With the regular season expected to start in less than two weeks, MLB is hoping to be able to mitigate the effects of the coronavirus pandemic so a season can commence. There have still been issues with testing and cases popping up across the league, but there is a continued optimism that a season will be played.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the major stories over the last week.
Third Yankee to Test Positive
As Major League Baseball looks to avoid complications brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, issues continue to affect camps across baseball. One of the most recent is in New York, where the Yankees’ closer Aroldis Chapman has tested positive for COVID-19.
Complicating things, Chapman actually passed the initial testing, which means he may have gotten it while at camp. This actually is the third Yankee to test positive as both DJ LeMahieu and Luis Cess have also tested positive.
It is likely that Chapman may have to miss the beginning of the season. While it would be a big loss, the Yankees have ample arms to fill in if needed. For instance, Zack Britton would likely have a good chance of taking the role first.
Last year, Chapman went 3-2 with 37 saves, 2.21 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and struck out 85 in 57 innings. While the Yankees can get by in the short term, they will hope that Chapman can rejoin the team sooner than later. According to FanDuel.com, the Yankees come in with the second-best odds of winning the World Series (+400).
Orioles Make Offer To Puig
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, it appears that the Baltimore Orioles have made an offer to free-agent outfielder Yasiel Puig. Being one of the last major free agents available, it will be interesting to see where Puig ultimately decides to sign.
Last season, playing for both the Reds and Indians, Puig hit .267/.327/.458 with 24 home runs, 84 runs batted in, 76 runs scored and 19 stolen bases. While the Orioles would certainly give him the opportunity to play every day, it will be interesting to see if Puig ultimately finds more of a contending team to latch on with.
Jordan Hicks Opts Out
Jordan Hicks, the St. Louis Cardinals reliever, has become the latest player to opt out of the season due to health concerns. For Hicks, though, he may be the first one to still be paid and accrue service time due to preexisting conditions.
Hicks, who has Type 1 diabetes, will still earn his prorated salary and will become arbitration-eligible for the first time this upcoming offseason. Between Type 1 diabetes and the fact that Hicks is coming off Tommy John surgery, this was probably a pretty easy call for the righty. Hicks pitched in 29 games last season, going 2-2 with a 3.14 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and struck out 31 in 28.2 innings.
Kenley Jansen Reports to Dodgers after Testing Positive for COVID-19
According to Pedro Moura of The Athletic, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ closer Kenley Jansen has finally reported to camp. Jansen had tested positive for COVID-19 and had to test negatively twice before being able to rejoin.
Despite the late start, Jansen still expects to be ready for Opening Day. Last season, with Los Angeles, Jansen went 5-3 with 33 saves, while also sporting a 3.71 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and struck out 80 in 62 games.
The Dodgers come into this season as the favorites to win the World Series (+380), according to FanDuel.com. A healthy Jansen will go a long way towards ensuring that they put themselves in a good position to win it all.
