Shortly after it was learned Wednesday that Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona had tested positive for COVID-19, the club’s scheduled matchup at the division-rival Chicago White Sox became the season’s first game postponed due to coronavirus-related issues amid a feared outbreak within the Guardians.Â
Cleveland received some good news while off on Thursday.Â
According to The Associated Press (h/t ESPN), the Guardians are on track to play at the Minnesota Twins on Friday night with pitching coach Carl Willis serving as their acting manager until further notice. Cleveland has reported no new COVID-19 cases since Wednesday but currently has Francona, bench coach DeMarlo Hale, first-base coach Sandy Alomar, third-base coach Mike Sarbaugh, hitting coach Chris Valaika and two other assistants in health and safety protocols.Â
No players have yet tested positive for the virus.Â
Per The AP, Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said in a released statement that testing and any necessary contact tracing will continue through Friday. Francona and others who tested positive returned to Cleveland on Thursday, and it’s unknown when they’ll be cleared to rejoin the club.Â
It’s believed the Guardians will use minor league coaches and instructors as interim big-league coaches for the three-game series at Minnesota. Additional updates will be released Friday.Â
Cleveland began Thursday at 15-15 on the season.Â
