HOUSTON (SportsRadio 610)- For the third time since convening in Houston following Major League Baseball's four-month shutdown, the Astros were impacted by delayed testing results, which forced three players, including George Springer, to miss Tuesday's simulated game at Minute Maid Park.
"It's a little frustrating," Astros manager Dusty Baker said. "They're trying to iron the wrinkles out of this and get the bugs out of this whole system, so I'm just hoping that they get it worked out before we start the season."
Along with Springer, Fox 26 reported Myles Straw and Abraham Toro were also held out of Tuesday's workout.
A delay in getting test results forced the Astros to cancel a workout on July 6. Two days later, Alex Bregman was forced to remain at his home for the same reason, and with just 10 days left before opening day the team hopes this is the last time this issue comes up.
"We don't have any more time," Astros pitcher and union representative Lance McCullers Jr. said. "We're on an escalated timetable already, and we've had to miss multiple days now for Covid testing (delays)."
Players and coaches are tested every other day with all samples shipped to a facility in Utah. Results are supposed to come back within 24 hours, but there have been hiccups, most notably with the Astros.
General manager James Click said Monday, the team has discussed the possibility of using a local facility as a backup.
"We wouldn't be doing our jobs if we didn't explore it, but that said, the health and safety of the citizens in Houston are paramount," Click said. "We are never going to lose sight of that. Obviously, we will talk to our doctors about whether there is capacity locally if we need it, but by and large I think we would like to rely on MLB's infrastructure as much as we possibly can."
McCullers praised his teammates and the Astros staff for the way they've followed protocols since Summer Camp started July 3, but reiterated what happened twice last week and Tuesday must stop.
"We just need the testing to be able to come through because we can't be having anyone missing practice because this is going to carry on to the season," McCullers said. "And then what happens, we have to play without our leadoff (hitter) centerfielder because the test wasn't read?"
Justin Verlander sounded just as perplexed.
"It's really inexcusable in-season for a player that can help you win a game to miss said game because test results didn't get back quickly enough when we were told that they were would be," he said.
Verlander then asked the question that no one seems to have an answer for:
"What would happen if my test results didn't come back on time and I'm starting pitcher that day? That would be pretty tough to leave my team hanging like that just because the results weren't back, and we largely know they'll probably be negative because I've been doing my part to social distance."
The reigning American League Cy Young award winner said Tuesday the testing procedures have gotten better since the cancellation of the Astros workout eight days ago, but better isn't good enough, and the problem for Major League Baseball is that this is all they've got.
"There is no backup plan," McCullers said.
"We need the testing back. I know there are a lot of moving parts and pieces to all of this. We have to do the tests, we have to get the tests sent out, get a test delivered and read in a short window, but that's what we have to do to make sure that we can stay healthy and stay safe, and that's what was agreed upon."
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