Kole Calhoun catching up after clearing MLB coronavirus protocols

One of five known Arizona Diamondbacks players with diagnosed with coronavirus, outfielder Kole Calhoun reported to summer training on Friday.

The Arizona State alumnus addressed the media via Zoom call while donning a Sun Devil-themed protective mask.

The eight-year veteran was excited to get back on the field, get acclimated with new teammates and a new home ballpark.

“I’m happy where we are at with the testing that I feel like other people can be safe, like I’m not going to infect anybody else,” Calhoun said.

MLB protocols require that those who test positive must complete two negative tests before rejoining the team.

Calhoun said he took about nine COVID-19 tests before clearing protocol with two negative tests.

“I was lucky to be asymptomatic for the most part and as far as I know, not infect anyone else,” he said.

Calhoun is entering his first season with the D-backs and comes in as high-profile free agency additions to help bolster the outfield.

After arriving at Chase Field on Friday afternoon, Calhoun spent most of the day getting used to the new surroundings and generating a schedule to get back on the field practicing.

“It’s going to be a couple of days before I can really get into some of these intersquad games,” Calhoun said.

He is looking to build on his career-high 33 home run season in 2019 and he knows there is still some work to do.

“I feel like I’m behind the eight ball a little bit, but luckily for me, I have a cage at my house and was able to keep working out and keep hitting,” Calhoun said.

Calhoun is expected to join fellow newcomer Starling Marte and David Peralta in starting roles as part of a new-look outfield for the D-backs in 2020.

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