Reds’ Matt Davidson placed on IL after positive COVID-19 test, one day after starting
Matt Davidson, who started Opening Day as the designated hitter for the Cincinnati Reds, was placed on the 10-day injured list after he tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday.
Davidson is the Reds' first known player to test positive since they began intake testing at the start of preseason camp on July 1. Derek Dietrich and one unidentified Reds player tested positive before arriving at camp.
"Definitely worrisome, as it would be for anybody in our organization, but a player who is in our clubhouse, one of our teammates," Reds catcher Curt Casali said. "I feel like as an organization we've done a really, really nice job of following protocol and being safe, washing our hands and wearing our masks when appropriate and Matt was no exception to that.
"We're praying it didn't get out of the cage a little bit and hopefully he's the only one for right now. A little unsettling."
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Davidson was in the dugout throughout Friday's season opener, so there are some anxious Reds players as they await their test results. Players are tested every other day through saliva tests. They must report their temperature twice a day before reporting to the ballpark and fill out a survey to say they don't feel any symptoms.
"It's hard not to think about it," Casali said. "I can tell you whole-heartedly that once the game starts, I didn't think about it once. I personally feel fine, I don't feel like I'm putting anybody in jeopardy by playing. But yeah, I don't know when the next test is going to come back. I'm just praying it was only one and we can continue this thing."
Pitcher Luis Castillo added through a team interpreter: “I’ve done all the protocols, washing hands and putting my mask on all the time. Now I have to do it even more. I have my two little girls at home. My wife is at home, so I’m trying to protect them as much as myself. I’m trying to protect everyone else too.”
Davidson was a part of a series of roster moves. Catcher Tucker Barnhart was placed on the paternity list. Barnhart can miss up to three games on the paternity list, and then it's possible he could miss additional games because he needs to clear COVID-19 testing.
The Reds called up outfielder Aristides Aquino and pitcher Tejay Antone. Aquino, the National League player of the month last August, will be a backup outfielder. Antone will make his MLB debut in his first game. He impressed during camp and will be used in the bullpen.
Players who test positive for COVID-19 must self-isolate and remain away from the team until he has two negative tests taken at least 24 hours apart, hasn't had a fever for at least 72 hours, completes an anti-body test and he's cleared by the team's physician.
"First and foremost, we just want Matty to take care of himself," Reds manager David Bell said. "This has become a very close team. Everyone cares a lot about one another. We just want him to focus on getting healthy, number one. But absolutely, it crosses your mind. This is where you trust the protocols that are in place, not only by the league, but everything we’re doing."