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Atlanta Braves: Yasiel Puig tests positive for COVID-19

ByYusseff Diaz|
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 09: Yasiel Puig #66 of the Cleveland Indians slides into third base against the Minnesota Twins during the game on August 9, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Indians defeated the Twins 6-2. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 09: Yasiel Puig #66 of the Cleveland Indians slides into third base against the Minnesota Twins during the game on August 9, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Indians defeated the Twins 6-2. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Just days after signing with the Atlanta Braves, Yasiel Puig has tested positive for COVID-19.

Yasiel Puig has tested positive for COVID-19 and has had his contract annulled with the Atlanta Braves, as per Jon Heyman. In a season full of surprises another one arises.

Puig also let fans know via his Twitter account about his situation, including the importance of wearing their mask and social distancing.

The colorful outfielder had been linked to the Marlins, Red Sox, Giants, and Orioles this off-season. He was also courted by the Kiwoom Heroes and the team and got very deep in talks before the player decided to wait for an MLB offer.

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The Atlanta Braves would have filled a big hole with the signing, the team lost Nick Markakis because the outfielder decided to opt-out of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Atlanta still has Ender Inciarte, Ronald Acuña Jr, and Marcell Ozuna in the outfield to soften the blow of Puig loss.

This might pave the way for Braves’ top Christian Pache is very close to being big-league ready. The talented but enigmatic Cuban joins a talented outfield that now remains a free agent and might be a bargain pick up when he gets over the virus.

A Puig-Iniciarte-Acuña outfield would have a formidable defensive alignment, but now that’s just a pipe dream. The Cienfuegos, Cuba native now is at a crossroads in his career because of this setback.

In 2019 between Cleveland and Cincinnati Puig slashed .267/.327/.458/785 with 56 extra-base hits ( 24 the being homers) and knocked in 84. He also stole 19 bases in 26 attempts.

Now the 64 dollar question is where will Puig go when he is totally healthy? Could the KBO be an option or will he finally he home to Miami with the Marlins?

Puig has voluntarily quarantined himself and will look to sign with a ball club when he’s cleared by doctors.

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