Jose Abreu, the reigning AL MVP, tests positive for COVID-19, keeping him away from Chicago White Sox spring training
American League MVP Jose Abreu will remain away from the Chicago White Sox for the “next several days” because of a positive COVID-19 test, general manager Rick Hahn announced Wednesday.
The move, Hahn said in a statement, is in compliance with Major League Baseball intake protocols.
“Jose, 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,” Hahn said in a statement.
“Other than being frustrated, Jose feels great and, like the rest of us, is looking forward to when he rejoins the club in the not too distant future.”
Abreu played all 60 games in the pandemic-shortened season in 2020, helping the Sox to their first playoff appearance since 2008. He slashed .317/.370/.617 with 15 doubles, 19 home runs, 60 RBIs, 148 total bases and 34 extra-base hits. He led the AL in hits, RBIs, slugging percentage, total bases and extra-base hits.
He joined Frank Thomas (1993-94), Dick Allen (1972) and Nellie Fox (1959) as the only Sox players to be named MVP.
