*Photo from Bleacher Report*
MLB is having an issue with it’s COVID-19 tests. Serious delays in determining the results of COVID-19 tests administered over the weekend have halted workouts for multiple MLB teams. The Washington Nationals, Houston Astros, and Oakland Athletics are among the teams dealing with this problem.
Nationals GM Mike Rizzo said in a statement that “We will not sacrifice the health and safety of our players, staff, and their families. Without accurate and timely testing, it is simply not safe for us to continue with summer camp. Major League Baseball needs to work quickly to resolve issues with their process and their lab. Otherwise summer camp and the 2020 season are at risk.”
The Athletics have not yet been able to hold a full squad workout due to delays. COVID tests given to the position players have not yet been delivered to the lab in Utah where the results are determined, and those tests were taken on Friday and Saturday. Athletics GM David Forst believes that the 4th of July is to blame for the delays, with people taking the day off to celebrate. Forst also said the MLB didn’t communicate any possible issues or delays relating to the holiday beforehand.
The Los Angeles Angels had testing problems as well. COVID testers were scheduled to test players at Angel stadium on Sunday, but those testers never showed up at the stadium, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. As a result, Angels players performed their own saliva tests, and the team has shipped the samples to the lab in Utah, which should arrive in the coming days.
The San Diego Padres are also dealing with delays, but haven’t cancelled workouts. They have received some tests back within 24 hours, but some tests that were given over 48 hours ago still have not come back, according to Dennis Lin of The Athletic.
MLB needs to get this problem worked out, as the season starts on July 23.
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