D-backs OF Kole Calhoun thinking of safety amid coronavirus confusion
Jul 15, 2020, 8:58 AM | Updated: 9:11 am
Arizona Diamondbacks' Kole Calhoun, right, rounds second base as second baseman Rougned Odor looks on in the fifth inning during a spring training baseball game Thursday, March 5, 2020, in Surprise, Ariz. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Kole Calhoun told reporters Tuesday he tested negative for COVID-19 antibodies despite testing positive for the coronavirus, costing him two separate stints away from practices in this summer ramp-up period.
Calhoun missed the start of camp due to a positive test but was cleared to practice on Friday. He was notably absent again on Sunday but was back at camp on Monday.
“It’s been frustrating, but I’m happy that I’m here now,” Calhoun said on Zoom on Tuesday. “It’s just following the protocols, following MLB protocols and like I said, trying to keep everybody safe. Make sure everything checks out and get on the field safely.
“I’ve had an antibody test but do not have antibodies so, I don’t know, it’s been really weird, man,” he added. “You guys know the story: kind of bouncing back and forth, no antibodies showed up. Just kind of crazy. Happy to feel safe, happy my teammates feel safe. It’s uncharted waters we’re all in.”
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Calhoun’s situation isn’t unique in Major League Baseball.
Most notably, Texas Rangers outfielder Joey Gallo said on Saturday that he recorded two positive tests and multiple negative tests, causing his agent, Scott Boras, to push MLB to expedite his return. The positive tests showed up on saliva tests, while a swab test indicated he was negative. Those negative tests were taken on his own accord and not administered by MLB.
Gallo has since returned to practices and said he’s not sure if he ever had the coronavirus. He had no symptoms and planned on getting more extensive antibody testing done, he’s told reporters.
In Arizona, Calhoun has been thinking about his teammates’ safety as the confusion over his own health threw him out and in of participating twice. He’s been wearing a mask during baseball activities with his D-backs teammates despite the inconveniences.
“I’m sure there’s some curiosity … I’m trying to make them feel as safe as I can,” he said. “Just trying to be respectful and be safe and not put anybody in an awkward spot, I feel like.”
