LaRoche has struggled at the plate recently, going 1-for-9 over the past three games since returning from a minor back issue. LaRoche received one day off last week due to a minor back issue, and has struggled a bit since returning. It's been a struggle overall this spring as well, as the veteran is sticking at just .212/.229/.394 with one home run and nine RBI. However, he's been lauded for his play defensively, and could see a fair amount of time at first base this season.

LaRoche will receive the day off Wednesday with a minor lower-back issue, Dan Hayes of CSN Chicago reports. The Nationals have the day off Friday, so LaRoche's potential return to the field would come Saturday. The issue appears to be minor, but should be monitored over the next few days to ensure nothing more emerges.

White Sox manager Robin Ventura said Tuesday that he sees LaRoche playing about two games a week at first base next season, ESPNChicago.com reports. LaRoche is a former Gold Glove winner at first base and clearly has an edge over Jose Abreu, defensively, but the White Sox don't want to penalize Abreu after his AL Rookie of the Year campaign by taking away his defensive responsibilities. Thus, LaRoche will serve primarily as the DH, Ventura clarified, likely only seeing in the range of 50-60 games at first in 2015.

LaRoche signed a two-year, $25 million contract with the Whits Sox on Friday, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. LaRoche had a decent year with the Nationals in 2014, batting .259/.362/.455 with 26 home runs and 92 RBI. He will head to one of the more hitter-friendly ballparks in baseball. He will join Jose Abreu, who will likely serve mainly as the designated hitter, in the middle of the lineup.

The Nationals declined to pick up the 2015 option on LaRoche's contract, the Washington Post reports. With Ryan Zimmerman's shoulder issues forcing a move across the diamond, there was just no room in Washington for LaRoche as well. The first baseman will head into free agency sporting a .259/.362/.455 slash line in 140 games (the OBP is a career high) with 26 home runs and 92 RBI. LeRoche turns 35 in November, and likely won't be able to secure a lengthy deal, but his steady stick combined with his excellent defensive reputation should attraction some attention on the market.

LaRoche is not in the lineup for the second game of a doubleheader against the Mets on Friday. LaRoche started the first game of Thursday's doubleheader as well, but didn't play the second game much like Friday. Tyler Moore will get the call in his place and bats fifth for the Nationals.

LaRoche is not in the lineup for the second game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Mets, William Ladson of MLB.com reports. LaRoche will rest for the night cap after getting the start at first base for the afternoon game.

LaRoche went 2-for-3 Tuesday with a three-run blast, his 26th home run of the season. He's been struggling to make contact as the season draws to a close, hitting just .189 (7-for-37) over his last 10 games, but LaRoche has still been able to contribute with three home runs and nine RBI over the stretch.

LaRoche was 1-for-3 with a walk and a two-run home run in the Nationals win over Miami on Friday night. After receiving a couple of days of rest following the team's clinching of the NL East, LaRoche wasted little time in getting back in the swing with a first inning dinger to give the Nationals a lead they would never relinquish. He now has 25 long ones to go with 88 RBI and a .257 average.

LaRoche is out of the lineup Thursday against the Marlins, James Wagner of the Washington Post reports. Though most of the Nationals' regulars will return to the lineup after they were all given the day off Wednesday following the team's clinching of the NL East, LaRoche will receive an extra day to rest, with the Marlins starting a lefty. Kevin Frandsen will enter the lineup in his place at first base.