be here.”
Here for Mercedes means a .429 on-base percentage, four home runs and a .661 slugging percentage entering the start of the series. He’s delivered titanic home runs and given the lineup a needed boost after Eloy Jimenez’s season-threatening injury.
That early success has led to a restaurant naming a burger after him, t-shirts bearing his likeness, and something of a cult-hero status. Mercedes is clearly relishing the bond with fans, and said that’s a reason he’s working hard every day.
“Now we’re here, keep going,” Mercedes said. “Don’t put the head down. Just keep doing what I’m doing every day to keep it at that point.”
Billy’s back
Billy Hamilton (strained left hamstring) returned from the 10-day injured list to give Tony La Russa another option in left field. Unlike Andrew Vaughn, who started in left field Friday night, Hamilton has years of experience playing in the outfield.
The 30-year-old Hamilton is eager to assist Vaughn and lend his experience.
“The type of knowledge I know just from being in the outfield, it’s always good to hear coming from guys who have been out there and stuff like that,” Hamilton said. “It’s going to be good to be back in battle with the guys and get back into the swing of things.”
Speaking of swinging, Hamilton is off to an encouraging 3 for 11 start at the plate. Admittedly, Hamilton is known for his blazing speed and not his bat, but he said being around the Sox and Tim Anderson has given him confidence at the plate.
“He’s been one of the main guys that every single day is like, ‘let’s go. Get your couple hits a game and then you’re going to be good,’” Hamilton said. “Having him every single day brings it out of me, for sure.”
Pitcher Alex McRae was optioned to Schaumburg to make room for Hamilton.
Abreu in the field
Jose Abreu got what he wanted Friday, returning to first base after serving as the Sox’ designated hitter Tuesday in Cleveland.
And he really wanted to get back into the field.
“I considered [playing Abreu at DH] until he grabbed me by the neck and made sure I understood,” La Russa joked. “He didn’t have to apply much pressure to my neck. I got it.”
All kidding aside, La Russa said Abreu would’ve played first if Wednesday’s game hadn’t been postponed. That’s where the Sox manager likes the 2020 AL MVP, though the occasional day as a DH isn’t the worst thing.
“He improves our infield when he plays first,” La Russa said.
Injury updates
La Russa said pitcher Lance Lynn (strained right trapezius) will probably be back next week. Because of Monday’s upcoming off day, plus the two recent open dates, the Sox don’t have to push the 33-year-old righty.
As for Adam Engel (strained right hamstring), La Russa said he’s making progress but the team still thinks he won’t be back until early May.
from Chicago Sun-Times - All https://ift.tt/32KJxXa
No comments:
Post a Comment