Sports

No Braves have tested positive for COVID-19 since Marlins exhibition, Snitker says

Braves manager Brian Snitker Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker watches a intrasquad game masked behind a net just behind homeplate on Monday July 13, 2020 in Atlanta. Curtis Compton ccompton@ajc.com (Curtis Compton/Curtis Compton)

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — At least 11 Miami Marlins players and staff have tested positive for COVID-19, according to reports from ESPN and the Athletic.

The results have led officials to postpone the Marlins’ home opener against the Baltimore Orioles on Monday. Miami just wrapped up a weekend series in Philadelphia on Sunday.

The Phillies game against the Yankees has also been postponed.

[RELATED: MLB cancels 2 Marlins games after 11 players test positive; Yankees-Phillies game also scrubbed]

At least four Marlin players tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday. ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Jesse Rodgers along with The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported an additional seven more positive tests Sunday.

MLB said the Marlins are self-quarantining while waiting for additional testing results.

The Atlanta Braves just hosted Miami in an exhibition game at Truist Park Wednesday.

On Friday, the Braves announced that catchers Tyler Flowers and Travis d’Arnaud had symptoms associated with coronavirus. Both players’ test results came back negative but they are waiting to return to the team.

Four players, including first baseman Freddie Freeman, had tested positive earlier this month.

[RELATED: Freddie Freeman opens up about COVID-19 fight, says he prayed “Please don’t take me”]

Channel 2 sports director Zach Klein spoke with members of the Braves organization Monday afternoon.

Manager Brian Snitker said the Braves have had no players test positive for COVID-19 since the Marlins were in town and the team has tested at least three or four times in the last week.

Snitker and Braves players said the Marlins situation is just another reminder to take all precautionary measures.

“You get slapped in the face with the reality of this thing. You can’t let your guard down,” Snitker said. “We’ve got to continue to be consistent in what we’re doing, like wearing the mask, staying in.”

“The virus is still out there. It’s still very real,” pitcher Kyle Wright said. “So it’s important to follow all guidelines and protocols, especially on the road. I mean from the stadium go straight to the hotel and then stay there.”

Wright and teammate Austin Riley said they feel optimistic about the season continuing despite the outbreak as long as the guidelines are followed.


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