Reigning MVP Jose Abreu joins White Sox at spring training

White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu. (AP) | Jose Juarez, AP Photos

GLENDALE, Ariz.— Jose Abreu has joined the White Sox at spring training after a delay due to a positive coronavirus test during Major League Baseball’s intake protocols.

Abreu, the reigning American League Most Valuable Player, came in Saturday, five days after the first day of the official first full-squad workout.

The Sox said Abreu was completely asymptomatic of COVID, which they believe he contracted in January but carried antibodies that showed up in testing. They said they were not concerned and expected him back in a matter of days.

“Other than being frustrated, José feels great,” general manager Rick Hahn said Wednesday. “And like the rest of us, [he] is looking forward to when he rejoins the club in the not-too-distant future.”

Manager Tony La Russa said Abreu, who had been confined to his hotel, sounded like “a caged lion” when he spoke to him on the phone a couple of days ago.

The Sox’ Cactus League opener is Sunday.