LOS ANGELES (AP) – Some of the organizations of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Minnesota Twins have tested positive for COVID-19, team officials said Thursday.
Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman said in a video conference that it is “a sensitive topic” and declined to identify those with positive results.
“We have had some people in our organization who tested positive, none that have resulted in symptoms that have been problematic,” he said. “It is a very personal thing that if someone wants to share, it is up to them.”
Friedman said it is “definitely possible” that some people in the ranks of players, staff or reception may be delayed reporting at the start of spring training next week. “I’m not sure on that front at the moment,” he said.
The Twins’ president of baseball operations Derek Falvey said Minnesota had “a few” players in the organization who recently tested positive.
He said each player is “fine” in home self-isolation.
None of the positive tests came from players currently in Minnesota or Fort Myers, Florida, where the team’s spring training headquarters are located. Falvey declined to specify the exact number or whether the players were major or minor leagues.
Before recent positive tests, Falvey said, the Twins had no known cases between players or staff.
Major League Baseball players will begin reporting on July 1 to begin preparing for a 60-game season scheduled to begin in late July.
The Dodgers will have their first formal practice on July 3.
The team is still working on details about the test players when they return to Los Angeles to begin preparing for a season that was delayed from March 26. Players who test negative for COVID-19 will be able to access Dodger Stadium.
“I think there is no doubt that we are going to have a good amount of positive testing in spring training and the season,” Friedman said. “It is much more about how fast we are to respond to that, the treatment options, the quarantine part, ensuring that it does not spread among the group. To the extent that we can contain it, and have really good health and safety protocols, I think it’s something that collectively as a group we can handle. ”
Friedman has spoken to some players concerned about playing again, but said they are not concerned to the point of choosing not to participate.
Players and staff will operate in an honor system to follow MLB protocols designed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus during their downtime this season.
“The strategy is to be honest and sincere,” said manager Dave Roberts. “I have a lot of confidence in our players, coaches and people who will be at Level 1 and Level 2. Anyone could be affected and that potential damage could affect many other people. The team that can handle it best and balance it will be the most successful.”
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