Chicago White Sox star Jose Abreu tests positive for COVID-19

Feb. 24 (UPI) -- Chicago White Sox first baseman and reigning American League MVP Jose Abreu tested positive for COVID-19 and will remain away from the club for the next several days, the team announced Wednesday.

White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said Abreu is "completely asymptomatic" but "frustrated" over the diagnosis.

Hahn also noted that Abreu believes he contracted a "mild case" of the coronavirus last month. The White Sox executive said that belief was reinforced by the presence of COVID-19 antibodies in additional testing.

"Other than being frustrated, Jose feels great. And like the rest of us, [he] is looking forward to when he rejoins the club in the not-too-distant future," Hahn said in his statement.

The 34-year-old Abreu is entering his eighth season with the White Sox and is expected to be the centerpiece of the team's lineup once again.

Last season, Abreu guided the White Sox to their first postseason appearance since 2008. The three-time All-Star selection had a .317 batting average with 19 home runs and led MLB with 60 RBIs.

Abreu has topped the AL in RBIs in each of the past two seasons.