Indian gardener Delino DeShields Jr. has tested positive for COVID-19, president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti told reporters this morning at the team’s summer camp (Twitter link via Ryan lewis from the Akron Beacon-Journal). DeShields is experiencing some symptoms, although fortunately they are said to be mild in nature at the moment. For the time being, he remains at home and will need a couple of negative tests before he can travel and join the club in Cleveland.
DeShields, 27, was acquired alongside the right Emmanuel Class in the exchange that sent the two-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber from Cleveland to Texas during the winter. He’s part of a crowded Indian mix that currently has plenty of options, but lacks much definition outside of regular game time for the impressive young center fielder. Oscar Mercado. In 408 plate appearances with the Rangers last year, the Fleet-Foot DeShields hit .249 / .325 / .347 with four home runs, 15 doubles, four triples and 24 stolen bases.
