Moncada returns to White Sox lineup, hopes to play season opener
A week ago, Yoan Moncada was still missing from the White Sox's summer camp.
No reason was given, but it was pretty obvious the standout third baseman was one of the two unnamed Sox players who tested positive for the coronavirus.
Moncada did report Thursday, and also revealed he was down with COVID-19 for a couple of weeks.
The switch hitter said he hoped to be in the starting lineup against the Twins on Friday night when the regular season starts.
"What can I do to get ready for the season? Just stick with my routine," Moncada said. "I probably will have to work harder to get ready for Friday. But I think that's something that I can do, and I'm committed 100 percent to do whatever it takes to be ready when the season starts."
If Monday night was any indication, Moncada should be on the field when the Sox open the 60-game season against Minnesota at Guaranteed Rate Field.
After just four days of workouts, Moncada started for the White Sox in their exhibition game against the Cubs. If the 25-year-old infielder is rusty, it didn't show.
"I felt good today," Moncada said through a translator. "I appreciate the chance (manager) Ricky (Renteria) gave me to play five innings. Today was a good day for me."
In the top of the first inning, Moncada ranged to his left on a groundball and threw out Javier Baez at first base.
Batting for the first time since March Cactus League play in the bottom of the first, Moncada hit an RBI single to center field off Cubs starter Yu Darvish. He came around to score on Eloy Jimenez's grand slam.
The Sox hit Darvish so hard in the first, the inning was halted after his 29th pitch with only one out.
Before exiting after the fifth inning, Moncada was 1-for-3 with 1 RBI. He also made three more defensive putouts before calling it a night in the White Sox's eventual 5-3 win.
Dallas Keuchel, who started against the Cubs, was happy to have Moncada back at third base.
"I was a little surprised," Keuchel said. "But he's one of the most athletic guys on the field at any point in time. He still has enough, he has those fresh legs under him. I would say I was surprised, but it is Moncada. We expect a lot out of him, and he expects a lot of himself.
"He expects to be there Opening Day and this was a really good start to the second preseason for him."
Moncada should be ready to play in the season opener, but Renteria isn't ready to make that announcement yet.
"(Tuesday) will tell me a lot," Renteria said. "When we come out in the morning, he's going to get quite a few at-bats. He'll do a little work with (bench coach) Joe (McEwing), taking some groundballs, continue his throwing program and we'll have a much better picture."
Moncada can use all the at-bats he can get.
"Overall, I feel good but my timing is not there yet," he said. "I think that's something I'm going to get with repetition. But I'm in a good spot. I'll get my timing right on track."