COVID Outbreak Strikes NY Mets

The New York Mets might be calling "Man down!" this afternoon as beat writer Tim Healey reports a clubhouse COVID-19 outbreak. It's unknown which players and staff members have fallen prone to the virus, but Healey said that "some players might not be available today." 

Sources: The Mets had a staff member test positive for COVID-19, and a bunch of players and coaches are close contacts. They’re waiting to get test results back. Some players might not be available today.

— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) April 15, 2022

Healey reportedly received the news from Mets manager Buck Showalter, who didn't provide details about the extent of the spread.

Report: Mets staff member tests positive for COVID https://t.co/QEP8vnCzbo

— NBC Sports EDGE Baseball (@NBCSEdgeBB) April 15, 2022

 Mets fans will be frustrated with the outbreak as similar cases have occurred for Brooklyn's team over the past couple seasons. 

I feel like it’s been 3 straight seasons with a Mets Covid outbreak to start the season https://t.co/P6RfoDmw8j

— brendan (@Brendanc2000) April 15, 2022

For now, Mets fans can at least count on Francisco Lindor and Robinson Cano to start in today's game. As Mike Puma reported, they met with Steve Cohen in the Mets clubhouse this morning. Close contacts and possible COVID-positive players are isolating, so fans can be confident Lindor and Cano will take the field.

Steve Cohen visited the Mets clubhouse pregame, was holding court with Francisco Lindor and Robinson Cano.

— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) April 15, 2022

Some more good news is that the MLB relaxed its COVID-19 protocols earlier this offseason. Only players and team staff showing symptoms are subject to testing before games. Players on the COVID-IL do not count towards a team's roster size, meaning that teams can call up and send down minor leaguers without impacting their main roster formation. 

Photo Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports