Yoán Moncada suffered a proper indirect pressure on the ultimate day of camp final spring.
It was the beginning of a protracted — and painful — 2022 for the Chicago White Sox third baseman. He started the common season on the injured record and didn’t play his first recreation till 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 mentioned via an interpreter Thursday morning at Camelback Ranch.
Moncada slashed .212/.273/.353 with 12 homers and 51 RBIs in 104 video games in a yr that included IL stints in June (strained proper hamstring) and late August/early September (left hamstring pressure).
“I did everything I could to come back (from the oblique strain) and probably came back too soon,” he mentioned. “But what? That’s prior to now. That was final yr.
“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 observed that focus.
“I’ve been impressed with Moncada since I got hired,” Grifol mentioned. “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 mentioned the final couple of years he had expertise some shoulder soreness early in spring coaching.
“But this year, because I prepare myself better than I used to, I’m feeling good, I’m feeling stronger,” Moncada mentioned. “So far, every thing 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 every thing, Grifol mentioned.
“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 mentioned. “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 requested if Moncada nonetheless has the power to provide at ranges of the seasons that showcase his potential.
Moncada’s high yr to this point was 2019, when he slashed .315/.367/.548 with 25 homers and 79 RBIs in 132 video games.
“He’s 27 years old,” Grifol mentioned. “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 is also making ready for the World Baseball Classic. He and heart 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 mentioned. “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 simply a part of the rationale for a few of his early work.
“Also because I wanted to stay healthy throughout the season,” Moncada mentioned. “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 one thing to show.
“It means a lot to be back and to feel better than how I felt last year,” he mentioned. “I believe I’m going to have a superb season. I ready myself to have a superb season and hopefully that would be the case this yr.
“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.”
()
Source: www.bostonherald.com