CLEVELAND, OH: Chicago White Sox third baseman Yoan Moncada, who’s in the final year of his 5-year, $70 million contract, is out at least until the All-Star break and perhaps for the season with left adductor strain, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
The injury comes in the form of a left adductor strain. Per White Sox manager Pedro Grifol, the issue has been bugging Moncada for about three to four days but has been pushing through the injury. However, the injury caught up to Moncada quite quickly when he collapsed while running out a groundout and had to be assisted off the field in Tuesday’s win against the Guardians.
On occasion, Moncada has performed admirably for the White Sox on both sides of the ball, offering solid hot corner defense and a good bat at the plate. Even in the 2021 season, when he hit 14 home runs and drew walks in 13.6% of his plate appearances, he displayed that form.
His batting line of .263/.375/.412 produced a wRC+ of 120, while three Defensive Runs Saved and Outs Above Average indicated that he was playing at a level appropriate for the league.
Moncada started the 2024 season with a slash line of .282/.364/.410. He may have been on his way as a potential trade candidate at the deadline with the White Sox going into full rebuild mode. Moncada, a free agent after this season, will likely have to find a new home as the two sides are likely to part.