Reds postponed again due to coronavirus, doubleheader with Royals on deck
The positive coronavirus test that forced the Cincinnati Reds to postpone two games against Pittsburgh over the weekend also forced the Royals’ Matt Harvey to delay his yearlong wait to return to a big league mound.
The Reds and Royals were to begin a two-game series in Kansas City on Tuesday night, but Major League Baseball decided to postpone the game to give Cincinnati more time for testing. The clubs will play a doubleheader Wednesday with the first seven-inning game starting at 2:05 p.m. PDT and the second about 30 minutes after the first game ends.
“It’s not strange. It’s more exciting than anything,” Harvey said.
The Reds have not played since a player returned a positive test Friday night. More than 30 games involving 13 teams have been postponed because of positive tests since the 60-game season began in late July. The Royals had eight positive tests when workouts began but have had none during the season.
*Briefly:* Cleveland manager Terry Francona will miss his team’s three-game series with the Pirates. General manager Mike Chernoff said Francona will have a “scheduled procedure” to address a gastrointestinal issue. ... Texas rookie pitcher Ian Gibaut was suspended for three games, a day after he threw a fastball behind San Diego’s Manny Machado following a grand slam in a dust-up over unwritten rules. Gibaut appealed his suspension. Manager Chris Woodward served a one-game ban Tuesday. ... Rays rookie Brendan McKay will have season-ending surgery on his left throwing shoulder Wednesday. ... Atlanta outfielder Nick Markakis went on the 10-day injured list after potentially being exposed to COVID-19. ... Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant got an injection for his ailing left wrist, sidelining him at least two days. ... Houston manager Manager Dusty Baker said right-hander Justin Verlander...
