Brett Davis/Associated Press

Marlins Reportedly Have 18 Players with COVID-19 After Additional Positive Test

Mike Chiari

Another Miami Marlins player has reportedly tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total to 18 players.

According to MLB Network's Jon Heyman, all 18 positive tests are for players on the Marlins' 30-man roster, meaning 60 percent of their players have contracted COVID-19.

Major League Baseball announced this week that it was pausing the Marlins' season through at least Sunday, so its previously scheduled series against the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals have been postponed.

The Marlins' positive tests have also impacted other teams, most notably the Philadelphia Phillies. The Marlins took two out of three games from the Phils in a season-opening series held in Philadelphia, but the Phillies haven't played since.

Their scheduled home-and-home series against the New York Yankees was postponed this week due to concerns that Phillies players and personnel were exposed to COVID-19.

On Thursday, the Phillies announced that while no players tested positive for COVID-19, one coach and one member of the home clubhouse staff did:

As a result of the positive tests, the Phillies shut down all activities at Citizens Bank Ballpark and their scheduled weekend series against the Toronto Blue Jays was postponed.

While the Marlins' season is only officially paused through Monday as of now, it is difficult to envision their scheduled series against the Phillies taking place next week with both teams working through coronavirus-related issues.

If and when the Marlins do get back to playing, they will likely have to pull several players from their alternate training site due to the fact that such a large percentage of their active roster has COVID-19. The Marlins could look to sign some veteran free agents as well so as not to use up service time on some of their prospects.

The biggest issue related to Miami's postponements is the fact that there are very few off days scheduled for MLB teams this season during a condensed 60-game schedule. As a result, it will be difficult to make up games.

It may be possible through doubleheaders, but another option MLB may have to consider is basing the standings off winning percentage rather than record if not every team is able to play a full 60-game slate.


Bleacher Report's David Gardner interviews athletes and other sports figures for the podcast How to Survive Without Sports.

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