For the Mets, it’s just spraying and waiting.
After three straight days of COVID-19 testing – which was injecting into a tube – the Mets remained on Saturday awaiting notification from MLB about the possible refund of their season.
The increased testing happened in the wake of a Mets positional player and coach who has been testing positive for the coronavirus in recent days, prompting the postponement of the team’s series finale in Miami alongside the entire weekend Subway Series at Citi Field was forced.
As of Saturday morning, there had been no additional positives among the Mets, according to a source from the sector, but the team was waiting for more results.
If the virus has not spread, it is conceivable that the Mets could work out Monday and the next day begin their regularly scheduled series against the Marlins. But if tests reveal additional positives, it is possible that the dismissal of Mets would extend deep into the week.
The Reds recently had a player test positive for the coronavirus and had postponed three games over four days. On the more extreme end, the Cardinals continued extra positive testing after an initial outburst and went two weeks without playing.
One possibility that seems unlikely is the Mets and Yankees playing their mutual off-day on Monday. Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed on Saturday that he did not expect the Subway Series action on Monday, the day before his team starts a series in Atlanta and the Mets against the Marlins at Citi Field.
The Yankees and Mets are scheduled to play three games in The Bronx next weekend, but double buyers could be added as needed. The teams also have reciprocal days off on Sept. 3 and 14.
In addition to posting the Subway Series games, the Mets need to find a make-up date for their postponement last Thursday in Miami. The Mets and Marlins are scheduled for a three-game series this week, but a doubleheader could be added, given that the teams will not meet again in the regular season.
The Mets could ideally use Monday as a workout day, as players are not allowed to use Citi Field this weekend. The Mets last played on Wednesday in Miami, winning 5-3 after Michael Conforto homerated in the ninth for the continuous runs. A day later, with Seth Lugo ready to enter the starting rotation, the Mets were notified about an hour before the planned first pitch of the positive test results.
After consulting with medical staff and MLB, the Mets decided to fly home from Miami instead of checking into a new hotel in a city that has been an epicenter of coronavirus. The Mets flew home on a larger jet than usual, in assigned seats that were socially distant. During the flight, players and staff were forbidden to remove their masks, even for food and drink.
Upon arrival back at Citi Field, the entire traveling party was tested. The player and coach who tested positive, along with anyone determined to be in direct contact with either of them, remained in Miami after quarantine. Players and coaches returned to Citi Field on Friday for further testing. The additional tests were conducted Saturday.
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