The Chicago Cubs are concerned about a potential COVID-19 outbreak after several members of the organization tested positive.
The team announced on Monday that bullpen coach Chris Young became the second coach to test positive for COVID-19, according to the Chicago Tribune. The Cubs had announced first base coach Craig Driver tested positive on Saturday.
Additionally, Chicago placed pitchers Brandon Workman, Jason Adam and Dan Winkler on the COVID-19 injured list. Players are placed on the list if they have tested positive or have been exposed and are undergoing contact tracing.
“I think that once you get a positive and what we got with Craig, it’s just on your radar for a while,” Cubs manager David Ross said, per the Associated Press. “There’s always that underlying ‘How big is this?’ There’s concern, for sure.”
Despite the scare, the Cubs were in action on Monday, losing 6-3 to the Brewers in Milwaukee.
Cubs outfielder Ian Happ said that despite the team’s COVID-19 scare, it’s too early to say if it will expedite the process of more players becoming vaccinated.
“Everybody is entitled to what they believe,” Happ said “It’s important that we continue having conversations. It’s something that we’ve done a good job of in the clubhouse. I can’t speak to what anybody else is thinking or their opinion.”
MLB has already dealt with one serious COVID-19 outbreak early in the season. The New York Mets’ opening week series against the Washington Nationals was postponed after at least four players tested positive.
Ross noted that the Cubs did not face a COVID-19 outbreak during last year’s shortened 60-game season. However, he stressed the organization remains cautious as more tests are done to determine if the outbreak is more serious.
“We didn’t deal with this last year and feel very fortunate in that way,” Ross said. “You’re worried about the health and well-being of others and I think it hits home every time my phone rings and it’s one of the docs or trainers. Your heart stings. And we’re trying to win ballgames, too.”
