Hoge: Hudson's Absence From Lineup Only Temporary
By Adam Hoge-
U.S. CELLULAR FIELD (CBS) A day after committing a crucial error and coming up empty in key situations at the plate, White Sox third baseman Orlando Hudson was benched in favor of Eduardo Escobar.
Don't expect the move to be permanent though.
"I think with Hudson learning third, and things like that, it's just a mental break," manager Robin Ventura said before the White Sox beat the Cubs 7-0 to avoid a sweep. "We got a day off tomorrow. Put Escobar in there and see how that goes."
It went well. Escobar tallied a hit, a walk and two runs while also making a spectacular diving play at third. But don't expect him to bump Hudson from the lineup Friday against the Brewers.
"He had some good at-bats, but no, Hudson will be in there Friday," Ventura said after the game.
The former third baseman is being patient with a guy who is playing the position for the first time in the majors.
"It's not easy for anyone to play over there at any time," he said. "I had my difficulties at times and I think that's just where he's at right now. Give him a break for at least two days and get him back in there Friday."
Hudson is hitless in four straight games and has become a defensive liability. He has committed four errors in 25 games with the White Sox, including one Tuesday night that led to both Cubs' runs in a 2-1 loss.
"He's learning it, but you know, at the same time there's a learning curve to it and I just want to kind of take his mind off of it and just let him play," Ventura said.
So how does Hudson, who is also only hitting .167 with the White Sox, get better at third?
"You do early work," Ventura said. "It's just getting comfortable with it. It's different. He's played in the middle of the field most of his career and there are different things that are happening. Baseball has a way of if you put a guy new in a position, it will find him. A lot of different situations are finding him too at the same time."
Escobar, who is batting .182 in just 55 at-bats, took early infield practice Wednesday with third base coach Joe McEwing, but Hudson was not seen on the field until batting practice started.
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