When the Los Angeles Dodgers reported to Dodger Stadium for the start of Summer Camp earlier this month, they were without several key contributors.
The group of players absent from workouts consisted of Scott Alexander, Pedro Baez, Tony Gonsolin, Kenley Jansen, Gavin Lux, AJ Pollock and Keibert Ruiz. The organization was not at liberty to disclose the reason(s) behind those players not being present.
However, Jansen revealed that his absence was due to previously testing positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also hinted that some players may have been held back due to L.A. County protocols.
The guidelines required those who came in close contact with a COVID-19 patient to quarantine for two weeks, regardless of whether or not they tested positive themselves. The Dodgers were said to be seeking an exemption from this to avoid being at a competitive disadvantage.
Though they weren’t initially granted one, L.A. County has since modified their quarantine protocols for the city’s professional sports teams, allowing athletes an easier path to returning to the field.
Those that come in contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19 are now permitted to participate in team activities, as long as they are asymptomatic.
These individuals must also quarantine at their residence, wear a medical-grade facemask when necessary and test negative in a PCR test that must be administered daily for a stretch of two weeks.
What’s more, these athletes will also be allowed to travel and play in road games as long as they fly in private charters and quarantine at the team’s hotel when not at the ballpark.
L.A. County officials reiterated that organizations “must publicly acknowledge the risk they are accepting on behalf of their employees and sporting event staff,” and that testing “is not a replacement for quarantine of close contact to individuals diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19.”
MLB not considering pausing or canceling 2020 season amid Marlins’ outbreak
After a successful first weekend of the 2020 season, MLB was informed Monday morning that nine additional members of the Miami Marlins organization tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the team’s total to 13.
As a result, the Marlins’ home opener against the Baltimore Orioles was postponed. So too was the New York Yankees-Philadelphia Phillies matchup.
As of now, the rest of Monday’s slate is unaffected. There are no plans at this time to pause or outright cancel the remainder of the 2020 season.
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