GLENDALE, Ariz. — White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu will be away from the team’s spring training complex for the next several days due to a positive coronavirus test, general manager Rick Hahn said Wednesday morning.
Abreu is asymptomatic.
“In compliance with MLB intake protocols, José Abreu will remain away from the club for the next several days due to a positive COVID test,” Hahn said. “José, who is completely asymptomatic, believes he contracted a mild case of the disease in January, which is reinforced by the presence of COVID antibodies in additional testing.
“Other than being frustrated, José feels great and, like the rest of us, is looking forward to when he rejoins the club in the not too distant future.”
Abreu won the American League Most Valuable Player award in 2020.
On Monday, the first day for full squad workouts at spring training, the Sox said Abreu’s arrival would be delayed due to additional coronavirus antibody testing, and that he was expected to be in camp on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, teammate Yoan Moncada described his ordeal of battling the effects of COVID19 last season. Moncada tested positive during the intake process for summer camp and was ready for Opening Day in July, but dealt with fatigue and decreased strength, he said, throughout the season.
Abreu led the Sox to their first postseason berth sine 2008 last season by leading the majors with 60 RBI and 148 total bases. He batting .317 with 19 home runs and led the AL with 76 hits and a .617 slugging percentage. He played in all 60 games of the pandemic-shortened season.
