Team officials with the Cincinnati Reds are confirming that two players in the organization have tested positive for COVID-19. The club declined to name the players but did say both were tested out of the state and were not in Cincinnati. Manager David Bell spoke to reporters yesterday, saying the results will not change the team’s plans to begin working out at Great American Ball Park today.
St. Louis Cardinals closer Jordan Hicks will not be ready when the 2020 season opens. St. Louis manager Mike Shildt said he anticipates Hicks would be available at some point during the 60-game season, but the right-hander is still rehabbing from June 2019 elbow surgery, according to the Cards’ MLB website. Hicks is throwing side sessions, but Shildt wants him to face hitters during a simulated game before activating him. The Cardinals will hold their first official summer camp session today at Busch Stadium with pitchers facing hitters during three innings of batting practice.