White Sox give Moncada a needed break
Yoan Moncada finally had a day of rest on Tuesday, and the White Sox's third baseman went into the break feeling good about himself.
In Monday night's 5-2 win over the Indians, the switch-hitting Moncada homered from both sides of the plate while breaking out of a 10-for-53 slump.
Before sitting out against Cleveland, Moncada played in the first 40 games of the season.
Sox manager Rick Renteria gave Moncada a heads up Monday about getting the next day off.
"He had been kind of battling a little bit," Renteria said. "His motivation was a little bit of, 'Listen, you're going to have a day tomorrow so I need you to be an animal tonight.'"
Moncada responded well, and he'll get some extra needed rest with Wednesday's off day. Tuesday was the White Sox's 33rd game in as many days.
"That is big," Renteria said. "The extra day off helps us a lot."
Abreu update:
Appearing Tuesday on MLB Network, Sox general manager Rick Hahn was asked about Jose Abreu, who is in the final year of his contract.
Abreu's future with the White Sox has come up several times this year, and Hahn did again mention how much the 32-year-old first baseman/DH is valued.
Hahn closed by saying it is "likely" Abreu will still be with the Sox next season and beyond.
Charlotte watch:
On the injured list since April 27 with a high right ankle sprain, rookie left fielder Eloy Jimenez started his rehab assignment with Class AAA Charlotte Tuesday night.
Jimenez was slated for designated hitter duties in his first game back, a partial game in left field Wednesday and a full game in left Thursday.
"We'll see how it goes," GM Rick Hahn said. "At the very least he'll be there Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday before we even consider what's next for him. It shouldn't take long.
"Keep in mind, this is partially making sure he's obviously fully healed from the ankle injury. But at the same time, between the IL placement and the Bereavement List (April 22-24), he's been away from live pitching for a while. We need to get him his timing back as well."
Injured catcher Seby Zavala (left wrist) also returned to Charlotte Tuesday after being sidelined three weeks.
Charlotte's other catcher, Zack Collins, is close to returning from a concussion.