Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts tests positive for COVID-19
The Red Sox COVID situation continues to get worse. Seven players are now on the team’s COVID-related IL, including a dramatic addition Tuesday night.
After recording an RBI single in the top half of the first inning against the Rays, starting shortstop Xander Bogaerts was promptly pulled from the game. Shortly after, multiple reports indicated Bogaerts has in fact tested positive for COVID-19. It’s not known whether or not Bogaerts is vaccinated.
Bogaerts is the sixth Red Sox player to test positive over the past few days, and was the second player to test positive on Tuesday alone. Relief pitcher Hirokazu Sawamura was placed on the reserve list before the game. Kiké Hernandez, Christian Arroyo, Matt Barnes, and Martin Perez have tested positive as well. In addition, relief pitcher Josh Taylor is currently on COVID-IL due to contact tracing, and his test results are not yet known.
The Red Sox are one of just six MLB teams below the 85-percent vaccination threshold set by Major League Baseball. Teams above that number are awarded certain relaxed COVID regulations by the league.
This outbreak comes as the Red Sox are fighting to save their season. With a 12-15 record in the month of August, the team has gone from division leaders to clinging to the second wild card spot in the American League.
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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.
