CHICAGO -- Do not rule out the possibility of Jose Abreu seeing a handful of innings at third base during the course of the season.

It would be a long shot, but Chicago White Sox manager Robin Ventura said Sunday that he is open to the idea of using the rookie of the year at a defensive position other than his normal first base spot.

The White Sox may consider using Jose Abreu at third base during road interleague games. Allan Henry/USA TODAY Sports

“He actually looks good at third; he moves around very well and has done it,” Ventura said Sunday. “There have been questions raised in an emergency of him being able to go over there and do it. He would love to do it. Shortstop, we might have to wait on. There might be a chance for him to play a little third base.”

Ventura was joking about the shortstop part, of course, but third base was no laughing matter. While it might take a depleted roster in the midst of an extra inning to happen in American League play, Ventura said he will consider giving Abreu a start at third base once interleague play rolls around.

The White Sox have 20 interleague games scheduled this season, the first on May 8 at home against the Cincinnati Reds. Home interleague games might not be the time to use Abreu at third, but games at National League parks would be considered.

If Ventura wants both Abreu and Adam LaRoche in the same lineup during the 10 road interleague games, when the designated hitter is not in use, he could take a flier on Abreu at third and put LaRoche at first base. The White Sox’s first interleague series in a National League park is May 11-13 at Milwaukee.

“When I began to play, I played all around the field except pitcher and catcher,” said Abreu, who caused a bit of a stir when he took grounders at third before the home opener Friday. “[Playing there in warm-ups] right now is to keep my rhythm, to do what I used to do. Just to get a little bit out of the routine. Sometimes the season is too long and the monotony starts so just move around a little bit in practice.”

Abreu said he actually played shortstop when he started playing baseball in Cuba. Those days are done, though.

“He would make Cal Ripken look small,” Ventura said.

Playing on sore feet and ankles for much of last year, taking a chance on Abreu at third was not considered. But he’s feeling much better these days and has even looked much improved with his defense at first base.

“If something is decided for the team to win, I will [play third base],” Abreu said. “I will do it.”