Texas Rangers: OF Joey Gallo Tests Positive For COVID-19

COVID-19 has made its impact on the Texas Rangers with star Joey Gallo confirmed among the positive tests around the league.

It was confirmed today by Major League Baseball and the Texas Rangers that Rangers’ outfielder Joey Gallo has tested positive for the Corona Virus but is asymptomatic. Gallo will be quarantined for 14 days per the league’s health and safety guidelines and will need to test negative for the virus twice over a 24 hour period before being allowed on the Rangers 60 man roster or to dress for team workouts.

The news of Gallo’s positive test was reported by numerous outlets including TR Sullivan of MLB.com and Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. He was tested by saliva on June 27th, The first day that tests were available through Major League clubs, and received his results earlier today.

Gallo is the latest in a slew of All-Star caliber talents across the sport to be afflicted. Earlier this week Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman and reliever Will Smith tested positive as well as 29 other individuals who had reported for Spring Training 2.0.

These positive test results come on the heels of several senior members of the league both on the field and off choosing not to participate in the 2020 season based on fears of personal safety. The most notable of those to voice their concern with starting the season is current Angels’ star Mike Trout who claimed in an interview recently that he “still doesn’t feel safe.” and is taking it “day by day” on whether or not he will participate.

Speaking to TR Sullivan about the positive test result, General Manager Jon Daniels had this to say….”Our mindset going into this was, it’s not a matter if guys tested positive, but when. Obviously, this thing doesn’t discriminate whether it’s a star player or somebody trying to make the club. The key thing for us is Joey is asymptomatic and feels good.”

First baseman Ronald Guzman is also awaiting his test results from initial intake and has not been able to work out with the team as of yet.

The Major League baseball season is scheduled to begin on July 23rd and 24th after Spring Training was restarted on July 1st. It is not currently clear if previously positive players would be allowed to rejoin their team when no longer showing symptoms or if they would be forced to forgo the season.