Designated hitter John Kruk’s injured right heel, which has caused him to miss two straight games, will be re-examined Monday by the White Sox’s medical staff.
Kruk bruised the heel Friday night while beating out an infield single in the Sox’s 15-inning, 5-4 victory over the Tigers.
“If he’s OK, he’ll play,” said manager Terry Bevington. “If he isn’t ready, we’ll continue doing other things.”
Saturday night, Bevington started Warren Newson as DH in Kruk’s usual No. 4 spot right behind Frank Thomas in the order. Third baseman Robin Ventura batted cleanup on Sunday. Norberto Martin, the DH, batted seventh.
Ruthian pace: Bevington realizes that opposing pitchers will continue to pitch around Thomas. Thomas did not walk Sunday, but his pace of 44 walks in 35 games, if continued, would total 190, 20 more than Babe Ruth’s single-season record.
“If Frank walks that much, he’ll score well over 100 runs,” said Bevington. “And you know he’ll still drive in more than 100. He might not get 120 RBIs, but others will get the RBIs. They’re going to pitch around Frank no matter who bats behind him.”
In Bevington’s best-possible scenario, two factors will force opponents to issue fewer walks to Thomas: The 1-2 hitters, Lance Johnson and Tim Raines, will reach base enough to force pitching to Thomas, and batters hitting behind Thomas will deliver enough key hits.
Steal streak: Lance Johnson stole his 12th base of the year Sunday, and his 10th straight. He has been successful on 73 of 87 attempted steals (83.9 percent) since Opening Day 1993.