The Chicago White Sox could get a key figure in their lineup back for Game 1 of the ALDS against the Houston Astros on Thursday. Jose Abreu, who stayed back in Chicago over the weekend due to illness, recently tested negative for COVID-19 and will be a game-time decision for the series opener, via Jesse Rogers of ESPN.

According to White Sox manager Tony La Russa, he was dealing with the flu:

“He caught a bit of the flu,” manager Tony La Russa said before a Wednesday workout at Minute Maid Park. “Got to the workout yesterday (in Chicago), and he had had a tough night with fever, and now we’re all brimming with happiness and excitement because the fever broke.

Abreu, the reigning AL MVP, is one of the most important bats on the White Sox. His numbers are slightly down this season, but Abreu has still clubbed 30 home runs while hitting .261 for the American League Central champions. His RBI numbers were absolutely phenomenal though, driving in a mind-boggling 117 runs in 2021. That production simply can’t be replaced.

Given that it’s not COVID-19, you’d have to believe Jose Abreu will be doing absolutely everything imaginable to suit up for the White Sox on Thursday night at Minute Maid Park as Chicago begins their playoff journey.