Giolito: Moncada will be back soon with White Sox
The White Sox play their first intrasquad game of summer camp Thursday, and Yoan Moncada won't be participating in the four-inning scrimmage.
Will the third baseman be back with the Sox?
"There are a couple of guys we might be able to add," manager Rick Renteria told reporters after Wednesday's workout. "That might be your little surprise piece for tomorrow."
Renteria hasn't been able to offer any details about Moncada's absence from camp, and that has led to coronavirus speculation.
If he is not with the White Sox on Thursday, Moncada should eventually return.
"Obviously, Moncada will be back soon," Sox starting pitcher Lucas Giolito said. "He's a huge part of this team. He's not going anywhere. I'm not too worried about it. This is a weird time for everybody. There's going to be some bumps in the road and we'll get past them."
Renteria also is unable to comment about Michael Kopech's extended absence. The promising young starter has been away due to personal reasons.
"Michael will be a big part of this going forward," Giolito said. "Obviously, he has some things he has to take care of, and that's for him to deal with. That's his private life."
Vaughn on move?
The No. 3 overall pick in last year's draft, Andrew Vaughn has a big-time bat and a solid glove at first base.
During Wednesday's workout at Guaranteed Rate Field, Vaughn was taking groundballs at third base during infield practice.
With Yoan Moncada missing from camp, Vaughn could be an option to play third.
Vaughn took some grounders at the position during spring training back in February and March, and he told manager Rick Renteria he played some shortstop in his younger days.
"There are several of us that believe he's capable of moving around," Renteria said. "He's got really good feet, his exchange is very good, he's got a very good arm. He has all the makings of being able to play that position.
"It's a short spring … we had an opportunity to be able to have him go over there. He's taken to it. Just keep working with him. It will just continue to expand his ability to do many things. He looks very comfortable."
Crowd control:
On Wednesday, the White Sox launched a new initiative - FANtastic Faces.
Fans can visit whitesox.com/fantasticfaces and purchase a cardboard cutout of their likeness that will be displayed at Guaranteed Rate Field during the Sox's first homestand.
A limited supply of FANtastic Faces are available for $49 each, and net proceeds will benefit Chicago White Sox Charities.
The cutouts will be authenticated and available for pickup following the opening three-game series against the Twins, scheduled to run July 24-26.
A few were on display Wednesday during starting pitcher Lucas Giolito's simulated game.
"It's going to be pretty funny," Giolito said. "I saw the Giants were the first team to do that, offering it to season-ticket holders. I think it's a good idea, just to get some color out there. But for me it's more the sound.
"I'm used to that ambient crowd chatter while I'm pitching, and obviously the cheers and the boos depending on the situation. That's kind of where I'm most comfortable. I'm interested to see whether they'll be injecting that noise through the speakers or if it's just going to be silence. I'm not really sure."