As Major League Baseball and the world continue to grapple with a new reality, the Cincinnati Reds announced an Arizona-based employee tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).
“As part of our commitment to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Reds are sending a precautionary notice to those who were inside the building of the Reds Spring Training Complex in Goodyear, Arizona, that an Arizona-based Reds employee has tested positive for COVID-19,” their statement read.
“For your reference, the dates involved are February 29, 2020 through March 14, 2020. The Reds staff who came in close contact with this employee are being tested and have self-quarantined. We will continue to follow the state and local guidelines for the prevention and treatment of COVID-2019.”
The Los Angeles Dodgers faced the Reds at Goodyear Ballpark on March 2, suffering a 6-2 loss. The game marked David Price’s debut with the Dodgers, which he later said led to some nerves and weary legs.
It’s unclear to what extent the Reds’ employee may have been inside Goodyear Ballpark and not just the team’s facility for camp. Though it is worth noting there is no indication said employee was in contact with the stadium, much less the visiting clubhouse.
It nonetheless is a worrisome development. The NBA is dealing with a bit of a breakout in the wake of Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert testing positive. That prompted the league to suspend its season indefinitely, and additional positive tests have been reported.
The Brooklyn Nets had four players diagnosed with the virus, which has led to the Los Angeles Lakers testing all of their players.
In addition to pushing back Opening Day, MLB suspended Spring Training operations and banned organized workouts and activities. The decision was in response to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggesting against mass gatherings.
In terms of players, only a pair of New York Yankees Minor Leaguers have been reported to test positive for coronavirus.
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