Braves OF Jorge Soler tests positive for COVID-19, could return for NLCS
It seems the Atlanta Braves will have to try to get past the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Division Series without the services of right fielder Jorge Soler.
Per ESPN and Mark Bowman of the league's website, Soler tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of Tuesday's game between Atlanta and Milwaukee with the Braves leading the best-of-five series 2-1. Outfielder Cristian Pache replaces Soler on the roster until Soler is cleared to return from the COVID-19 injured list.
As both Bowman and The Athletic's David O'Brien noted, it's unlikely Soler will play again in the NLDS, but he could potentially return to action during the NL Championship Series if the Braves advance:
The Braves acquired Soler from the Kansas City Royals ahead of the trade deadline, and he crushed 14 home runs with 33 RBI across his 55 regular-season games for his new club. For Tuesday's outing, the Braves shifted shortstop Dansby Swanson to the leadoff spot. Joc Pederson replaced Soler in right field, and Adam Duval moved from center field to left.
Soler had gone 1-for-11 with a double and two walks in the playoff series versus Milwaukee.
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