Three new MLB players test positive for COVID-19

Major League Baseball continues to offer positive news on the COVID-19 front ahead of the start of spring training games on Sunday. 

On Friday, MLB and the MLB Players Association announced via a joint statement that only three new players returned positive coronavirus test results this week. This is an improvement from the nine players and four staff members that previously tested positive. 

In total, MLB players had a 0.3% positive COVID-19 rate. Fourteen clubs have reported at least one positive result since players, coaches and other staff members arrived for spring training sessions earlier this month.

On Wednesday, Chicago White Sox general manager Rick Hahn confirmed that reigning American League Most Valuable Player Jose Abreu would be sidelined for at least "the next several days" after testing positive for COVID-19. Hahn added that Abreu "feels great" and has no symptoms. Reigning AL Cy Young Award winner and Cleveland Indians ace Shane Bieber tested positive last week and reportedly dealt with "very, very mild symptoms." 

While players aren't yet on the road for in-market games, trips that will involve additional possible exposure to the coronavirus, early testing results suggest the majority of MLB players and other personnel are doing well to follow recommended health and safety guidelines ahead of the springtime months.