After today’s summer camp training, Yankees manager Aaron Boone gave some bad news: Both DJ LeMahieu and Luis Cessa tested positive on COVID-19.
According to Lindsey Adler, LeMahieu is currently asymptomatic. Cessa, meanwhile, shows mild symptoms. Bryan Hoch, meanwhile, says both players are quarantined in their homes and approved the release of their names.
This news comes the same day the Braves and Phillies announced a group of players who also tested positive, including Freddie Freeman and Aaron Nola. David Price also pulled out of the season earlier this afternoon, citing health concerns for him and his family. The first official day of camp definitely came with big hurdles, the kind that illustrates how difficult it will be to start the season, or whatever is wise in the first place.
LeMahieu, 31, hoped to be the cornerstone of the Yankees lineup this year. He hit .327 / .375 / .518 with 26 home runs (136 wRC +) in a professional season last year. Meanwhile, Cessa, 28, threw a 4.11 ERA (4.87 FIP) in 81 innings in 2019, his first year shooting exclusively from the bullpen.
Both players will be heading to the COVID-19 disabled list, which requires a two-week quarantine. Before they can return, they must show no symptoms and have two negative tests.
The baseball part, ultimately, is inconsequential. We wish both LeMahieu and Cessa a speedy recovery.
