Yoan Moncada Injury Update After World Baseball Classic

The White Sox have been beset with injuries this season, which has caused them to fall further behind in the standings.

Injury issues have plagued every player on the roster and it appears they won't go away any time soon. Let us take a closer look at Yoan Moncada, who will represent Cuba in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, to assess his injury status.

1. Concussion

Yoan Moncada's World Baseball Classic injury had one positive outcome; he avoided the devastating injuries other star MLB players have endured during the tournament. Thankfully, Moncada did not sustain structural damage to his knee when he collided with Cuba's Willy Garcia while trying to catch a fly ball during Sunday's WBC semifinal game against Team USA.

X-rays on the young Cuban's right knee revealed no damage, though he is expected to miss several games due to the injury. Despite concerns that he could have torn ligaments, he will continue his ice and rehab regimen until fully healthy.

It's encouraging that the youngster is healthy and won't need any extended outpatient treatments, given his struggles in the majors since 2022. His on-base percentage (.220) and walk rate (4.4 percent) this spring are impressive, yet his power has yet to show signs of life.

He was an integral part of Cuba's success this tournament, hitting.435 across the tournament and posting a batting average against USA hitters in Group A. The White Sox third baseman is considered one of their top options and should see plenty of playing time throughout the rest of Cactus League play.

Moncada's injury status remains uncertain after leaving Sunday's WBC semifinal against Team USA with a lingering rib issue. According to James Fegan of The Athletic, Moncada may need defensive replacement in the bottom of the seventh inning following a collision in the sixth.

It's surprising that Moncada's rib issue isn't keeping him from Opening Day, but the White Sox will evaluate this further after seeing how he performs in the final few games of Cactus League play. He remains a great player and could potentially be an integral piece in their rebuilding plans, so keeping him healthy for as long as possible makes sense.

2. Ribs

After an exciting World Baseball Classic where injuries to stars like Jose Altuve and Edwin Diaz were frequent, it was a pleasant surprise that White Sox third baseman Yadier Moncada avoided a season-ending injury. It would have been unfortunate for Moncada to miss the final game of the tournament as his performance proved crucial in their 14-2 victory against Cuba on Sunday night.

On Wednesday night, the Chicago White Sox reported that Moncada had left the field with a bruised rib. While this sounds serious, the injury is actually less serious than anticipated and should be fully healed by Opening Day.

While Moncada may be out for a while, he remains an essential piece of the White Sox puzzle. A switch-hitter with an impressive eye at the plate, Moncada still has room to improve in this area.

He was an integral part of Cuba's remarkable World Baseball Classic run to the semifinals, hitting a team-high.435 in six games. Now the White Sox are hoping that this season will provide another opportunity for him to showcase his skillset in the major leagues.

However, as with any major injury, the question remains: Will Moncada be able to play through his discomfort or must he opt for the injured list? The best indication of Moncada's status will come when he starts accruing more ABs during the final few Cactus League games.

3. Foot

Yoan Moncada is back with the White Sox after taking a brief break following World Baseball Classic action. The Cuban third baseman was removed from Sunday's game against Team USA due to an apparent collision in the outfield, but fortunately did not sustain any serious injuries. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Moncada did not sustain a concussion and is considered day-to-day.

At present, Moncada is not scheduled to play in any Cactus League games, but he should be ready for Opening Day against Houston on March 30. Additionally, he could take part in some spring training drills the days leading up to that matchup.

Moncada must work to regain his momentum and become the impact player that many expected him to be after signing a $39 million contract with the Boston Red Sox. After having such an up and down 2022, it's essential that he has a successful bounceback season to kick start his career.

He's a big-bodied third baseman with plenty of power potential and the speed to be an elite leadoff hitter - something he will need in order to succeed at the MLB level. Although his approach at the plate could use improvement, he possesses all of the tools necessary for greatness if given some effort.

The World Baseball Classic is an unforgettable event for all the players who have participated, providing them with a chance to showcase their skills on a global stage. This tournament holds a special place in baseball fans' hearts as one of the greatest tournaments ever held.

Unfortunately, this tournament can be incredibly hazardous for the players who take part. A number of devastating injuries - including several major league players - have made this an even tougher event to watch for fans.

Moncada has shown great promise since his return from World Baseball Classic action, going 3 for 5 with four RBIs in Wednesday's win against Minnesota and demonstrating that he can be an effective power hitter - something which could prove valuable in the future.

4. Back

Yoan Moncada's back is a concern, which is why he was taken out of the White Sox starting lineup Thursday night. The team announced that Moncada has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain.

Thankfully, Moncada is expected to return before the season's end. Unfortunately, this injury will require him to spend some time in the minors before making his way back up to the majors when his issue is resolved.

The White Sox face a difficult decision if Moncada cannot play this season. They have Andrew Vaughn and Gavin Sheets as potential backups, both of whom have demonstrated proficiency at third base in their careers. If Moncada cannot suit up this season, they will need to find another capable player for his stead.

There's also the chance the White Sox may need to call up a third base prospect in order to secure the hot corner position. Jake Burger and Leury Garcia both possess the necessary talent, while Bryan Ramos (a second-round draft pick from last year) could be called up in 2020.

The White Sox hope Moncada can rebound from his dismal 2022 season and prove he's the player everyone expects. Although this will be a challenging year for him, they believe his body and strength are at their peak right now.

He has had some impressive performances during World Baseball Classic, and it would be fantastic to see him continue that form. If he continues to exhibit emotion and play with purpose, Moncada could be in a much better place than 2022.

Moncada also altered his offseason workout plan this year, making adjustments that should help him in the spring. He did more massages, worked to enhance his athleticism and added exercises to increase overall strength. While these changes may not guarantee an immediate increase in production, they should give Moncada some much-needed energy and assurance throughout the remainder of this season - if he can achieve that success it would be a huge boost for the White Sox.