Moncada eager for fresh start this year
Comes in ‘hungry for information’ after enduring painful ’22
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Yoán Moncada suffered a right oblique strain on the final day of camp last spring.
It was the start of a long — and painful — 2022 for the Chicago White Sox third baseman. He began the regular season on the injured list and didn’t play his first game until early May.
“That was something that was unfortunate and really bothered me because I was ready to start the season and that (injury) happened the last day of spring training,” Moncada said through an interpreter Thursday morning at Camelback Ranch.
Moncada slashed .212/.273/.353 with 12 homers and 51 RBIs in 104 games in a year that included IL stints in June (strained right hamstring) and late August/early September (left hamstring strain).
“I did everything I could to come back (from the oblique strain) and probably came back too soon,” he said. “But you know what? That’s in the past. That was last year.
“Now my focus in my mind is on this season and all I can do and all the things I want to do this season.”
Manager Pedro Grifol has noticed that focus.
“I’ve been impressed with Moncada since I got hired,” Grifol said. “He’s returned every phone call, he’s answered every text. He got here early, he’s in shape. He’s hungry for information. He’s been available. He’s asked questions. He’s developing a good relationship with (third base coach) Eddie Rodríguez (who is also leading the infielders), which I think is huge. I’ve been impressed with everything he’s done so far.”
Moncada said the last couple of years he had experience some shoulder soreness early in spring training.
“But this year, because I prepare myself better than I used to, I’m feeling good, I’m feeling stronger,” Moncada said. “So far, everything has been good.
“I took better care of my body with more treatment. Exercises to be more athletic and to move better. I did everything.”
Moncada has been receptive to everything, Grifol said.
“We’ve talked about those type of years that he’s had in the past and we talked about last year, and we talked about how to get him to a place where he’s comfortable being himself and playing his caliber
of baseball,” Grifol said. “He brings a little bit of everything to the field every single day. He’s got plate discipline, he’s got power. He can do a little bit of everything. Right now, we’re headed in the right direction, for sure.”
Grifol responded, “Oh, gosh, yes,” when asked if Moncada still has the ability to produce at levels of the seasons that showcase his potential.
Moncada’s top year to date was 2019, when he slashed .315/.367/.548 with 25 homers and 79 RBIs in 132 games.
“He’s 27 years old,” Grifol said. “He’s peaking right now, body-wise and strength. He’s got the ability to do whatever he wants in the game. It’s going to be a matter of him
applying himself and our coaches doing their job. It’s simple.”
Moncada also is preparing for the World Baseball Classic. He and center fielder Luis Robert Jr. are going to play for Team Cuba.
“That’s something that I dreamed about ever since I was in Cuba, and just playing with the Cuban National team is something I really wanted to do,” Moncada said. “I would say yes to everything they asked me. This is an honor and a great opportunity. I plan to take as much advantage as I can.”
The WBC is just part of the reason for some of his early work.
“Also because I wanted to stay healthy throughout the season,”
Moncada said. “Of course, I prepared myself in a good way to have a good World Baseball Classic. But more importantly to help the team during the season. I’m trying to stay healthy and have a good season.”
Moncada believes he has something to prove.
“It means a lot to be back and to feel better than how I felt last year,” he said. “I think I’m going to have a good season. I prepared myself to have a good season and hopefully that will be the case this year.
“I’m feeling very good right now, and hopefully that is going to translate into a successful season. Not just for me but for the team.”