MLB: Yankees closer Chapman has coronavirus, Astros cancel workout
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Aroldis Chapman of the New York Yankees pitches during the 2019 MLB All-Star Game in Cleveland, U.S., July 9, 2019. /VCG

Aroldis Chapman of the New York Yankees pitches during the 2019 MLB All-Star Game in Cleveland, U.S., July 9, 2019. /VCG

New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman became the latest high-profile player to test positive for COVID-19 in the Major League Baseball (MLB), his diagnosis announced Saturday hours after the Houston Astros canceled another practice due to virus concerns.

In New York, manager Aaron Boone said Chapman wouldn't "be here for the foreseeable future." Boone said the left-handed reliever "overall was doing well" despite experiencing mild symptoms.

The Yankees are scheduled to start the virus-delayed season on July 23 at the World Series champion Washington Nationals. The American League champ Yankees already were missing star infielder DJ LeMahieu and right-hander Luis Cessa, who both tested positive last week and are still isolating at home.

Boone wouldn't say whether Chapman had been at Yankee Stadium since throwing a bullpen session on Tuesday. He said the team had gone through contact tracing protocols, and no other players or personnel would be forced to isolate because of Chapman's positive test.

The Houston Astros' quality control coach Chris Spiers (L) and bench coach Joe Espada hit baseballs at an infield practice during the first day of MLB summer workouts at Minute Maid Park in Houston, U.S., July 3, 2020. /VCG

The Houston Astros' quality control coach Chris Spiers (L) and bench coach Joe Espada hit baseballs at an infield practice during the first day of MLB summer workouts at Minute Maid Park in Houston, U.S., July 3, 2020. /VCG

In Houston, the Astros canceled their workout after learning that a staff member could have been exposed to a person outside the organization with the coronavirus.

It is the second time this week the Astros have wiped out a practice session because of concerns about the pandemic. Houston also scrapped its Monday workout because of delays with testing results due to the holiday weekend, as did some other teams around the majors.

Houston general manager James Click said they decided to cancel Saturday's workout as a precaution.

Houston Astros general manager James Click watches players during the first day of MLB summer workouts at Minute Maid Park in Houston, U.S., July 3, 2020. /VCG

Houston Astros general manager James Click watches players during the first day of MLB summer workouts at Minute Maid Park in Houston, U.S., July 3, 2020. /VCG

"As part of MLB's testing and reporting plan, we were alerted that a staff member was potentially exposed to a coronavirus-positive individual outside the organization," Click said. "Out of an abundance of caution, we have canceled today's workout. We are working closely with MLB and our team physicians to follow the established testing and cleaning protocols so that we can safely bring our players and staff back to the field as soon as possible."

The cancellation came after All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman was held out of practice on Wednesday because of delays in receiving his test results.

Also testing positive was Kansas City backup catcher Cam Gallagher. Gallagher, who said he is asymptomatic, participated in an intra-squad game on Friday night before receiving his positive test results on Saturday.

Source(s): AP