MLB teams begin to cancel workouts due to COVID-testing complications

Only days into Summer Camp, MLB teams are already experiencing COVID-testing complications.

Just days after players reported to officially kick off Summer Camp, MLB teams have begun to experience complications regarding the COVID-19 testing protocol. This has prompted a number of organizations to halt operations, leaving them and us wondering if there will be a 2020 season at all.

The first reports began trickling in around 1:00 AM (ET) when Alex Coffey of The Athletic reported that the Oakland Athletics were still waiting for their COVID-test results which were due to arrive at 1:30 AM (MT).

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In a WhatsApp message, A’s GM David Frost told A’s players and personnel:

"“Thanks again to you all for your understanding on the need to postpone today’s workout for the position players. Unfortunately, that is not the end of this story. MLB has informed me this evening that our test samples from Friday have not arrived at the lab. They were not delivered as intended on Saturday because of the federal holiday and then were not switched to Sunday delivery in time to arrive today."

All of this has caused the A’s to halt operations until Monday evening at the least. What’s more, according to Coffey’s piece, “MLB had known of the A’s workout and testing schedule a week ago and never alerted the team about potential issues or delays that would be caused by the July 4 holiday.”

Then, the Los Angeles Angels, home team to the doubtful Mike Trout, had another issue entirely. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, “testers did not show” to Angels camp — and “two other teams” — and “players did saliva tests on their own.” As a result, according to Rosenthal, the Halo are forced to delay operations as well.

Then came Mike Rizzo and the Washington Nationals. Moments after Britt Ghiroli of The Athletic reported that the Nats hadn’t received their COVID-19 test results 72-hours after they were due, Rizzo released a statement expressing doubt for the 2020 season.

One highlight in Rizzo’s statement that is likely to be echoed by a number of MLB teams is that “Major League Baseball needs to work quickly to resolve issues with their process and their lab. otherwise, Summer Camp and the 2020 season are at risk.”

I’m left to wonder, how viable are these tests now that they have sat around for a few days? I’m sure we’ll soon find out.