Indians ban Franmil Reyes for not wearing mask at gathering

Cleveland Indians right fielder Franmil Reyes has been temporarily prohibited from team activities after attending a July 4th gathering without a mask. Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Indians temporarily ban Franmil Reyes for not wearing mask at gathering

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 7/7/20

One way or another, MLB players are going to learn that they need to adhere to safety protocols to participate in the 60-game regular season conducted during the coronavirus pandemic.

As noted by the Associated Press (h/t ESPN ), Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona told reporters that outfielder Franmil Reyes is currently not allowed at the club's summer training camp held at Progressive Field in downtown Cleveland after Reyes was spotted attending a party without wearing a mask or other face-covering over the July 4 weekend.

"He's not in the penalty box," Francona said. "It's just the way we have to operate right now. So, hopefully, we'll see him soon."

The club learned of Reyes' misstep via Instagram.

Francona said #Indians discovered Reyes was at a 4th of July party on an Instagram post.

"I’m such a big social media hound, I was right on it," Francona joked. "I was right behind TMZ on that."
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) July 7, 2020

Francona added that Reyes, who turned 25 years old on Tuesday, must produce negative test results "when it's appropriate."

The San Diego Padres sent Reyes to Cleveland last summer ahead of the July trade deadline. In 173 at-bats with his new club, he hit .237, belted 10 home runs and drove home 35 RBI.

Cleveland is scheduled to open the season on July 24 with a home series versus the Kansas City Royals.

We're hoping for no snow on the 24th.

Here is our 2020 schedule, presented by @CampingWorld ...#OurTribe pic.twitter.com/hOb112k1Lt
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) July 6, 2020