The Oakland A’s have kept Jesus Luzardo away from team workouts and now we know why. He’s reportedly tested positive for COVID-19.
Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reported Luzardo tested positive and will self-isolate for 14 days, per the MLB safety protocol.
News of Jesus Luzardo coronavirus test will complicate A’s rotation
The MLB season is set to start in just over two weeks. Luzardo won’t be able to be with the team until right before Opening Day, assuming he tests negative and is medically cleared.
As noted by Scott Bair of NBC Bay Area, A’s manager Bob Melvin “said that the delay getting Luzardo on the field, especially during a compact, three-week training camp, could have an impact on the rotation.”
This isn’t great news for the A’s, or MLB as a whole. Luzardo is seen by many as a budding star and was expected to be a key member of the team’s starting rotation.
MLB season being called into question amid COVID-19 testing complications
Positive tests are one problem that’s complicating the MLB reboot. Another massive issue right now is that teams aren’t able to get their results back in any timely fashion.
In fact, no less than six teams have had to cancel and/or suspend workouts because tests administered last weekend still hadn’t come back on Monday and Tuesday. Additionally, there was a report Monday that players have expressed frustration that some teams aren’t properly following MLB health and safety protocol to protect against the spread of COVID-19.
This has led to many fans wondering what the league is doing, and whether the season should continue at all.