The Reds announced they have placed second baseman Mike Moustakas on the injured list. No reason was given for the placement, but Moustakas was scratched from the lineup this morning after waking up “not feeling well,” in the words of manager David Bell. MLB protocols permit a symptomatic player to be placed on the COVID-19 injured list even in the absence of a positive test. Notably, Reds’ DH Matt Davidson tested positive for the coronavirus earlier this week.
Catching prospect Tyler Stephenson has been called up to replace Moustakas on the active roster. Additionally, outfielder Nick Senzel was scratched from today’s starting lineup without further explanation. Senzel remains on the active roster.
This would be a worrisome development for Moustakas and the Reds no matter what, but it’s especially troubling in conjunction with today’s reports that multiple Marlins players had tested positive for COVID-19. The paramount concern, of course, remains the health of the players affected. It’s important to note there’s no confirmation at this point Senzel is dealing with an illness at all.
From an on-field perspective, a lengthy absence from Moustakas would be a difficult blow to the Reds’ hopes of contention. They promised him $64MM over four years to install his power bat into the lineup. Josh VanMeter is getting the start at second base this afternoon.
Stephenson, meanwhile, is one of the game’s top catching prospects. The 23-year-old is in line to make his MLB debut after an impressive .285/.372/.410 showing in a pitcher-friendly Double-A environment last season.
CowboysoldierFTW
Hopefully this isn’t the start of several players getting infected.
SalaryCapMyth
I hope so as well. I would really like to see what the Reds can do. They’re an exciting team. If that were to happen it would be a real loss.
baseballpun
Meanwhile, in Korea, they’ve been playing for almost 3 months without an outbreak on a team (or even a positive case of a player…not that I’ve seen reported, anyway), and fans are starting to come back to the stadiums.
I’m glad we got 2 days, though.
Briffle2
Do they have/use the same testing as us?
Hawktattoo
I believe they are only testing now if a player shows symptoms. Temperature checks twice a day though. The countries case numbers per capital is much lower then ours.
SalaryCapMyth
I and others are others are really biting our tongue right now because we don’t want this to devolve into another politicised conversation so I will say that I appreciate what baseballpun’s post is implying.
nymetsking
yep and yep
HalosHeavenJJ
Wouldn’t it be more prudent to get him tested before putting him on the IL? What if he has a common cold?
Just wondering why the immediate jump.
joefriday1948
Good point, but I heard he was all Red yesterday.
John Kimble
“Yes he was on the Reds yesterday”
What is wrong with this doctor?!?
DarkSide830
i imagine its the protocols. the COVID IL isnt strictly for those testing positive. perhaps he had enough symptoms to make it a prudent decision to IL him.
TLB2001
So they should wait 3-5 days for a test and see how many players he can infect in the meantime?
GareBear
COVID IL doesn’t have a designated time frame that players are required to stay off the roster. This move is just the Reds being being responsible/cautious to prevent spread in the clubhouse. If he comes back negative and it’s just a cold they can they can put him back into actions right away or rest him until he’s feeling 100%
HalosHeavenJJ
Thanks for the answers. Looks like one was a prudent move that can be reversed if he’s negative.
I’m still learning all of the protocols.
Hawktattoo
Aren’t they testing every other day? possible today is his test day anyways. Might explain why being safe and doing the IL thing.
SalaryCapMyth
I think they just can’t take the chance. If it is Covid and he starts associating with other players, you could have several players infected.
josiahdd
If someone isn’t feeling well, it must be COVID. No other possible explanation.
metsfan68
Better covid19 than syphilis
metsfan68
^^^didnt let last post go because i said tds