Evening Update - 2/24/2021

Jose Abreu tested positive for COVID, Jarred Kelenic says the Mariners are punishing him for not signing an extension, & more.

DE White

Feb 24, 2021

Good evening.

It’s February 24th, 2021, and here’s everything that happened in baseball from 9:00 AM EST to 5:00 PM EST.

What You Missed While Working

James Fegan @JRFegan

White Sox announce José Abreu will be held out of camp due to a positive COVID test. Abreu believes he contracted the virus in January. Rick Hahn released a statement

The White Sox announced that 2020 AL MVP Jose Abreu has tested positive for COVID. Thankfully, Abreu is asymptomatic as of now.

James Fegan @JRFegan

Tony La Russa said Abreu is “like a lion in a cage” with how eager he is to get back. La Russa said talking to head trainer James Kruk, they are hopeful Abreu can return by Monday “When he walks through that door, it’s going to be a huge moment for the 2021 White Sox"

Transactions

OF Harold Ramirez was claimed off waivers by the Indians. To make room for Ramirez, RHP Jordan Humpreys was designated for assignment.
The Braves claimed OF Guillermo Heredia off waivers from the Mets. To make room for Heredia, they designated INF Jack Mayfield for assignment.
RHP Jeremy Walker will sign a minor league deal with the Giants, says Mark W. Sanchez. Walker has 6 career appearances, all with the Braves in 2019. He posted a 1.93 ERA over 9.1 innings.

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Injuries & Chatter

Top Twins infield prospect Royce Lewis will miss the season with a torn ACL, the team announced. Bummer.
Mariners’ superstar prospect OF Jarred Kelenic told Bob Nightengale the team is punishing him for refusing to sign a contract extension. More surely to come on this one.
The Phillies are among the teams to check in on RHP Jake Odorizzi, per Jon Heyman.
Angels DH/RHP Shohei Ohtani told reporters he topped out at 97 today. That’ll do.
Rays OF Randy Arozarena told reporters his legal issue is resolved and was a “miscommunication” with the mother of his daughter.
Blue Jays 3B Vladimir Guererro, Jr. told reporters he lost 42 pounds this offseason.
Cubs LHP DJ Snelten arrived to camp with a left elbow injury, the team announced. There is no timetable for his return.
Yankee 3B Gio Urshela told reporters he is close to 100% after elbow surgery in December. He will start taking live BP in a couple days.
Tigers’ manager AJ Hinch hopes OF Daz Cameron can get on the field for batting practice in the coming days. He’s been dealing with an elbow issue.
A’s outfielder Ka'ai Tom is dealing with an oblique injury that will keep him out of the first week of Cactus League Play. Tom was a Rule 5 pick from the Indians.
Notes from White Sox manager Tony La Russa: very high on prospect Gavin Sheets; Tim Anderson will bat leadoff for the team in 2021.
Notes from Nationals manager Dave Martinez: Jeremy Jeffress passed his physical and his intake testing and will throw off a mound tomorrow; Max Scherzer threw 40 pitches off the mound at 80-85 percent today with no complains or issues.
Notes from Rays manager Kevin Cash: Brandon Lowe will get time at 3B during spring training and Mike Brosseau will get time at SS; he called Tyler Glasnow’s bullpen session “tremendous.”
Brewers RHP Freddy Peralta is going to be stretched out this spring, similar to last year. He made 1 start last year and had 14 relief appearances.
A’s catcher Sean Murphy still won’t hit for a few days, he told reporters. He has scar tissue on his ribs from the surgery to repair a collapsed lung that still needs to heal.

Evening Reading

Sarah Langs and Manny Randhawa with a fun piece on forgotten opening day starters.
SI’s MLB staff debates how many teams should make the MLB playoffs.
Chris McCosky says for Tigers' Riley Greene, big-league camp is like hands-on graduate study.
MLB players respond to Kevin Mather's service-time comments and preview upcoming CBA fight.