Yankees-Phillies game postponed again, four more Marlins test positive for coronavirus

A coronavirus outbreak in the Marlins’ clubhouse has thrown baseball’s schedule into disarray, while also exposing the severe weaknesses in the league’s safety protocols.

Now, for the second night in a row, the Yankees and Phillies have had their game postponed, a direct result of the Marlins’ super-spreader situation. According to Lindsey Adler, some players on the Phillies are still awaiting the results of their coronavirus tests.

Joel Sherman, meanwhile, indicates that the early tests bode well for the Phillies, as no players have yet tested positive. Tomorrow’s scheduled game between the Yankees and Phillies remains on schedule, says Adler.

The club administered tests yesterday because Miami had just played in Philadelphia. Per Ken Rosenthal, four additional Marlins have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the team total to 17 in the last week.

Just last night, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred refused to label the outbreak a disaster, essentially saying that it was inevitable and expected. “I don’t put this in the nightmare category,” he explained. “It’s not a positive thing, but I don’t see it as a nightmare. ... That’s why we have the expanded rosters. That’s why we have the pool of additional players.”

Those comments strained credulity at the moment, but the additional positive tests make it sound callous.

This is a developing situaiton. Pinstripe Alley will have more details as they emerge.