ESPN has learned that during MLB's 8 days of intake testing, 3,740 saliva tests were completed, with 66 positive results (1.8%) 58 players, 8 staff. In the first batch of the next round of testing, called “monitoring,” 2,111 tests were completed, 10 positives (0.5%) 8 players, 2 staff; the monitoring round started after the completion of intake testing,
Jonathan Loaisiga is the only Yankee to not have finished the intake protocol, besides the two Yankees that tested positive for COVID-19. He arrived from Nicaragua yesterday.
I spoke to pitcher Luis Cessa, who the Yankees announced tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently isolating at home. Cessa told me he is now symptom-free: "I feel really good. I'm just here at home, awaiting the negative results of my latest test. It's been a little frustrating not to be out there with my team, so I'm looking forward to rejoining them soon."
Watch Craig Kimbrel give up a single to Kris Bryant in an intra-squad game with the Cubs piping in some crowd noise.
Aaron Boone on the Yankees playing vs. Mets next year, on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 (in 2021): "I can't imagine how emotional and how powerful that event could be. Especially after all we have gone through this year, it's something that'll get the magic that it deserves."
Yankees announce they will play three exhibition games later this month: --Saturday, July 18 against the Mets at Citi Field (first pitch at 7:10 p.m.) --Sunday, July 19 vs. the Mets at Yankee Stadium (first pitch at 7:05 p.m.) --Monday, July 20 vs. the Phillies at Yankee Stadium (first pitch at 6:05 p.m.)
VIDEO: Here is Aaron Judge addressing the media for the first time since the middle of March; told us 'I'm game-ready."
Dodgers OF Mookie Betts acknowledged that not getting the service time and thus delaying his free agency played a part in his decision to play this season. But he isn't confident that MLB's health-and-safety protocol will allow him to play. "It's kind of tough to be confident in something that hasn't proved to be full proof," he said.
For the first time since the start of interleague play in 1997, the Yankees will face a National League team in a home opener, playing against former manager Joe Girardi and the Phillies.
The 2020 MLB schedule starts July 23 with a Yankees-Nationals matchup (7 p.m. ET, ESPN) followed by Giants-Dodgers (10 p.m. ET, ESPN). Opening Day for the rest of the league comes July 24, highlighted by Braves-Mets (4 ET, ESPN), Brewers-Cubs (7 ET, ESPN), Angels-A's (10 ET, ESPN) and the Rangers hosting the Rockies in the first game at Texas' new ballpark.
The 2020 MLB schedule is set to be announced tonight, and it will include 60 games over a total of 67 days. Opening Day on July 23 will be Yankees vs. Nationals and Dodgers vs. SF Giants, with the remaining 26 teams playing their first game on July 24th. The final day of the season will be Sunday, September 27th.
VIDEO – Giancarlo Stanton talks about whether he feels there will be some change in baseball with black baseball players speaking out about instances of social injustice.
VIDEO – Here is Giancarlo Stanton addressing the condition of his calf and whether he'll play the outfield or only DH this season.
VIDEO – Here is Giancarlo Stanton addressing for the first time the very scary moment when his 112mph line drive hit Masahiro Tanaka on the right side of his head. Stanton: "As long as he's okay, I'm okay."
Giancarlo Stanton said his calf is feeling 100% "pretty recent." Stanton said he'll start as DH and "go from there." Stanton: "With the season being so short it's a one-stop to get it right. We have a good formula to get it right."
The San Francisco Giants confirmed two more individuals have tested positive for COVID-19 following mandatory club testing.
Yankees intrasquad lineup for July 6th (weather permitting)
Today's Angels workout turned into an optional one after two delays. Joe Maddon believes the hiccup in testing, with results being slow and, in his situation, testers not showing up, will be "a short-lived situation." He compared today to the equivalent of what would have happened in a rain delay.
Aaron Boone on Masahiro Tanaka, who is still on concussion protocol: "He rode the bike today 15-20 min, so that's another important step. All signs continue to be encouraging; no side effects, no symptoms. But we'll take it day by day. We're encouraged with how he's responding."
Aaron Boone said he's hopeful that Yankees will be able to take BP and have their first instrasquad game at Yankee Stadium tonight, with JA Happ starting on the mound.
Gio Urshela talked to me about working out with Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor, and how they had a friendly bike riding contest during the hiatus! Urshela (in Spanish) "Lindor has been doing that for a long time, I just started!'
The Angels have moved their workout back by five hours, from 8 am to 1 pm, and have been informed that test administrators will be on site by the time they arrive.
The Houston Astros announced they have canceled their Summer Camp workouts today due to a delay in receiving COVID-19 test results taken last week.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that JA Happ will start the intrasquad game on Monday night; hopes to get 5-6 pitchers in during the game. Yankees will be playing two night intrasquad games Monday and Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium.
VIDEO: Brett Gardner on Gerrit Cole.
