Cleveland outfielder Delino DeShields has tested positive for COVID-19. Indians president Chris Antonetti made the announcement Friday.
DeShields is currently the only player absent from the team as they reconvened at Progressive Field in Cleveland. DeShields will have to test negative twice before he can rejoin the team.
Delino DeShields was acquired with Emmanuel Clase in the trade that sent Corey Kluber to Texas this past offseason. Clase will miss all of 2020 due to a PED suspension.
DeShields is one of many outfielders that will complete for playing time this season. Cleveland has too many outfielders for not enough spots. DeShields was a perfect candidate to take on the extra-innings runner on second role, but that will have to wait for the time being.
There is more than enough time for DeShields to fully recover before the abbreviated season starts. If his absence goes into the season they will have to evaluate all of their options to replace to DeShields. While not an easy task, Cleveland has a plethora of outfielders to select from. Greg Allen, Bradley Zimmer, Tyler Naquin, and Daniel Johnson could get a look if Delino DeShields is not ready for when baseball returns.
