Rightbaders Diamondbacks Junior War and Silvino Bracho They have tested positive for the coronavirus, manager Torey Lovullo told reporters today (including Zach Buchanan of The Athletic and Nick Piecoro of The Republic of Arizona). Guerra y Bracho “are asymptomatic and feel great“Lovullo said.”They are in protocol, they are doing what they can, they take care of what they can at home and they are cured.. “
While Buchanan noted that these are not new tests, it is unclear whether Guerra or Bracho were one of the unknown players within the organization who tested positive last month. Since a positive test comes with a mandatory quarantine period of at least two weeks, the timing of the tests will take into account when the two pitchers will be able to return to the field. If they remain asymptomatic, Guerra and Bracho will have to submit two negative COVID-19 tests before being cleared for summer camp.
Less than a week after not being introduced by the Brewers last December, Guerra signed a one-year contract with the D’Backs worth $ 2.65MM in guaranteed money, and the club has an option on their services for the season 2021. The 35-year-old had a 3.55 ERA, a 2.14 K / BB and 8.3 K / 9 rate in 83 2/3 innings in 2019, working exclusively as a reliever for the first time in his career. Assuming a full recovery from COVID-19, Guerra is expected to provide the D’Backs with a durable bullpen arm, and their ability to chew innings will be particularly useful in a shorter season as the initial pitchers return to speed.
Bracho’s participation in the 2020 season was already up in the air, as it was revealed last week that he had suffered a setback in his recovery from Tommy John surgery and had been included on Arizona’s 60-day injured list. Bracho underwent his surgery in March 2019, making it particularly unfortunate that this setback came just as the right-hander wanted to be ready for Opening Day. Bracho posted a 4.67 ERA, a 2.82 K / BB and 9.4 K / 9 rate in 88 2/3 innings of relief for the 2015-18 Diamondbacks, with the 2018 season showing Bracho’s best career achievements in ERA. (3.19) and HR / 9 (0.6) in 31 innings pitched.
