(670 The Score) White Sox third baseman Yoan Moncada tested positive for the coronavirus and has since recovered, he revealed upon reporting to the team's summer camp Thursday.
Moncada's arrival came after he had been absent from camp for nearly two weeks, as it started July 3. He lost his sense of taste and smell as part of his illness, which he admitted was scary even without major symptoms.
"The being-at-the-home part was a difficult time for me," Moncada said. "I wanted to be on the field. I couldn't leave my house. I stayed there the whole time. I didn't have any major symptoms. I just lost the scent of smell and taste (for three days). Now I feel good. It was a very difficult time for me.
"I never thought I had it before I tested positive. When I got the results, it was scary. I was worried about what kind of symptoms I would develop. Thank god I felt good. I wasn't able to do any physical activity. It was a scary thing and a difficult time."
The White Sox had acknowledged previously that they had two undisclosed players test positive for COVID-19.
Moncada was placed on the injured list last Friday. MLB has two types of injured lists this season -- the traditional one and another for players with COVID-19. The designation of which list isn't revealed by MLB and teams unless the players gives their permission.
Moncada will now have eight days of work to get ready for Opening Day, when the White Sox host the Twins on July 24. The White Sox have suggested he'll need around 20 plate appearances in a game-like setting to get prepared, so he could be in line to go when the season starts.
"I felt good today," Moncada said. "I am feeling good physically. My legs are tired, and I can feel that after practice. It was weird being out there, but I will have to work harder to be ready for the season to start.
"I feel good physically. I would hope that I can be in the lineup next Friday. In the meantime, I'm just going to control what I can."
Moncada had a breakout 2019, hitting .315 with 25 homers, 79 RBIs and a .915 OPS in 132 games.
Moncada always planned to play in 2020, and his COVID-19 case hasn't changed that thought process.
"I was always confident to play this season," Moncada said. "I thought when they told me, it would take longer. Thank god on the symptoms were light and all the protocols went well. It took less time than I expected. I always wanted to play the season. I am glad to be back now."
In other news Thursday, White Sox reliever Jose Ruiz has reported to the White Sox's taxi squad in Schaumburg. He was also on the injured list for an unspecified reason.
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
