New dad Posey out for 2020
San Francisco catcher Buster Posey became the latest well-known player to opt out of the abbreviated 2020 season Friday, joining Dodgers pitcher David Price and Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman on the sideline.
Others such as Texas slugger Joey Gallo and San Diego outfielder Tommy Pham provided good news: They can get back on the field after previously testing positive for coronavirus.
One week into Major League Baseball’s strange summer camp, the constant churn of rosters is one of the few constants.
Posey — a six-time All-Star and 2012 NL MVP — said his family finalized the adoption of identical twin girls this week. The babies were born prematurely and Posey said after consultations with his wife and doctor he decided to skip the season.
“These babies, being as fragile as they are for the next four months minimum, this wasn’t ultimately that difficult a decision for me,” he said.
White Sox
Prized pitching prospect Michael Kopech has opted not to play this season. The team also said star third baseman Yoán Moncada and pitcher Jose Ruiz were placed on the 10-day injured list because of unspecified ailments.
The White Sox believe they are poised for a turnaround after seven consecutive losing seasons. But losing Kopech for the season and Moncada for at least a little while are big blows.
Both players had been absent since the White Sox resumed workouts last week for the first time since Major League Baseball shut down camps in March. The team had said Kopech was dealing with a personal issue.
Blue Jays
Toronto is shifting Vladimir Guerrero Jr. across the diamond, moving the slugger to first base from third.
Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said Guerrero feels comfortable at first and the team has Travis Shaw ready to play third. Montoyo also said Guerrero will see time as a designated hitter. He didn’t rule out that he will play some third in the future.
“This is more about Vladdy and giving him a chance to succeed in a short season,” Montoyo said.
Guerrero hit .272 with 15 home runs and 69 RBIs in 123 games as a rookie, delivering a series of big swings en route to the final of the All-Star Home Run Derby. He led the team with 17 errors.
A move to to first was not expected this early in his career. Guerrero said he’s OK with the move.
“I agreed to it,” he said through an interpreter. “Whatever the team needs.”
The 21-year-old son of Hall of Fame outfielder Vladimir Guerrero is one of baseball’s most heralded young players.