ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
Multiple members of D-backs organization test positive for COVID-19
FILE - In this Tuesday, April 28, 2020, file photo, a darkened Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks of baseball's National League, sits empty. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
The Arizona Diamondbacks organization had several COVID-19 tests return with positive results, the team confirmed to Arizona Sports on Thursday.
A statement confirmed that it was one member of the 40-man roster, one minor league coach and “several” minor league players. All were asymptomatic, and the tests were administered after MLB ordered spring training sites to close last week.
“We have followed all protocols immediately to ensure that each person who tested positive receives proper medical attention, if necessary, and that they are quarantined while making all efforts organizationally to prevent any additional spread,” the statement said.
General manager Mike Hazen told reporters on a call Wednesday that the team was awaiting the results of about 100 tests that included staff, players, front office and the GM himself. He also said then that two players in the organization had previously tested positive. Neither of those two players had been working out at the team’s facilities.
Hazen also said that teams are required to follow a manual that outlines procedures for these sorts of situations. Per that manual, a player who tests positive may not return to team facilities until the player has tested negative and is asymptomatic. A player who tests positive may not return to team facilities or travel with the team until the player has tested negative and is asymptomatic.
“I am hopeful that we are going to be able to pull this off, yes,” Hazen said of the prospect of playing a season. “We all understand that we are in a unique time and place that none of us have ever experienced before. I believe that these protocols are exceedingly restrictive in a lot of ways, in positive ways, to minimize the spread of the virus, to identify those early that may be positive for the virus. So that’s what brings me hope.
“We are aware of the external challenges. Major League Baseball is handing out protocols. Teams are getting protocols. We are being asked to follow those protocols. Those will involve wearing masks. I believe that players, coaches, front office, everyone will understand why we need to do those things in our environments.”
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
