AL MVP Jose Abreu tests positive for COVID-19

Chicago White Sox general manager Rick Hahn confirmed on Wednesday that three-time All-Star first baseman and reigning American League Most Valuable Player Jose Abreu will be away from the club for at least "the next several days" after testing positive for COVID-19. 

Per the club's official website, Abreu is "completely asymptomatic" and thinks he contracted a mild case of the coronavirus at some point in January. That belief "is reinforced by the presence of COVID antibodies in additional testing," according to Hahn's statement. 

Hahn added: "Other than being frustrated, Jose feels great. And like the rest of us, [he] is looking forward to when he rejoins the club in the not- too-distant future."

Abreu turned 34 years old in late January and is on track to begin his eighth season with the White Sox. Across 60 regular-season games during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign, he led the majors with 60 RBI while batting .317 with 19 home runs. 

Last week, Cleveland Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti confirmed that reigning American League Cy Young Award winner and Cleveland ace Shane Bieber tested positive for COVID-19. As noted by Mandy Bell of the league's official website, Bieber was able to continue training at home because he experienced such mild virus symptoms.