Homer leader Abreu sidelined by sore ankle

Chicago: Chicago White Sox rookie slugger Jose Abreu, Major League Baseball`s leading home run hitter, was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday due to tendinitis in his left ankle.

The 27-year-old Cuban first baseman has 15 homers in 44 games and also leads the American League with 41 runs batted in, second-best in the major leagues. Abreu, who is batting .260, was named the American League player and rookie of the month for April, when he set league rookie records for the first month of a season with 10 homers, 32 runs batted in and 19 extra-base hits. Abreu wore an ankle shield in a loss Saturday at Houston but was hindered by the injury. To replace Abreu on the roster, the White Sox activated outfielder Adam Eaton, who had been sidelined since May 3 with a right hamstring strain. At 21-23, the White Sox are fourth in the AL Central division, eight games behind the division-leading Detroit Tigers, who have the best record in Major League Baseball at 26-12.