Tigers acknowledge positive virus tests, but give no names

Anthony Fenech

Tigers general manager Al Avila announced on Wednesday that individuals in the organization have tested positive for COVID-19.

“The health and safety of Detroit Tigers personnel is our top priority. Our players, coaching staff and the front office are being closely monitored by our medical staff to ensure Major League Baseball’s return-to-play health protocols are being followed," Avila said in a statement.

"We’ve had individuals that tested positive for COVID-19, and who were isolated, retested, and passed the protocols to permit them to resume baseball activities. Those individuals that are currently positive are being closely monitored by our medical staff and we hope to have them back on the field soon.

"Pursuant to federal law and the MLB/PA Basic Agreement, our club will refrain from identifying players who are unable — to participate in workouts due to non-work related injuries.”

The team, citing the federal privacy laws, didn't elaborate on the announcement.

On June 24, Avila said that two employees — one player and one staff member — had tested positive for the coronavirus. Avila said the player was not based at the team’s spring training headquarters in Lakeland, Florida, and the staff member was not a part of the baseball operations department.

Spring training was suspended March 12. The Tigers began summer camp workouts at Comerica Park on Friday, and held their first intrasquad scrimmage Wednesday.

On Friday, MLB announced 38 of 3,185 samples from uniformed personnel (1.5%) were positive for the coronavirus. That number is subject to a range of factors, including sample size — it is unclear how many test results have been finalized. MLB players are being tested for coronavirus every other day.

afenech@freepress.com