DJ LeMahieu, Luis Cessa test positive for COVID-19

After today’s summer camp workout, Yankees manager Aaron Boone delivered some bad news: Both DJ LeMahieu and Luis Cessa have tested positive for COVID-19.

According to Lindsey Adler, LeMahieu is currently asymptomatic. Cessa, meanwhile, is displaying mild symptoms. Bryan Hoch, meanwhile, says that both players are quarantining at their homes and approved the disclosure of their names.

This news comes on the same day that the Braves and Phillies announced a bevy of players who also tested positive, including Freddie Freeman and Aaron Nola. David Price also opted out of the season earlier this afternoon, citing health concerns for himself and his family. The first official day of camp definitely came with major hurdles, the kind that illustrate how difficult it will be to get the season off the ground—or whatever doing so is prudent in the first place.

LeMahieu, 31, expected to be a cornerstone atop the Yankees’ lineup this year. He hit .327/.375/.518 with 26 home runs (136 wRC+) in a career season last year. The 28-year-old Cessa, meanwhile, pitched to a 4.11 ERA (4.87 FIP) over 81 innings in 2019, his first year pitching exclusively out of the bullpen.

Both players will head to the COVID-19 injured list, which requires a two-week quarantine. Before they can return, they must display no symptoms and have two negative tests.

The baseball part, ultimately, is inconsequential. We’re wishing a speedy recovery to both LeMahieu and Cessa.