CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Wednesday’s series finale between the Guardians and White Sox in Chicago was postponed following multiple positive COVID-19 tests among Cleveland’s club.
It is the first Major League Baseball game to be postponed this season due to COVID-19.
Hours before the game, the Guardians announced that manager Terry Francona tested positive for the virus and bench coach DeMarlo Hale was scheduled to manage in his place until Francona returns but Hale also tested positive.
Additional coaches and staff tested positive as well leading to the postponement. The Guardians are currently working through logistics and travel following the outbreak.
The Guardians had a recent COVID outbreak that included Cal Quantrill, Anthony Castro, Yu Chang and Owen Miller. All but Chang have returned from the COVID injury list.
Under MLB’s modified protocols for this year, players and personnel are only tested when exhibiting symptoms.
Hale was named acting manager at the end of July 2021 when Francona took a leave of absence for the remainder of the season to address health issues including hip and toe surgery.
It is unclear who will manage or fill in additional roles when the Guardians open a three-game series in Minnesota on Friday.