Yoan Moncada exited early in Cuba’s 14-2 loss to the United States in the World Baseball Classic semifinal on Sunday night. He left the game in the bottom of the seventh inning after being involved in a defensive collision in the top of the sixth inning.
While chasing a fly ball to shallow left field, he ran into Roel Santos head first and then hit the ground hard. After being evaluated by the White Sox for a possible concussion, he was cleared. He is listed as day-to-day and should rejoin the team early this week.
USA Today’s Bob Nightingale initially reported that Moncada was diagnosed with a concussion and perhaps bruised ribs, but Cuba baseball officials say he should be fine.
This was good news for White Sox fans fearing the worst. Concussion symptoms usually take 7-14 days to resolve. There are still ten days before the start of the season. Meanwhile, bruised ribs take 4-6 weeks to heal, but he should be able to play through the pain once the season rolls around.
Being cleared of the concussion is a positive sign. Head injuries can vary from player to player, so that was the biggest concern. Chuck Garfein later Tweeted that Pedro Grifol texted Moncada after the game and that “it’s just a bruise, a contusion in the rib area.” If there was a significant game, then Moncada would be in the lineup. Seeing that it’s just Spring Training, he will be given extra time to recover.
Moncada is coming off a dominating showing for team Cuba. He batted a team-high .435 with a 1.258 OPS. The switch hitter also had five RBIs in six games as well as four doubles and a home run. The White Sox hope he can channel that success to the South Side.
The 27-year-old carried Cuba in for much of the tournament. Against Panama, he went 3-for-5 with four RBIs and a walk. Then in a crucial game against Chinese Taipei, he went 3-for-4 with a home run, double, and two runs scored. For his final act in round-robin play, he delivered a two-hit, two-walk performance, including a double and a run scored to help Cuba advance to the semifinals.
He was rewarded for his efforts by being named to the All-Tournament team on Tuesday. It marks the first time that a player from the White Sox has been recognized in the World Baseball Classic’s All-Tournament teams.
Glad he’s going to be okay, but not surprised he had an injury. It was getting close to time for his annual visit to the injured list. He, Grandal, Robert and Jimenez, stay on it every year. I just don’t know why neither was traded this offseason.