The Boston Red Sox have resumed working out at Fenway Park in preparation for the 2020 season, but they do have concerns for one of their top players.
While Rafael Devers worked out at Fenway Park for the first time on Wednesday, the Red Sox are being cautious with his return because he could've been exposed to the coronavirus.
“We had some guys that were possibly exposed to somebody with coronavirus,” Red Sox manager Ron Roenicke said, according to Christopher Smith of MassLive. “And this group (which includes Devers) has tested negative three times. We will continue to test them just because we’re being overly cautious. But that’s kind of why we’ve separated some of the guys from the other group. And that’s why the later workouts. So that’s kind of what’s going on with him."
The Red Sox already have confirmed four positive cases of the coronavirus: Eduardo Rodriguez, Josh Taylor, Bobby Dalbec and Darwinzon Hernandez.
Boston will open the season against the Baltimore Orioles on July 24. Nathan Eovaldi is expected to get the start on the mound.
If Devers tests positive for the virus, it'll be a huge blow to Boston's lineup after trading Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 2019, Devers had a career year, hitting .311 with 32 home runs, 115 RBI and a .916 OPS.
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