PHOENIX (AP) – Major League Baseball’s COVID-19 test appears to have had some success, even though large parts of the US continue to struggle to stem the rapidly spreading virus.
MLB and the players’ union published statistics on Friday, according to which six out of 10,548 samples were new positive in the week to Thursday a rate of 0.05%. In addition to five players, an employee was tested positive.
That’s pretty good news for a sport trying to start its shortened 60-game schedule next week. However, players and coaches are also aware that the look of baseball’s relative test success – especially in hard-hit states like Arizona, California, Texas and Florida – may not be ideal considering that the demand for tests was sometimes higher than the offer of an average person.
“If you think that tested players are necessary to provide jobs, opportunities, entertainment and television – everything that happens – if you think that’s really valuable – then you have considered that it is important that we will be tested so often for the coming season, ”said Marlins pitcher Adam Conley. “But it makes me sad when someone wants something or needs to be tested and doesn’t have the resources. It is heartbreaking. “
MLB tries to ensure that its nearly 10,000 weekly tests do not burden public resources through the use of private facilities. The avalanche of tests has allowed the sport to stay up to date on possible outbreaks.
On Friday, Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Gregory Polanco and free agent outfielder Yaisel Puig both tested positive for COVID-19, while New York Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu and Atlanta Braves’ first baseman Freddie Freeman both both missed out on time the virus returned to the field.
Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scientist at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, said that baseball’s rigorous testing could lead to conflict over resources in test areas, but he also believes MLB’s investment will boost much-needed innovation and production crank could test.
“The solution here really is to make sure we expand the tests,” Adalja told The Associated Press. “And maybe because MLB is investing resources in trying to buy all of these tests, this could actually be a way to expand capacity. I don’t know if that will happen or not, but we want to be in a place where tests for all purposes can be done as quickly and easily as possible. “
MLB’s approach on its return was different than that of the NBA and NHL, which both opted for a bubble-like atmosphere in hub cities. The NBA has 22 teams in Orlando, Florida, while the NHL teams will play in either Toronto or Edmonton.
Baseball’s 30 teams all plan to play in their home markets, which means everyone involved will travel a lot more. The teams have spent the last few weeks in one place, but will soon be traveling to exhibition games.
The Arizona Diamondbacks kick off two exhibition games against the Dodgers in Los Angeles on Sunday.
“This first trip to LA will be new to everyone,” said Diamondbacks Archie Bradley. “From checking in to the hotels to the way we travel, eat and prepare. I think the first two days of travel will be a very big guide to what the season will be like and how we will deal with not going out to eat, going to the mall, going to restaurants after the games. “
POLANCO, PUIG POSITIVE FOR COVID-19
Polanco and Puig were the last two well-known players to test positive for the virus.
The 28-year-old Polanco is an important part of the pirate lineup, especially after swapping Starling Marte for the Diamondbacks in the off-season. He struggled with injuries last season and scored .242 in 42 games.
Puig was recently close to a one-year contract with the Atlanta Braves depending on whether he had passed a physical test. The 29-year-old released a statement on social media Friday that he had the virus.
Puig said he was asymptomatic and felt “absolutely fine”.
He met a combined .267 with 24 homers and 84 RBIs for Cincinnati and Cleveland in 2019.
The prospects of Royals Nick Dini and Daniel Tillo were also tested positive for the virus. You are now quarantined.
LEMAHIEU, FREEMAN RETURN
Two all-stars from last season – LeMahieu and Freeman – are among those who have returned to the field after a lack of time due to COVID-19.
The 32-year-old LeMahieu signed with the Yankees before the 2019 season and met .327. He set career highs with 26 homers and 102 RBIs and divided the time into first, second and third place. Manager Aaron Boone wanted LeMahieu to build his legs and said it was not clear if he was ready for Thursday night’s start in Washington.
Freeman and Pitcher Touki Toussaint, who previously tested positive for the virus, trained at Truist Park on Friday. Freeman seemed to fit in a video posted on Braves’ Twitter account. He swung himself in the cage and trained on the field. He could have time to prepare for the team’s kick-off at the Mets on Friday.
