Two Red Sox out for ‘an extended period of time’ due to COVID-19
The Boston Red Sox will be down a pair of infielders for the foreseeable future, due to a positive COVID-19 test and contact tracing.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JULY 01: Enrique Hernandez #5 of the Boston Red Sox looks on after hitting a solo home run in the bottom of the first inning of the game against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park on July 01, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
Omar Rawlings/Getty ImagesSpeaking with the media before his team's series opener against the Cleveland Indians on Friday, Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that infielder Kiké Hernandez has tested positive for COVID-19. In addition, Christian Arroyo is considered a 'close contact' and both players will be out for 'an extended period of time.
According to Cora, Hernandez is vaccinated yet still experiencing symptoms. Arroyo's vaccination status is unknown.
Hernandez had been on an offensive tear as of late. In the month of August, he's hitting .305 in 22 games with an OPS of .926.
Arroyo has been on and off the IL this year with a litany of injuries. He's played in 53 games, batting .264.
In order to replace Hernandez and Arroyo on the roster, the Red Sox recalled infielders Jonathan Arauz and Yairo Munoz from Triple-AAA Worcester. Arauz has hit .207 in 16 games with the Red Sox during previous big-league stints this season, while Munoz hasn't yet been with the club in 2021.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
