The Chicago White Sox had a pretty easy decision to make after Yoan Moncada left Wednesday’s game early. They only gave him one day off before returning to the lineup, but Moncada once again had a premature exit Friday night, departing in the fifth inning against the Minnesota Twins with the same hamstring issue.
Simply put, the White Sox have to save Moncada from himself. Of course he wants to be out on the field playing, but there should be no hurry to bring him back as long as there’s any discomfort in the hamstring. They should have been more cautious in the first place, but that’s in the past now. The White Sox can still fix their first mistake of not holding Moncada back by shutting him down until he feels 100%.
That doesn’t mean Moncada should immediately be placed on the disabled list, but what harm is keeping him out of action for a few more days. And it’s especially more concerning with a hamstring injury because as small as the issue may be it can be something that nags Moncada for a longer time frame than you can predict.
Moncada leaves with an injury (01:07)
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The White Sox lost 6-4 to the Twins on Friday, dropping their record to 9-21. It’s been a disappointing start to the 2018 season in year two of the rebuild, but Moncada has been one of the few bright spots. He currently has a .359 OBP, while showing off his power and speed.
There’s absolutely no reason Moncada should be back on the field until that hamstring is all good to go. The White Sox aren’t playing for much this season, so it doesn’t matter if Moncada has to miss games.
Get him healthy, so you don’t have to deal with more mid-game replacements for one of the most exciting players in the league.
Have Hawk massage Moncada’s hamstring. Just tell him it’s Todd Frazier and he’ll be bed-side in a second.
