Moncada sits out lopsided White Sox loss
Even though he missed the first two weeks of summer camp after being idle for over three months due to COVID-19 shutdown, Yoan Moncada made an instant impact upon his return to the White Sox.
Batting second in the Sox's lineup, the switch-hitting third baseman was 4-for-9 (.444) with 2 doubles, 1 home run and 4 RBI in the first two games of the season.
Most major-league managers stick with their hot hitters, but the White Sox's Rick Renteria took the cautious approach and held Moncada out of Sunday's blowout loss to the Twins.
“Today was the day that seemed to be more prudent to give him a breath with his arm, body, everything else,” Renteria said. “He's swinging the bat very well, as everybody can see. He's doing good, but it was more now the idea of giving him a break from throwing at all today. Just give him a break.”
Renteria was asked if Moncada's throwing (right) arm is ailing.
“It is normal soreness,” the Sox's manager said. “We'll continue to monitor his progression and hopefully we'll get to a point where we don't have to really concern ourselves too much about it. He's been a trooper because he showed up, we started activating him with throwing, all monitored obviously, on a limited basis.
“We've ramped him up pretty quickly. He's allowed us to use him as much as we can.”
The White Sox are hoping to play Moncada in all three games of their next series, at Cleveland.
Scouting report:
The Sox hit the road after Sunday's loss to Minnesota for their first road trip of the season.
Dylan Cease starts Monday night's opener at Cleveland. He was 4-7 with a 5.79 ERA in 2019. Aaron Civale, 3-4 with a 2.34 ERA last year, takes the mound for the Indians.
Carlos Rodon makes his first start of the season Tuesday night against Zack Plesac. Lucas Giolito opposes Shane Bieber Wednesday night to close out the series.
Rated rookies: