Five new MLB players test positive for COVID-19

Major League Baseball continues to offer positive updates as it progresses through spring training amid the coronavirus pandemic, but that good news doesn't come without some concerning information. 

On Friday, MLB and the MLB Players Association announced via a joint statement that five new players and zero staff members tested positive for COVID-19 over the past week. Three players tested positive the previous week, and 19 players and six staff members have returned positive test results since personnel reported to clubs for spring training activities last month. 

Sixteen clubs have reported at least one positive COVID-19 test since intake screening began in February.

Overall, the numbers remain promising for the MLB regular season starting on time and, hopefully, continuing without interruptions through the summer months. Also on Friday, though, Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker confirmed that at least eight pitchers are currently away from the team because of COVID-19 protocols. As of early Friday afternoon, the Astros hadn't yet unveiled if any of those eight players tested positive for the coronavirus. 

Atlanta Braves left-hander Max Fried was scratched from his spring debut set for Friday after he was potentially exposed to somebody infected with COVID-19. It's expected Fried will remain away from the team through at least the weekend. 

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo confirmed on Wednesday that outfielder Tim Locastro tested positive for the virus.