White Sox slugger Abreu, Royals' Dozier helped off field after collision

Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu and Kansas City Royals third baseman Hunter Dozier were both helped off the field Friday after the two players collided on a freak play along the first-base line.

The incident occurred during the second inning of the first game of the doubleheader between the two AL Central rivals. Dozier had popped up a pitch from Lucas Giolito and began running toward first base. After avoiding White Sox catcher Yasmani Grandal, Dozier put his head down and collided with Abreu, who was charging in to help with the play.

Shortly after, Chicago deemed Abreu day-to-day. The team said he sustained a facial contusion and laceration, as well as a bruised left knee. However, initial assessments indicated Abreu didn't suffer a concussion.

Dozier was initially listed as day-to-day with a quad contusion and neck discomfort. However, the Royals placed him on the seven-day concussion IL before the second game of Friday's doubleheader; infielder Kelvin Gutierrez was recalled from Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move.

After making the catch, Grandal replaced Abreu at first base with Zack Collins taking over catching duties.

In the bottom of the second inning, Hanser Alberto replaced Dozier at third.

Abreu, 34, is the reigning AL MVP. He led all of baseball with 60 RBIs and 148 total bases last season. The slugger is hitting .240/.333/.457 with seven homers and one stolen base during this campaign.

Dozier has been a key contributor for the Royals in recent seasons, hitting .267/.347/.492 between 2019-20. The corner infielder has struggled to a .139/.202/.339 slash line this year with five home runs and one steal.