Nats’ virus outbreak leads to postponement
Four Washington players and eight staffers have tested positive for the coronavirus, prompting Major League Baseball to postpone the Nationals’ game against the Phillies on Wednesday.
The postponement came one day after Washington shortstop Trea Turner exited a game against Philadelphia in the first inning following his positive test for the virus.
Washington manager Dave Martinez said Turner was among four players who tested positive. Martinez didn’t identify the others.
“I’m just worried about the guys, I really am,” Martinez said. “It’s been a tough go; this doesn’t make it any easier.”
Martinez said all but one of those who tested positive has been vaccinated. Those who tested positive have either no symptoms or minor symptoms, such as a head cold, the manager said.
“I encourage people to get vaccinated,” Martinez said. “It does help. I’m seeing it firsthand. It’s basically a small head cold, but they’re doing fine.”
The NationalsPhillies game is to be made up as part of a doubleheader Thursday.
Yankees getting Gallo from Texas
The Yankees, one of the teams chasing the A’s in the AL wildcard race, reportedly agreed to a deal to acquire AllStar outfielder Joey Gallo from the Rangers on Wednesday night as part of a multiplayer deal.
“If that’s true and it comes true that we get him, I think it’s going to be something special for our team,” Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge said.
Gallo was scratched just before Wednesday’s home game with Arizona for “nonmedical reasons.”
Gallo, who is signed through 2022, is batting .223 with 25 homers, 55 RBIs and has an .869 OPS. Also reportedly
going to New York is a relief pitcher — either John King or Joely Rodriguez.
In return, Texas reportedly will receive at least four prospects.
More trades: The AL Westleading Astros, who acquired Seattle closer Kendall Graveman in a trade Tuesday, added another potential lateinning reliever Wednesday by getting Miami righthander Yimi Garcia in exchange for TripleA outfielder Bryan De La Cruz and righthander Austin Pruitt. Garcia, who can become a free agent after this season, is 37 with a 3.47 ERA and 15 saves . ... The Brewers, who lead the NL Central, acquired AllStar third baseman Eduardo Escobar from the Diamondbacks for two minorleaguers. Escobar, who can be a free agent after the season, is hitting .246 with 22 homers in 370 atbats . ... The Reds, in the NL wildcard hunt, got reliever Mychal Givens (32, 2.73 ERA) from the Rockies for two minorleague pitchers.
Briefly: Miami first baseman/ outfielder Garrett Cooper will have seasonending surgery for a torn elbow ligament and was transferred to the 60day injured list . ... The Angels put first baseman Jared Walsh on the 10day IL because of a ribcage strain . ... Former Giants lefthander Josh Osich was designated for assignment by the Reds.