On the first day of workouts for MLB clubs across the league, the Texas Rangers were hit with some alarming news during the intake process of the players early this week.
Left-handed pitcher Brett Martin tested positive for COVID-19 before he was even able to begin his workouts. He has become the first Ranger to test positive for the coronavirus.
Early this week, players reported and were subject to testing and screening before beginning working out with the team.
Photo: —“It sucks,” Martin said via text. “I felt like I had the flu Monday thru Wednesday, but the last two days I’ve felt completely normal. I’m just down that I’m missing baseball right now. I’d much rather be on the field… I’m ready to focus on baseball and getting back with the team.“
The Rangers will not have to implement their safety protocols in order to be efficient in containing the spread. 3 minor league trainers will start contact tracing on Brett Martin to determine if he was exposed to other players or personnel on the team. Luckily Martin spent his time in his home in Tennessee, but there are still possibilities that he could have still come into contact with other players or staff.
Underlying health conditions add risk when testing positive for the virus. Martin Type 1 Diabetic, which has been considered one of the underlying health conditions that puts patients at risk for complications.
In order for Martin to rejoin the team, he must test negative twice at least 24 hours apart from each test. If others were exposed to the virus, then they would undergo enhanced symptom monitoring per MLB’s Operation Manual for the 2020 season. The person(s) would have to take a daily saliva test for 7 days after exposure. During that time, they would have to self-quarantine while waiting for the results of the tests.
While Martin is the first player to test positive, he is not the first employee to test positive. Several employees at Globe Life Field-tested positive over the last week and a half, prompting more frequent testing from the organization. The Rangers began testing all employees this week, but there have not been any released results from that testing.
The positive test on Martin will not be the last, as they attempt to contain the spread of COVID-19 is still a work in process for everyone involved in today’s society.
The real question is how not only the Texas Rangers will handle it, but how will the MLB handle it?
Featured Image: Smiley N. Pool/Dallas Morning News
