The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Pitcher Toussaint returns to team after virus stint,
Braves pitcher Touki Toussaint was perplexed when informed he’d tested positive for COVID-19. Toussaint, who was asymptomatic, tested positive before workouts began July 3.
Two weeks later, he rejoined the team Friday following two negative tests.
“I was sitting at home, not really doing anything,” Toussaint said, recalling his time quarantining. “I’d go outside for a run. It was weird because you’re sick but not really sick. People are staying away from you, like ‘oh you have the virus.’ When the news broke, it felt kind of out-of-world. People were like, ‘Are you OK?’ I’m perfectly fine, but it’s serious so I had to take serious measures.”
Several times, Toussaint reiterated he was surprised when learning he was among four Braves who had the coronavirus. It “flipped my world,” he said. “They told me I tested positive. I said, ‘No way. No way I tested positive.’”
So Toussaint, who was competing for a roster spot, was instead stuck at home while the Braves readied at Truist Park. He was tested daily at first, then every other day, in search of two negatives. He did receive some false negative results during the testing flurry, he said.
Sidelined but feeling well, Toussaint had asked if he and reliever Will Smith, who was also positive and asymptomatic, could throw together. The idea was quickly shut down, and Toussaint was relegated to throwing at a chain link fence alone.
When Toussaint returned to Braves camp Friday, the rest of the team was off so he played catch with bullpen catcher Jimmy Leo. Despite his absence, Toussaint believes he isn’t far behind his colleagues.
“I don’t think it set me back at all,” he said. “I’m ready to go. I feel like I kept myself in shape to be able to compete. I know my timing might be a little off, but that’s just reps. I’ll get those in and hopefully be ready in six days (for opening day).”
A former first-round pick, Toussaint, 24, has appeared in 31 games across two majorleague seasons. He logged only seven outings last season, allowing 13 earned runs and walking 21 hitters over 29 innings.
Toussaint did impress in three spring training games before the season’s suspension. He struck out eight and walked three in 8⅔ innings. Manager Brian Snitker has praised Toussaint for his recent improvement and felt he was a legitimate candidate to make the opening-day roster.
Now, it’s not so clear. While Toussaint is confident he isn’t lagging behind, Snitker will see how he looks when he takes the mound.
“Touki is going to be like the rest of the guys when they came in,” Snitker said Saturday. “Until the guys put their eyes on him, and he gets on the mound — all those guys came in, and when they got on the real mound and threw, there was a big difference. I know he’s been up and down and kept himself in great shape, but he hasn’t been out here yet. We’ll see where he’s at. We’ll get him in a game sooner than later I’m sure.”
Whenever Toussaint is ready, he’ll strengthen the Braves’ pitching depth. As a starter or reliever, he can cover a bulk of innings. The Braves’ early piggybacking strategy, and the general uncertainty around the 60-game season, require as many stretched-out pitchers as possible.