Six Yankees positive for COVID, out at least 10 days

Gio Urshela is among the Yankees players who tested positive for COVID. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Six Yankees players test positive for COVID-19, out at least 10 days

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 7/16/21

It was confirmed Thursday that New York Yankees pitchers Jonathan Loaisiga, Nestor Cortes Jr. and Wandy Peralta were positive COVID-19 cases, and ESPN reported Friday that All-Star Aaron Judge, third baseman Gio Urshela and catcher Kyle Higashioka are also positive for the coronavirus.

None of them will be taking the field anytime soon.

Per Bryan Hoch of the MLB website, Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters ahead of Friday's home game against the rival Boston Red Sox that all six players positive for the virus will miss a minimum of 10 days:

None of the COVID-19 positive Yankees are exhibiting severe symptoms, according to Aaron Boone. He said that a few have said they feel like they have a cold or do not feel well.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) July 16, 2021

Jonathan Loaisiga was placed on the COVID-IL on 7/10, so he could theoretically return next week if he needs all 10 days. As for everyone else, we’re talking missing 7 games against the Sox (weather permitting), 2 against Philly, and maybe returning against Rays.
— Lindsey Adler (@lindseyadler) July 16, 2021

The Yankees previously confirmed Loaisiga, Cortes and Peralta are all fully vaccinated against COVID-19, but Boone said Friday at least one of the other three is not.

Understandably, the Bronx Bombers made a plethora of roster moves ahead of Friday's contest:

Prior to tonight's game, the @Yankees made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/i1CXrjrrph
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) July 16, 2021

MLB cleared the Yankees for Friday's showdown with the Red Sox "after conducting testing and contact tracing."

The 46-43 Yankees trail the first-place Red Sox, 55-36, by eight games in the American League East standings.

Zac Wassink is a football and futbol aficionado who is a PFWA member and is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment. Erik Lamela and Eli Manning apologist. Chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. Whoops. You can find him on Twitter at @ZacWassink.

More must-reads: