Sox's Moncada 'feeling much better,' anxious to begin rehab assignment

The eight-game losing streak ended Wednesday, but the White Sox can still use every bit of help they can get.

Yoan Moncada is looking forward to providing some.

Sidelined since late in spring training with a right oblique strain, Moncada took live batting practice for the first time Tuesday and is feeling good enough to being a rehabilitation assignment with Class AAA Charlotte beginning Saturday.

"I am feeling much better," Moncada said through a translator before the Sox beat the Royals Wednesday afternoon. "I thank God. I'm going to start playing in Charlotte and see how it goes. But I'm feeling pretty good."

A switch-hitter, Moncada said he's only experiencing discomfort swinging from the left side.

"I felt it sometimes when I was playing defense, when I moved to the right," the third baseman said. "But it's mostly in my swing. Right now, I feel much better. I don't feel anything when I'm fielding and just a little bit when I hit. It's not a big deal right now."

The White Sox are hoping Moncada is feeling well enough to return to the lineup at some point next week.

"He's been swinging really well here so he may go out there and just have 15 at-bats and look like he's ready," manager Tony La Russa said. "But it may take him 25, no way to predict it. It's always a mistake to bring a guy up to the big leagues before he's ready because he's going to struggle and then he's got to get out of the struggle. It's better to come in here ready to play."

Kelly getting close:

Injured relief pitcher Joe Kelly is also heading to Charlotte this weekend on a rehab assignment.

Kelly never pitched in a Cactus League game during spring training due to a right biceps nerve issue.

After going 2-0 with a 2.86 ERA in 48 games with the Dodgers last season, the 33-year-old right signed a two-year, $17 million contract with the Sox in March.

Manager Tony La Russa said Kelly could join the White Sox's bullpen in a week or two, depending on how he's feeling and the workload.

Grandal watch:

After doubling in Tuesday night's loss to the Royals, catcher Yasmani Grandal had to leave later in the game with leg soreness.

"He came out yesterday because he went into second base and made kind of an awkward slide and that tweaked something," manager Tony La Russa said.

Grandal was the Sox's designated hitter Wednesday.