The fact that we knew this kind of thing was going to happen – is going to continue to happen – doesn’t make you any less concerned. It just means you really, really hope MLB’s and the teams’ protocols will work to limit any spread within and between teams.
Here’s today’s COVID-related news from baseball:
Marlins starter Jose Urena was scratched for start vs. Phillies today as he tested positive. He feels fine, so that’s good.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 26, 2020
Have heard Urena plus 2 starting position players tested positive. Florida is a hot spot. Can’t say this is shocking. https://t.co/hxQqrFoefY
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 26, 2020
Important note: You do not have to test positive to be placed on the IL like Moustakas was. It can be used if a player shows any symptoms. It has no minimum/maximum number of days.
— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) July 26, 2020
That news, against the backdrop of the Cubs’ first road trip is a big reminder of the risks that lie ahead. Doing everything as safely as possible is good and right, but “as possible” only goes so far in a pandemic. The Cubs are due to head to Cincinnati tonight:
Cubs starter Alec Mills on team's first road series: "The traveling part is the part a lot of guys are worried about. Getting on planes and stuff. Some unknown there. I'm fully confident everyone is doing everything they need to do, to have us as safe as possible."
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) July 26, 2020