Exciting Tampa Bay Rays prospect Randy Arozarena has tested positive for COVID-19.
Tampa Bay Rays prospect Randy Arozarena made his MLB debut last season and had the team excited about his acquisition after he came to town in a trade with the Cardinals.
In fact, before the pandemic, I asked Kevin Cash about his thoughts was on Azozarena’s ability. He said, “We were excited about him when we acquired him and we are even more excited now. He’s a super talented and athletic guy who does special things whether it be hitting, fielding, or on the basepaths. We have a lot of outfielders in camp but I’m definitely pleased with his performance.”
But for now the news of Arozarena being placed on the IL after a positive coronavirus test has put a little damper on that excitement.
The native of Pinar del Río, Cuba got off to a blazing start of Spring Training and was hitting .400 in 12 games before the closure of camp due to the ongoing pandemic. Arozarena also led the team with six runs batted in and three stolen bases.
#Rays say Randy Arozarena was placed on the minor league COVID-19 injury list.
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) July 23, 2020
The diminutive Arozarena will be a five-tool talent when he’s given the chance to showcase his skills at the big league level. In 2018 when he played for the Mayans of Navajoa and displayed immense power leading the circuit with 14 long balls in a brief 64 game season in arguably the toughest league in the Caribbean circuit.
He has also let his affinity for México be known, not only does he live south of the border but has also expressed his desire to represent the country in the next edition of the World Baseball Classic.
When the young Cuban is healthy expect him to see action with the top ball club sometime this season. Although the status of how the outfielder was affected by the virus is unknown, one thing that is clearly known by the team’s brass is that the versatile and ultra-talented Arozarena is the future for Tampa in the outfield.