cincinnati-reds-lost-four-players-infected-with-covid-19Cincinnati Reds lost four players infected with COVID-19
Joiner Martinez avatar

By joiner martinez

02 Sep 2023, 22:52 PM EDT

A total of four Cincinnati Reds pitchers have tested positive for COVID-19, putting their chances of making the Major League playoffs at risk.

Brandon Williamson, was the last Cincinnati Reds starter to test positive this week and will miss his scheduled start on Sunday.

Starting pitcher Hunter Greene was placed on the COVID-19 disabled list after his 4-1 win against the San Francisco Giants on August 30. Right-handed relievers Fernando Cruz of Puerto Rico and Ben Lively were placed on the roster between games in Friday’s doubleheader against the Chicago Cubs.

The Reds enter Sunday’s game against the Cubs a game behind a NL wild-card spot and aren’t taking any chances. They have resumed some of the protocols that were used during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reds roster moves

David Bell, manager of the Reds, said that a couple of members of the support team had also tested positive for the disease.

“When I say they’re out, they’re out,” Bell said. “They feel bad”.

The Reds recalled right-handed pitchers Brett Kennedy and Lyon Richardson and added Carson Spiers as a substitute player. The return of right-hander Tejay Antone, who missed the 2022 season and much of it after multiple Tommy John surgeries, will also add depth to Cincinnati’s bullpen.

“We’re taking precautions for sure,” Bell said. “We are not giving access to the clubhouse. We have told anyone who is not absolutely necessary not to show up.”

The manager clarified that Greene is still in San Francisco and is feeling better and hopes that those currently on the COVID-19 list can return after the seven-day minimum. He is confident that no more players or team members will get sick.

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