Twins add IF JT Riddle to COVID-19 injured list

The Minnesota Twins cannot avoid COVID-19 concerns and headaches as of late. 

One day after the Twins placed outfielders Kyle Garlick and Max Kepler and left-handed pitcher Caleb Thielbar on the COVID-19 injured list, the club confirmed that veteran infielder JT Riddle was added to the list ahead of Wednesday's series finale at the Oakland Athletics. 

Minnesota shortstop Andrelton Simmons tested positive for the virus last week. 

"JT did not test positive for COVID. There are a lot of different COVID protocols. JT falls within one of them," Twins manager Rocco Baldelli told reporters ahead of Wednesday's matchup, per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN). "He'll be also traveling on his own back to Minneapolis where he'll quarantine there for a period of time, and then hopefully by the end of the week we'll have this resolved with him." 

Players and coaches who test positive for the coronavirus must isolate for a minimum of 10 days. Minnesota is scheduled to host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday after having Thursday off. 

In a corresponding roster move, Minnesota selected the contract of catcher Tomas Telis to replace Riddle on the active roster. Riddle has appeared in only four games this season and owns a .333 average (two hits in six at-bats) with one run scored. 

Megan Ryan of the Star Tribune explained players who don't test positive for the virus and aren't deemed high-risk close contacts can be placed on the COVID-19 injured list if they violate known health and safety guidelines. Cleveland Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez and slugger Franmil Reyes learned that lesson the hard way in March.