CHICAGO (AP) — White Sox slugger Jose Abreu is serving as the designated hitter for the series opener against Arizona due to a nagging left ankle injury.

The White Sox and the Cuban first baseman say the move is a precaution. The DH night gives him a chance to get more rest to help clear up the issue.

Speaking through an interpreter, Abreu says Friday: “It bothers me a little bit. We don’t know exactly where it’s coming from. It might be from playing, but it’s nothing alarming.”

Manager Robin Ventura says the problem probably is a result of fouling pitches off the ankle. Ventura says Abreu is not comfortable wearing a leg guard and the righty batter has hit his front foot a few times.

Abreu was batting .266 with 12 home runs and 35 RBIs.

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