CHICAGO (670 The Score) -- After conducting their work at Wrigley Field for about the last four weeks, the Cubs will now embark on their first road trip amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Chicago opens a four-game series at Cincinnati on Monday evening after winning two of three games against Milwaukee at home over the weekend. And as the Cubs hit the road, they do so cognizant of the fact that Reds infielder Matt Davidson just landed on the injured list after contracting the coronavirus while second baseman Mike Moustakas and center fielder Nick Senzel sat out of play Sunday as they felt sick.
"This is definitely something to be concerned about if a visiting clubhouse guy went to the other side," Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo said. "Maybe they will make sure the locker rooms are deep cleaned. We will definitely be paying attention to the Tigers now to see if a couple of guys pop positive. A little bit nerve-racking, but I am sure MLB and the Reds will do everything they can to make us feel safe."
Cubs manager David Ross praised travel and clubhouse operations director Vijay Tekchandani for going above and beyond his usual great work to ensure the entire traveling party will be safe on the road. At hotels, meals will be sent to the players' doors and the team will try to have gatherings outside when it can. Players have been encouraged to keep even more social distance than usual while at Great American Ballpark.
"We have set everything up," Ross said. "We have had multiple meetings about it. The key is to best protect them and give them what they need and keep everyone safe.
"This is just a season when we will have new protocols, routines and adjustments. We have tried to set things up the best we can to help players the best environment possible to succeed."
The Cubs haven't yet had a player test positive for COVID-19. Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy contracted the coronavirus weeks before the team reported for summer camp, and quality control coach Mike Napoli is currently away from the team after testing positive before joining the team for camp.
Leaving Chicago and the comforts of home is naturally making the Cubs a bit anxious.
"We will see how it goes," right-hander Alec Mills said. "Obviously, the traveling part is what the guys are most worried about. Just getting on planes gives some unknown things there. I am fully confident everybody is doing everything they need to do to travel us as safe as possible. We will take all precautions as necessary and put all protocols in place to finish the season."
Having a veteran group that respects each other so much gives Ross peace of mind that the Cubs will handle themselves responsibly.
"These guys know each other well," Ross said. "They hang out together its a tight-knit group. The guys that are new have fit in very well, very easily so far. We have young guys that have great leadership in front of them. All over, this is a great group to lean on. I trust these guys and see 100 percent focus from them."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
