Yankees’ COVID outbreak reaches nine as staffer tests positive

BALTIMORE — The Yankees’ COVID outbreak spread to a ninth member of their organization.

Aaron Boone said Sunday they got news a “staff member” tested positive, which they learned Saturday night.

According to Boone, the new positive is not part of the on-field coaching staff and the team didn’t name the person, as it did with pitching coach Matt Blake, first base coach Reggie Willits and third base coach Phil Nevin. Four other unnamed members of the staff also tested positive — as well as Gleyber Torres, so far the only player to test positive.

The staff member that tested positive Saturday is quarantining in Baltimore and, like the previous eight, is fully vaccinated. 

The other positive cases remain in quarantine in Tampa.

One other staff member was unavailable for Sunday’s game against the Orioles at Camden Yards due to contact tracing. The team was bringing in another member of the organization to make up for the absence and they will travel with the team to the next series in Texas, which begins Monday.

“We’re doing the best we can with it and fortunately he’s another one that feels good,” Boone said of the new case. “We continue to try and be vigilant and handle it as best we can.”

It’s forced members of the staff into new roles.

“I’m thankful that we have so many good people, not only who have taken on more load and responsibility, but also taken on responsibilities that aren’t in their expertise,” Boone said. “I’m proud of how everyone has handled it and the job everyone is doing behind the scenes to make a difficult situation as seamless as possible.”

The Yankees had expressed optimism Thursday Torres would return from the COVID IL before 10 days were up, but that changed Friday, when he remained positive for COVID. 

source: nypost.com