White Sox's Jeff Keppinger on the mend, expects to be ready for spring training

The Chicago White Sox's newest free agent acquisition, third baseman Jeff Keppinger, expects to be ready for spring training despite breaking his leg in an accident at home in November, according to CSNChicago.com.

Keppinger suffered the injury while walking downstairs in a pair of flip flops. He originally believed he had sprained his right ankle, but a subsequent X-ray revealed that he'd actually broken his right fibula. The walking boot that the 32-year-old has been wearing since sustaining the injury will come off on Tuesday and he should start his rehabilitation fairly soon.

Keppinger told CSNChicago.com:

"I'm about to be out of the boot and healed up and basically it's just strengthening the leg back up. I should be good to go come spring. That certainly all matters based on how rehab goes but I don't imagine there being any tough parts of rehab that are a struggle for me. ... I just need to strengthen it back up and get the flexibility back in my foot."

The third baseman inked a three-year, $12 million deal with the club on Monday, spurning interest from several teams, including the New York Yankees. The career .288 hitter figures to slot into the No. 2 spot in the White Sox lineup due to his patient approach and ability to battle through at-bats and avoid strikeouts. The veteran has never struck out more than 36 times in any of his eight big league seasons.

Keppinger hit .325 with nine home runs and 40 RBI in 418 plate appearances for the Tampa Bay Rays last season.