Former Cub and current Reds reliever Pedro Strop doesn’t want to think about whether Major League Baseball can finish the 2020 season being played while COVID-19 afflicts the nation.
“Because that’s negative stuff that could be in your mind and it could shut down your desire to come and compete,” Strop told reporters Monday.
He certainly recognizes the risk involved, however.
“But it is dangerous, and we all knew when we [agreed to play], we all knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” he added.
Strop made his Cincinnati debut on Sunday, the same day two Reds — Mike Moustakas and Nick Senzel — woke up “not feeling well.” A day prior, the Reds placed infielder Matt Davidson on the injured list after he tested positive for the coronavirus. Monday, multiple reports stated 11 Marlins and a pair of coaches have tested positive for the virus in recent days.
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The Marlins postponed their home opener Monday, and the Phillies — Miami’s opponent over the weekend, postponed Monday’s game against the Yankees. The Reds hope to have an update on their players Monday. The situation is fluid, which speaks to the massive undertaking that is playing a season during a pandemic.
MLB
Strop expressed optimism in the league's ability to finish a season by being careful and following the protocols in place. He discussed the extra precautions he takes away from the ballpark, from staying inside — besides when he needs food — to washing his hands and not putting his hands on his face after touching something.
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Even with that, there's so many unknowns that come with the virus, he noted.
“People pretend to know what’s going on with COVID, but I personally don’t think that we know exactly what it is," he said. "It’s just weird. This guy [tests] positive and doesn't have any issue at all, no symptoms, nothing, and then there’s people that get really sick. It’s something that we don’t know.
"We just need to pray and keep battling."