The Indians sent pitcher Zach Plesac back home in Cleveland after discovering that Plesac had violated MLB’s health and safety protocols by going out in Chicago on Saturday night, reports Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Per Rosenthal, Plesac is isolated from the team and will be required to quarantine for at least three days, with daily tests, before the Indians decide how to proceed.
The Indians’ action against Plesac is an illustration of the increased diligence of MLB teams in preventing outbreaks of COVID-19 similar to those that have cost the Marlins and the Cardinals important parts of their respective seasons. We have seen how quickly one case can turn into fifteen or more, as in the case of Marlins, and teams would do well to work quickly and carefully in their efforts to prevent such a spread.
As Jeff Passan of ESPN adds, the Indians have gained a reputation as one of the most committed baseball organizations in maintaining proper coronavirus protocols, and their rapid discipline of a rising star demonstrates that commitment. It is encouraging to see that teams are showing a willingness to sacrifice their immediate interests in favor of protecting the health in the long run of the baseball season.
Plesac pitched against the White Sox on Saturday afternoon, throwing six innings of scoreless ball and hitting seven batters. The 25-year-old has enjoyed a brilliant start to his season, emerging as an ever-reliable member of the already strong rotation of the Indians.
Given the schedule of the Indians, Plesac was set to go to Detroit next Thursday. If Plesac consistently tests negative in the coming days, it looks like he could be wiped out in time for that launch, although the Indians could of course choose to take further preventive measures and keep Plesac out of the interest for a longer period of time. of safety. And if Cleveland’s initial decision is a sign of their mindset, it’s figured the club would not care on the side of caution with such a timeline.
