Earlier on Tuesday, the San Diego Padres announced that superstar shortstop Fernando Tatís Jr. tested positive for COVID-19 (he’s asymptomatic) and was placed on th COVID-related Injured List. San Diego position players Jurickson Profar and Jorge Mateo were also placed on the IL due to contact tracing.
Well, the Padres played the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night at Coors Field, and right fielder Wil Myers left the game in the bottom of the third inning. And it turns out that’s because he tested positive for COVID-19.
Jayce Tingler said Wil Myers had to leave tonight's game because he tested positive for COVID-19.
— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) May 12, 2021
Additionally, first baseman Eric Hosmer left the game in the bottom of the seventh inning (after going 1-for-4 with an RBI) due to contact tracing.
Hosmer left due to contact tracing protocols.
— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) May 12, 2021
With Tatís, Myers, Profar, Mateo, and Hosmer (all position players), the Padres now have five players on the COVID-related IL (and with at least two positive tests). And Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports that there’s “concern that the Padres could soon receive more positive test results.”
There is concern that the Padres could soon receive more positive test results, sources tell The Athletic. This does not seem like an environment in which a team should be compelled to play on without interruption.
— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) May 12, 2021
So, it appears the Padres have an outbreak. And as Lin alluded to, the postponements may have to come next.