Four members of the Atlanta Braves, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, Touki Toussaint and Pete Kozma, tested positive for COVID-19, manager Brian Snitker said Saturday.
Snitker said Freeman, a four-time All-Star first baseman, is still battling the fever and that it could be “a while” until he returns. Snitker said Smith and Toussaint, both relief pitchers, have been asymptomatic.
Under the MLB protocol, all four players must immediately self-isolate and test negative twice in a 24-hour period before returning to the field amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Teams may disclose the names of the positive players only when the player gives his authorization.
Freeman, 30, hit .295 last season and set career records with 38 home runs and 121 RBIs. He underwent surgery in October to remove three loose bodies from his right elbow.
The Braves signed Smith, a veteran closer, for a three-year, $ 39 million contract after last season. He had 34 saves in 38 opportunities for the San Francisco Giants last year while going 6-0 with a 2.76 ERA.
The 30 teams started training camp on Friday at their ballparks. MLB and the players union announced Friday that 31 players and seven staff members, from 19 teams, had tested positive for COVID-19 in the first round of coronavirus testing throughout the league.
Additionally, Snitker said that first base coach Eric Young decided not to participate this season as he is considered high risk for COVID-19.
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