(670 The Score) The White Sox again worked out at Guaranteed Rate Field on Wednesday without third baseman Yoan Moncada and right-hander Michael Kopech. The team hasn't updated the status or provided a timetable for the return of either player.
The reason for Moncada's absence is unclear. Kopech is away from the team dealing with personal matters, general manager Rick Hahn said last week.
"It's a fluid situation, and we'll deal with it as it arises," manager Rick Renteria said of Kopech.
Renteria said Monday that he was holding out the 25-year-old Moncada from work. Moncada hasn't been present at White Sox camp yet, but he did address reporters through video conferencing last week.
How soon Moncada could report to the White Sox and begin work would determine his availability for Opening Day on July 24, Renteria said.
The clock is ticking on the 24-year-old Kopech's ability to be ready for the start of the season as well, given that pitchers need to gradually ramp up their workload. Kopech projects to be a key member of the White Sox's rotation in the years to come, but the team hasn't detailed what role he will fill in 2020. Kopech hasn't pitched in an MLB regular-season game since Sept. 5, 2018, after which he underwent Tommy John surgery. He missed all of 2019 while rehabbing.
"Michael will be a big part of this going forward," White Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito said of Kopech. "Obviously, he has something he has to take care of. That's for him to deal with. That's his private life.
"Obviously, Moncada will be back soon. He's a huge part of this team. He's not going anywhere."
On Sunday, the White Sox revealed that two players tested positive for the coronavirus on the team's initial intake results. The identities of those two players weren't revealed. Both players were in isolation and asymptomatic, the team said.
The White Sox host the Twins in their opener on July 24.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
