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

Major League Baseball experienced a small increase in positive COVID-19 test results among personnel for the second straight week. 

Per ESPN's Buster Olney, MLB and the MLB Players Association announced on Friday that three players and five staff members tested positive for the coronavirus over the past week. Back on April 16, those entities confirmed that three new players and three staff members tested positive for the virus. 

The Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins were among American sports teams that dealt with COVID-19 setbacks and headaches over the past week. Philadelphia added a combination of eight players and coaches to the league's coronavirus-related list, while the Twins placed outfielders Kyle Garlick and Max Kepler, left-handed pitcher Caleb Thielbar, and veteran infielder JT Riddle to the list after shortstop Andrelton Simmons tested positive for the virus the previous week. Minnesota manager Rocco Baldelli suggested on Wednesday that Riddle may have violated health and safety protocols but hadn't yet tested positive for COVID-19. 

Any player or coach who tests positive must isolate away from team activities for a minimum of 10 days. 

While MLB is encouraging all personnel to receive COVID-19 vaccine shots as quickly as possible, clubs such as the Phillies are struggling to hit the 85% threshold for vaccinated members of their traveling parties that would result in MLB loosening certain COVID-19 health and safety restrictions. MLB is not mandating vaccines for players and coaches to participate in the season.