Twins Short Stop Simmons Tests Positive For COVID-19
The Minnesota Twins new short stop Andrelton Simmons has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been placed on the COVID-19 injured reserve list. The Twins announced the news before yesterday's double header versus the red hot Boston Red Sox. The Twins ended up losing both games on Wednesday.
Twins Daily reports that the Twins followed contact tracing protocol and tested all the other players. No one else tested positive. Simmons is experiencing minor symptoms. He recently made it public his thoughts on vaccinations and refused to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. He posted a message on twitter saying that it was in his experience and his personal choice to not receive one.
Andrelton Simmons has been a solid defensive player for the Twins. He was signed in January to a one year, 10.5 million dollar deal with the Twins. Last season Simmons opted out of the remainder of the 2020 season while playing for the Los Angeles Angels, citing concerns about the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic. According to Wikipedia, he later stated the reason was mental health issues he needed to address.
This season Simmons has had not only a good defensive role with the club, but also has been a valuable part of the offense batting .355/.474/.452 (.925). The Twins have called up JT Riddle to replace Simmons while he is out.
Major League Baseball has encouraged all players to get vaccinated. They say that if teams can get 85% vaccinated threshold then they can lift certain restrictions, according to the New York Times.