Yankees closer Chapman has coronavirus

HOUSTON » Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman became the latest high-profile player to test positive for the coronavirus, his diagnosis announced July 11 hours after the Astros canceled another practice due to virus concerns.

In New York, Manager Aaron Boone said Chapman wouldn’t “be here for the foreseeable future.” Boone said the left-handed reliever “overall was doing well” despite experiencing mild symptoms.

The Yankees are scheduled to start the virus-delayed season on July 23 at the World Series champion Nationals. The AL champ Yankees already were missing star infielder DJ LeMahieu and right-hander Luis Cessa, who both tested positive last week and are still isolating at home.

Boone wouldn’t say whether Chapman had been at Yankee Stadium since throwing a bullpen session July 7. He said the team the team had gone through contact tracing protocols, and no other players or personnel would be forced to isolate because of Chapman’s positive test.

In Houston, the Astros canceled their workout after learning that a staff member could have been exposed to a person outside the organization with the coronavirus.

It’s the second time this week the Astros have wiped out a practice session because of concerns about the pandemic.

KATHY WILLENS — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Yankees reliever Aroldis Chapman, left, leaves the field after a bullpen session with catcher Gary Sanchez during a summer training camp workout July 5 in New York.