Levine: Jose Abreu Could Play Third Base Soon

By Bruce Levine

CHICAGO (CBS) -- White Sox fans should be ready for the unpredictable when it comes to interleague play. While first baseman Jose Abreu has never played third base in the major leagues, he may be playing the hot corner as early as May 11.

The 2014 Rookie of the Year in the AL, Abreu has been taking ground balls at third base. Until Sunday, most observers thought this was just a fun exercise for Abreu. Then we found out there's more to it.

"The thing has come up in an emergency, that he could go over there," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "He would love to do that."

Chicago plays its first interleague game on May 11 in Cincinnati. Either With the DH excluded, Adam LaRoche or Abreu would have to sit out, unless one could play a secondary position. The Reds currently don't have a left-handed starter in the rotation, which makes it even more essential for the left-handed LaRoche to be batting in the middle of the lineup for that three-game series.

White Sox coaches say Abreu has looked good in fielding practice at third base.

"It is possible if we want to get both guys in there with interleague play," Ventura said about Abreu being seriously considered at third base. "He moves around very well over there. He has good hands. He has been over there (at third base in Cuba) before. He has done it in the past. (Jose) does have that in his back pocket."

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.