sports
July 4, 2020 | 7:33 pm
DJ LeMahieu and Luis Cessa tested positive for COVID-19 and are isolating themselves outside of New York, Aaron Boone said Saturday.
The Yankees manager said LeMahieu has been asymptomatic, while Cessa has experienced “very mild symptoms.”
Boone added that he was “hopeful” that the two would be out for a short time.
None of the players had been included on the COVID-19 disabled list because they had not yet passed the MLB-administered entrance exams.
Aroldis Chapman and Gary Sanchez were also not on the first day of the Yankees’ 2.0 spring training in the Bronx, but Boone said that was because they were still awaiting test results.
“It is neither good nor bad,” Boone said.
As COVID-19 cases increase across the country, the league is trying to figure out how to play a season during a pandemic. Stars like the Angels ‘Mike Trout have expressed doubts about playing, while the Dodgers’ David Price announced Saturday that he would choose not to participate.
LeMahieu is slated to be the Yankees’ starting second baseman after a stellar first season in the Bronx after signing a two-year contract before last season.
With Gleyber Torres slipping to shortstop after Didi Gregorius’ departure to Philadelphia, LeMahieu’s role is established. Cessa has been a useful right-handed arm in the bullpen and figures to call on again if he’s healthy, with teams needing a lot of arms in his group of 60 players in the shortened season.
So far, no Yankees have chosen not to play the shortened 60-game regular season due to fears of the coronavirus.
The Yankees have had experience with COVID-19 since March, when a pair of minor league players tested positive and had to shut down the minor league complex in Tampa. They also had four other positive tests since then, although LeMahieu and Cessa are the first known positives on their 40-man list.
They recently signed Matt Duffy to a minor league contract to increase his depth in the infield, which they may need if LeMahieu is away for an extended period of time.
Jordan Montgomery said he had no doubts about whether he would appear for the season.
“I wouldn’t hesitate to play,” Montgomery said Saturday during a Zoom call. “I haven’t launched in two years [following Tommy John surgery]. Everyone feels the same. We are too good to waste a year. “
Aaron Hicks, who welcomed a new baby into his family with his girlfriend, had no doubts either.
“We understand what is at stake here,” said Hicks. “Being able to do my job, play baseball, is something I always want to do.”
Hicks said his family would stay in Arizona for the season.
Although the Yankees might have an advantage if LeMahieu isn’t out for long and no other player chooses to sit down, Boone refused to look too far.
“It will be a long process,” said Boone. “We have to go through the camp, the opening day and the season. It really is one day at a time. “
He likes his team’s attitude so far, but Boone understands what awaits his team as they try to navigate this season like no other.
“We take it day by day,” said Boone. “Our boys have an excited mood. We understand the challenges facing them and the daily protocols that we have to follow. They are very anxious and ready to go. “
