MLB announces small increase in new positive COVID-19 test results

Major League Baseball saw a slight uptick in positive COVID-19 test results among players and personnel over the past week. 

In their weekly joint statement, MLB and the MLB Players Association announced on Friday that three new players and three staff members returned positive coronavirus results in the latest round of testing. MLB had recorded four positive COVID-19 tests over each of the previous three weeks. 

The Houston Astros confirmed on Wednesday that second baseman Jose Altuve, third baseman Alex Bregman, designated hitter Yordan Alvarez, catcher Martin Maldonado and utility infielder Robel Garcia were all added to the injured list because of the league's health and safety protocols. It remains unclear if any of the five tested positive for COVID-19. 

A player, manager, or coach who tests positive must isolate for a minimum of 10 days. 

MLB has still done well to avoid a major coronavirus-related setback since losing the season-opening series between the New York Mets and Nationals due to COVID-19 concerns hovering over Washington in early April. To compare, the NBA announced on Wednesday that zero new players tested positive for the virus over the past week. Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks still haven't played since March 24 due to the NHL's largest COVID-19 outbreak of the season and had their return to play delayed to either Saturday or Sunday at the earliest.