Royals pitcher Brad Keller also returned after two negative tests. He immediately hit the field for a 30-pitch bullpen session and had no problems. Athletics received good news when 22-year-old pitcher Jesus Luzardo returned to the camp. He is expected to start the season from the bullpen.
COLE’S FINAL TUNEUP
New Yankees ace Gerrit Cole gave up successive home races in an Intrasquad game that served as the final vote for his New York debut, Mike Ford and Miguel Andújar.
The two runs in the fourth inning were the only ones he allowed over 5 2/3 innings on Friday. He hit seven, didn’t go and hit one, threw 87 pitches.
Next up: A pandemic-delayed season opener in the Major League with World Series champion Washington Nationals on Thursday evening in a matchup against Max Scherzer.
“Gosh, it’s going to be fun,” said Cole. “There will be false human noise and 2020 coronavirus baseball.”
Suspended Yankees pitcher Domingo Germán also questioned his baseball future with a curious Instagram post on Friday evening.
Germán posted himself in a Yankees uniform and called out in a photo of him in a game. The post included Spanish words that were translated: “Everyone writes history on both sides, I think I did mine at Yankee Stadium. If I choose not to return, I will be proud of my efforts in an 11-year career. God bless all who have supported me. “
Germán, a right-hander who turns 28 on August 4 (18-4 last season), still has 63 games to play for violating Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy. The regular season is limited to 60 games this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
COMEBACK KID
Daniel Bard has reached the Colorado Rockies squad after not playing in the major leagues since 2013.
The 34-year-old has made half a dozen comeback attempts since his last appearance at the Boston Red Sox seven years ago, but was unable to rediscover his control and eventually became a player mentor and mental skills coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
His job at D-Backs was to give advice, but he also played fly balls and played catch while warming up. The players soon told him that his throws were pretty bad and wondered why he wasn’t on a big league hill himself.
Black informed Bard on Friday that he had made the list.
“It will be a great story if he comes back and does well,” said Black. “We are optimistic about that.”
ROCKIES CUT TWO PITCHERS, CUBS ADD KIPNIS
The Rockies shook their bullpen on Friday, releasing veterans Jake McGee and Bryan Shaw.
Left-handed McGee had an ERA of 4.35 in 45 missions for the Rockies last season. The 33-year-old owes $ 5,518,519, including $ 3,518,519 in this year’s proportional salary and a $ 2 million buyout for 2021.
Right-handed Shaw had an ERA of 5.38 in 70 appearances in 2019. The 32-year-old owes $ 5,333,333, including $ 3,333,333 of this year’s prorated salary and a $ 2 million buyout for 2021.
The Chicago Cubs have expanded their 40-man squad with the experienced infielder Jason Kipnis. He will receive a prorated $ 370,370 salary from his original $ 1 million deal.
BOSTONS RODRIGUEZ MAKES PROGRESS
Red Sox left-handed Eduardo Rodriguez is making progress in working with the team, according to manager Ron Roenicke.
Rodriguez should be the starter on the team’s opening day before testing positive for COVID-19. The Red Sox will open the season on July 24 against the Baltimore Orioles. If Rodríguez is not available, the first game could fall to Nathan Eovaldi.
ANGELS ‘ANDERSON NEEDS TOMMY JOHN
Los Angeles Angels right-handed Justin Anderson will miss the 2020 season because he needs Tommy John surgery.
Anderson took a 54-05 ERA last season with a 3-0 lead in 54 games for the Angels, who designed him in round 14 in 2014. In his two major seasons, he has five saves.
OPENING DAY STARTER
The Milwaukee Brewers say right-handed Brandon Woodruff will be the team’s opening start against the Chicago Cubs next Friday. He had an 11-3 record with 3.62 ERA in 22 starts last season.
The pirates said Joe Musgrove would kick off in St. Louis on July 24. The twins will launch all-star José Berríos against the White Sox in Chicago.
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AP sports authors Jake Seiner, Steven Wine, Charles Odum, Will Graves, Ron Blum, Dave Skretta, Jimmy Golen, Janie McCauley, Arnie Stapleton and Steve Megargee contributed to this report.
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