CLEVELAND, Ohio – Indian gardener Delino DeShields has tested positive for the coronavirus. DeShields is isolated at his home in Arizona.
Chris Antonetti, president of baseball operations for the Indians, made the announcement Friday morning on the first day of Spring Training II at Progressive Field. The Indians acquired DeShields from Texas on December 15 for the Corey Kluber deal.
Antonetti said DeShields will not be able to travel to Cleveland until he has a negative test.
“Delino is doing very well,” Antonetti said in a Zoom call with journalists. “He is home. He is just waiting to receive a negative test that will allow him to travel. He has very mild symptoms. Right now he has a decreased sense of taste and smell. We received Delino’s permission to reveal that. He wanted to share that with everyone. and let them know that you are doing well. “
The media does not have access to the progressive field until Monday.
When DeShields can travel, he will have to test negative twice before he can join the Tribe’s training.
DeShields stayed in Arizona when spring training was suspended on March 12. He was training with other players and then returned to the Tribe’s training site in Goodyear, Arizona.
“Delino must test negative twice, extend for at least 24 hours, before it is allowed to enter our environment,” said Antonetti. “You have to have a negative test to be able to travel. He took another test recently and we are waiting for those results. “
The Indians received DeShields and the right Emmanuel Class for Kluber in the exchange of December 15. Class is suspended for the season because PED use is dealing with the virus with Spring Training II, which lasts only three weeks, already underway.
Last year, DeShields appeared in 118 games for Texas. He batted .249 (89-of-357) with 15 doubles, four triples, four home runs and 32 RBIs. He stole 24 bases in 30 attempts and posted an OPS of .672.
In additional news, right-hander Shane Bieber told reporters that he will be the opener on opening day on July 24. He was scheduled to be the opener on opening day on March 26 when the season was delayed due to the pandemic.
Right-hander Carlos Carrasco, diagnosed with leukemia last year, launched a bullpen session Friday at Progressive Field. He told reporters that he is ready to pitch six innings because of the work he has done at his home in Florida.
“I put a mound in my front yard in Florida,” said Carrasco.
Manager Terry Francona said: “Carlos has been sending me videos for the last three months of its release. You have the mound just outside your front door.
Carrasco said he is confident in the security protocols that MLB and MLBPA agreed to protect players and staff members from the virus. He could have chosen to leave the season on full-time pay and service due to his diagnosis last year.
The Indians also announced the signing of right David Hernandez, infielder Jake Elmore and catcher Steven Baron. Hernández and Elmore will report to Progressive Field. Baron will report to Classic Park in Eastlake.
That brings the Tribe player pool to 58. They still have two places to fill.
Fanatics has released facial masks for the Cleveland Indians, with sales benefiting two charities. See details and product links below.
New Indian face masks for sale: This is where you can buy Cleveland Indians-themed face liners for coronavirus protection, including a mask ($ 14.99) and a 3-pack ($ 24.99). All MLB proceeds donated to charities.
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