A minor league player with the New York Yankees has tested positive for the coronavirus, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.
The player — who is unnamed — is the first known case in the MLB. He is currently in quarantine:
The Yankees player who tested positive for coronavirus was only on the minor league side of the team's facility in Tampa. Still, as we're learning about coronavirus' ability to spread, that distance alone does not necessarily protect those who are nearby from contracting it.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 15, 2020
MLB's decision to suspend the remainder of spring training looks all the more wise after this latest incident, especially considering what is currently happening in the NBA.
As for the Yankees, the news might alter their own procedures. The team (as well as manager Aaron Boone and the remainder of the coaching staff) had elected to stay together at the team's facility in Tampa after the commissioner informed players they could return home. However, this will almost certainly lead to quarantining and added distancing among those at camp.
Prior to Passan's report, MLB issued a memo encouraging all teams to suspend group workouts or activities both at spring facilities as well as home parks:
MLB expected to send out guidelines advising teams to end organized group workouts at spring and home parks, sources tell me and @EvanDrellich. Camps would remain open for individual needs, but with limited staff. Idea is stricter compliance with social-distancing practices.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 15, 2020
MLB Opening Day was already delayed at least two weeks due to the coronavirus, and while it is premature to suggest a positive test would result in an expanded delay, this will in fact complicate matters because the spread is unknown. Yankees big-leaguers might have to get tested, and the MLB will almost certainly await the full scope of this pandemic and its impact on baseball.
Although Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich of The Athletic reported the commissioner is unlikely to suspend player pay in the wake of President Trump declaring a national emergency, there are questions about worker compensation and bonuses in the event the league calendar is restructured.
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