Phillies Shut Down Activities ‘Until Further Notice,’ Postpone Weekend Series with Blue Jays After 2 Positive Tests

A few days after the playing the Marlins to open the season, the Phillies postponed their games against the Yankees pending the results of a new round of COVID tests. Initial reports revealed all negatives, but Thursday brought news that a coach and home clubhouse attendant had tested positive and that the Phillies were cancelling all activities “until further notice.”

That’s concerning on several levels, not the least of which is that the initial fear revolved around the visiting clubhouse attendants who’d interacted with the Marlins. Having multiple positives means being extra vigilant with all Tier 1 personnel and avoiding any additional spread, which means postponing this weekend’s scheduled series with the Blue Jays.

The Jays, who are in Washington to play the Nationals, are now planning to stay put and see if they can work out at Nationals Park before heading to Atlanta — the rumored source of the Marlins outbreak — for a series with the Braves. The Nats were originally scheduled to take on the Marlins this weekend, but those games were postponed earlier in the week. This mess just keeps getting messier.

MLB released a statement Tuesday expressing the “vital need to be diligent with the protocols” and reiterating confidence in the ability to proceed with the season. Those protocols are being amended with additional mandates and guidance, but this may be a case of trying to shut the barn door after the horses have already run free.

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