With players reporting for the start of Spring Training 2.0 last week, it correlated with Major League Baseball beginning regularly coronavirus (COVID-19) testing amongst all teams.
A total of 3,185 samples were collected and tested, resulting in 31 players and seven staff members testing positive, which represents an encouraging 1.2% of the pool. Nineteen different teams had one more more individuals produce a positive test.
The announcement suggested that all teams were part of the results, but some reporters have indicated that not to be the case. MLB did not reveal the names of those who tested positive, which will be their practice throughout the season.
When the Los Angeles Dodgers opened Summer Camp last week, manager Dave Roberts said not every player was able to participate. He did not provide any specifics, and has maintained that stance.
“There were players for various reasons that didn’t show up [Friday] and potentially won’t be here today,” he said Saturday. “But I’m just not at liberty to disclose who and for what particular reason.”
MLB created a COVID-19 injured list for this season, though teams won’t be permitted to announce who was placed on it. Mysterious injuries undeniably will fuel speculation. Some players have stepped forward with their results, but the overwhelming majority have kept matters private.
“I don’t think there’s a right or wrong,” Roberts said of how to handle positive test results. “It’s an individual’s right to kind of voice what’s going on with them personally. I don’t think it’s my call to make that public.
“People are handling it differently, but I do know the way our organization is handling things as far as being diligent about the testing and really emphasizing social distancing and practicing the right precautions. But I think as far as divulging information, that’s not our story to tell.”
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