The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Marlins’ outbreak rattles Braves
Miami played at Truist last week, and ‘it’s a little scary,’ Wright says.
News of a coronavirus outbreak on the Miami Marlins, less than a week after playing two exhibition games in Atlanta, drew the Braves’ attention Monday.
“You get slapped in the face with the reality of this thing,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “You can’t let your guard down.”
“I feel like any time there’s an outbreak like that, it’s a little scary,” pitcher Kyle Wright said. “But we as a team have to do our part and continue to follow the guidelines and protocols.”
At least 13 players and coaches on the Marlins reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 in recent days, and Miami’s home opener, originally scheduled for Monday night, was postponed. The Marlins played exhibition games against the Braves at Truist Park on Tuesday and Wednesday of last week. Snitker said no Braves players have tested positive for the virus since their games against Miami.
“We are very aware of what’s going on,” Snitker said. “We’ve got to continue to be consistent in what we’re doing, like wearing the mask (and) staying in. Our guys, I think, have done a really good job of doing all the right things, but we can probably still make some adjustments and be even more diligent in what we’re doing. We’ve tested now probably three or four times since we played (Miami), and we’re all good.”
The Braves’ top two catchers,
Travis d’Arnaud and Tyler Flowers, haven’t been with the team since the regular season began last week because of symptoms that raised coronavirus concerns. Flowers played in the first of the two exhibitions against the Marlins, while d’Arnaud didn’t play in either game. Snitker said again Monday that neither catcher has tested positive for COVID-19.
“They’re getting better,” he said. “It’s still going to be kind of a day-to-day thing. I think, more than anything, they kind of feel like they’ve had bad colds. They’re having a hard time shaking it. I think probably if this had happened a year ago we would have brought them with us, treated them, and they’d probably be playing. But under these times, you can’t take any chances.”
He said d’Arnaud and Flowers have had “multiple tests” for the virus.
The Marlins’ situation underscores the challenge facing MLB as it tries to play even a 60-game season amid the pandemic.
“Absolutely, the virus is still out there,” Wright said. “It’s still very real, so it’s important to follow all the guidelines and protocols, especially on the road. I mean, from the stadium, go straight to the hotel and stay there.”
Wright, who is scheduled to make his first start of the season tonight, expressed hope that the Marlins’ outbreak won’t repeat itself in another MLB clubhouse.
“Hopefully, this is just a onetime thing,” he said.
Kyle Wright ready for tonight
Wright’s second opportunity to establish himself in the Braves’ starting pitching rotation begins tonight when the 24-year-old righthander is scheduled to make his first start of the season against the Tampa Bay Rays.
He was in the Braves’ rotation at the beginning of last season, starting three games before he was returned to the minor leagues with a 7.07 ERA. He expects better results this time.
“Definitely, I feel more comfortable with another year,” Wright said Monday. “I feel a lot more confident just in how I get to prepare and how I get to attack hitters. I’ve made some good adjustments mechanically that I feel like I’m ready to take into a real game. I’m real excited for it. I’m ready to get out there.”
Wright, currently the Braves’ No. 5 starter, claimed a spot in the rotation after Cole Hamels went on the injured list and Felix Hernandez opted out of the season.
“I feel like any opportunity is a moment to establish yourself,” Wright said. “Any time you get a new go, you’ve got to take advantage of it.”
Wright was the Braves’ first-round pick (No. 5 overall) in the 2017 amateur draft.