White Sox Slugger, AL MVP Abreu Tests Positive For Coronavirus

Chicago IL

24 February, 2021

1:14 PM

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CHICAGO — Reigning American League MVP and White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu will be away for the team for several days after testing positive for the coronavirus, the team announced on Wednesday. Abreu was not with the team at its Glendale, Arizona spring training site on Monday when full squad workouts began. The team told reporters Monday that Abreu's arrival at camp would be delayed due to the need to undergo further coronavirus antibody testing, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. He was expected to join the team Wednesday, but general manager Rick Hahn announced that Abreu had tested positive for COVID-19. Hahn said that Abreu, 34, is asymptomatic. The requirement to remain away from the team's facilities is part of Major League Baseball's COVID-19 intake compliance protocols, Hahn said. Hahn said in a statement issued by the team that Abreu believes he may have contracted a mild case of the virus in January, which is reinforced by the presence of antibodies in additional testing. "Other than feeling frustrated, Jose is great and, like the rest of us, is looking forward to when he rejoins the club in the not too distant future," Hahn said. Abreu led the Major Leagues with 60 RBI and 148 total bases during last year's 60-game season, which was shortened by the pandemic. The Sox are coming off their first postseason berth since 2008 and are expected to contend for the AL Central Division championship. Abreu batted .317 with 19 home runs and led the American League with 76 hits and a .617 slugging percentage. Sox manager Tony La Russa told reporters Wednesday that he spoke to Abreu on Tuesday and said he is "raring to go", comparing him to a "lion in a cage." Yet, despite the excitement surrounding both the Sox and Abreu's return, La Russa said he can't rush things when it comes to being healthy. "Clearly, it's always about health first," La Russa told reporters. "You can't beat health. Just like when it rains, you can't beat Mother Nature. He's got to take care of himself on the health front first, and our team also needs him to take care of himself."