Right-handers Jason Adam, Dan Winkler and Brandon Workman were all placed on the COVID-19 related list.
MILWAUKEE – The Cubs were one of the lucky teams when it came to handling COVID-19 last season, but just 10 days into the 2021 season, they have not been nearly as fortunate. The Cubs announced on Monday that bullpen coach Chris Young has tested positive for COVID-19.
The team also announced right-handers Jason Adam, Dan Winkler and Brandon Workman have all been placed on the COVID-19 related list. Left-handers Brad Wieck and Justin Steele were called up from the alternate site and selected Pedro Strop as a replacement player from the alternate site.
“We’ve tested every day since Wednesday,” manager David Ross said before Monday’s game. “Each test continues to come back and we assess as we get the information. And running through every protocol, making sure we’re taking every step.”
“We’ve over-tested out of lots of caution just trying to keep everybody safe. If there’s any symptoms that pop up or things that don’t look right, we’re being extra cautious right now.”
The positive test comes just days after first base coach Craig Driver tested positive for the virus. Driver did not travel with the team to Pittsburgh due to being “under the weather” before his positive test became official. All three players and Young are currently back in Chicago and are isolated away from the team.
“There’s always that kind of underlying, how big [does this spread]?,” Ross said. “We are in our own little world here and we try to stay in our own little bubble. So yeah, there’s concern for sure. ... We’re hoping for the best, but we also plan for the worst. I think that’s just the way you have to kind of have that mindset in this time we’re in right now.”
Young traveled with the team on their flight from Pittsburgh to Chicago on Sunday before the team got the news on Monday.
According to Ross, Monday’s Cubs-Brewers game was never in doubt as every member of the Cubs traveling party who was in Milwaukee tested negative on Monday.
The Cubs were one of eight teams not to have a player test positive for COVID-19 last season.
“You’re worried about the health and well-being of others,” Ross said. “I think it just hits home every time my phone rings and it’s one of the doctors or the trainers or Jed. Your heart sinks and we’re trying to win ball games, too, right? I mean, there’s your there’s just a lot going on, and everybody understands the world we’re in and just want to make sure everybody comes out okay and stays healthy.”
While several teams have been getting 85% of their Tier 1 personnel vaccinated, the Cubs still have not yet been able to reach that threshold. With two coaches now testing positive and three players out for an unknown amount of time, the team still hopes those who have not gotten the vaccine would start to come around.
“I have obviously shared my experience going through COVID and what I dealt with with them,” pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said. There’s a lot more people that are in our circles or people who have been around or family members that have had it. So there’s a lot more stories and case studies.”
“We’re definitely hopeful,” Ross said. “We’re hopeful that guys can see the value in being vaccinated and trying to get towards that threshold number, but again, each guy makes their choices. It’s readily available and we’re working towards that number as diligently as we can.”
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