1:07pm: Liriano has decided to report to camp, Robert Murray tweets.
12:24pm: The Phillies were hit with several coronavirus cases relating to their Florida facility late last month. GM Matt Klentak updated the team’s situation today in comments to reporters including Matt Breen of the Philadelphia Inquirer (links to Twitter).
It runs out that outfielder Adam Haseley never had any real COVID-19 concerns. He had been away from camp, but not due to a positive test or contact with a suspected infection. Rather, it turns out that a lab error held up the 24-year-old.
That’s good news for Haseley, who’s now ready to roll. It’s a bit of a gut-check to hear of a mistake in the handling of testing, though at least the error was made in the direction of caution.
Of the four Phillies players that had been placed on the coronavirus IL, at least two — Scott Kingery and Tommy Hunter — are said to have tested positive for coronavirus. Former top overall draft pick Mikie Mahtook also registered a COVID-19 infection, which will obviously also take him out of commission while he recovers.
It’s clear there’s an even greater need for the Phils to clamp down and exercise care than most other clubs. In addition to those players, there are three coaches that have tested positive: bench coach Rob Thomson, catching coach Greg Brodzkinski, and bullpen coach Jim Gott.
Thankfully, there’s no indication to this point that any of the affected individuals is suffering significant symptoms. But the concern is obvious. Indeed, veteran lefty Francisco Liriano — who’s with the org on a minor-league deal — is said to be considering whether or not to opt out of the season.
Good to hear none of them are experiencing severe symptoms. Hopefully this clears up around MLB camps (at least to a large extent) by the the time the season starts. I’m sure there will be positive tests occasionally throughout the season though.
I think of any of the sports mlb has one of the better chances. NFL though with those heavy linemen I think the first time you have an intensive care or god forbid a death all of them will shut down
Of the sports trying to restart, I’m most concerned for the wellbeing of NFL players. The rosters are huge, there’s so much contact and so many players on the field at the same time, and the “team and support personnel” is just a HUGE number of people. Plus, as you mentioned, some of those big guys don’t need a whole lot more strain put on their hearts.
First sentence in the second paragraph should be “It turns* (not runs) out that outfielder Adam Haseley never had any real COVID-19 concerns.”
i hope Liriano doesnt opt out. that would be a huge blow to our pen. rest of the NRI pen guys are scrubs.
Wonder if his decision hinges upon if he will be put on the initial 30 man MLB roster. I could see a player such as him decide to opt out as opposed to being placed on the 30 man reserve squad for a short season. He would be a nice piece to a MLB bullpen.
and to be honest he may have it already. the BP was so bad last year and Liriano offers a durable arm who can also give you an extra few outs. and comparing their spring ERAs…Liriano – 0.00, Norris – 9.00, Parker – 7.71, Swarzak – 7.20. small sample sizes but not too close regardless. you also have Seranthony and Robertson out, and guys like Deolis Guerra wolnt have very long leashes.
No problem. If Fransisco Liriano decides to opt-out he can be replaced by Fausto Carmona.
or Rrberto Hernandez
Plus Liriano was by far the most successful of the aforementioned competition last season
also there is some confusion here Jeff. Mahtook isnt the one that was drafted 1st overall, that was Moniak.
Mahtook was picked very late in the first round by the Rays. He was not a first overall pick.
Am guessing he meant Moniak.
I been to philly a few times.stay there a while and youre immune to covid…now for the serious part how long do you think this goes on b4 they cancel the whole season, star player on a respirator?t.v. announcer gets it bad?( nobody talking about those guys at all).
What an amazing career Liriano has had, he’s still around nearly 15 years after the debilitating injury that was supposed to end his career.
He looked like a stud and a future ace in his rookie season with the Twins. Many thought he was the next Johan Santana. The injury was a hell of a shame. But he’s still had a solid career.