Rays outfielder Austin Meadows has been cleared to resume training and is currently working out at the Rays’ minor league camp, manager Kevin Cash told Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times and other reporters. Meadows was placed on the injured list nine days ago due to a positive COVID-19 test and said he suffered some mild symptoms of the virus, though he has now passed league protocols that include a lack of symptoms and negative tests on consecutive days.
Meadows only worked out briefly at the start of the Rays’ Summer Camp, and Cash said he doesn’t know it will take the outfielder to get back up to speed following his weeks away from training. Topkin speculated that Meadows could potentially join the Rays on Wednesday for the start of a road trip, though that is likely the best-case scenario.
Meadows’ first full season in Tampa Bay was an unqualified success, as he hit .291/.364/.558 with 33 homers over 591 PA to help the Rays reach the postseason. The 25-year-old has gone from being a touted prospect in the Pirates’ farm system to one of the sport’s brightest young stars, and a huge cornerstone of a Rays team that is hoping to be in the World Series conversation as soon as this October.
SalaryCapMyth
Hey DRay fans. DRS & UZR seem to think Meadow’s is better in left field despite spending most of his time right. Is that going to be the same this year or is he going to be closer to permanent in left field this year?
wagner13
He’ll be there when Renfroe starts, but they might prefer to put Margot in left with Kiermaier established in center
PiratesFan1981
I love how each article ALWAYS has “former Pirates farm hand”. Oh the agony the Pirates fans have…..
leefieux
I DON’T love it myself. 🙂
dust44
Pirates had some dudes. Until they didn’t. Starting rotation of Cole Glasnow Taillon Morton with Mitch Keller the 5th learning from the Vets. That’s a playoff rotation
coachtim
A player recovers and nary a notice. Player test asymptomatic and all heck breaks loose.