Phillies undergo additional COVID-19 testing

July 28th, 2020

PHILADELPHIA -- Rather than playing a game on Monday, Phillies players and coaches underwent additional COVID-19 testing. That’s a result of concerns regarding the spread of the virus among the Marlins, who played in Philadelphia over the weekend.

The Marlins outbreak led MLB to postpone two games Monday: the Phillies-Yankees game at Citizens Bank Park and the Marlins-Orioles game at Marlins Park in Miami. There is no official decision on Tuesday’s Phillies-Yankees game, with the hope to have everybody’s results before the end of Monday night

But there is some concern inside the Phillies clubhouse. A few players and coaches not only came in close contact with members of the Marlins on the field, but some interacted with them in close proximity on the field before Opening Day on Friday.

The Phillies disinfected and cleaned both clubhouses after Sunday’s game against Miami, which the Phillies lost, 11-6. The team disinfects and cleans every space occupied by any person every day, from dugouts to bullpens to offices to the press box. The fact that MLB postponed Monday’s game allowed the Phillies to provide a deeper clean to the visitors’ clubhouse and anywhere else the Marlins spent time the past three days.

The Phillies received word Sunday morning that multiple Marlins tested positive for COVID-19. Phillies manager Joe Girardi said the team sent a text to every player 90 minutes before the game, informing them and recommending they take extra precautions.

Bryce Harper wore a mask on the bases Sunday. He had not worn one on the field since Summer Camp began earlier this month. He has reasons to be cautious. His wife Kayla is pregnant. There are others, too. Zack Wheeler’s wife Dominique gave birth to their son last Monday. Didi Gregorius said he is considered a high-risk person because of a chronic kidney condition. He is the only Phillies player who wears a mask on the field at all times.