Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Yoan Moncada Will Need Extended Rehab Stint

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Besnik Zekiri | Last updated 7/21/23

Chicago White Sox third baseman is on the mend, working his way back to Chicago in Charlotte for the Triple-A Knights. However, this will be an extended stint for Moncada, per manager Pedro Grifol. Moncada's protruding disc is a more significant issue than initially reported.

Name a more committed relationship than the Chicago White Sox and injury updates. I'll wait. Nevertheless, we will await Yoan Moncada's return from his second IL stint this season. The back issue has limited him to 38 games at the major league level, and he's posted an OPS plus of only 78.

It's prudent that the White Sox allow him as much time as needed before returning to Chicago. After his first IL stint, he made five rehab starts in Charlotte before returning. Moncada performed well, going 8-14 with two homers and four RBIs.

An Ugly Year

However, that didn't translate to success when he joined the White Sox. Moncada hit a paltry .202/.262/.293 with one homer and eight RBIs over 107 plate appearances. After which, he landed on the IL again for his back issue. He's made five rehab starts during his current assignment, and the results haven't been pretty. The third baseman is 4-18 with no walks and six strikeouts.

What's On Tap?

It's been the story of the season regarding Moncada. His ailing back is a more severe issue than initially thought and has kept him off the field more than expected. Nothing is urgent about his return to the White Sox, as the team is 16 games under .500. Moncada can take all the time he needs while third baseman Jake Burger continues his breakout season.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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