Asymptomatic All-Star slugger Gallo tests positive for virus

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — All-Star slugger Joey Gallo tested positive for the coronavirus, forcing the outfielder who is asymptomatic to miss the start of summer camp for the Texas Rangers after being among teammates who had worked out at their new ballpark for several weeks before that.

Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said Monday that Gallo has had multiple tests, including one that came back negative. He was isolating at his high-rise Dallas apartment and away from teammates.

“Our mindset going into this was it’s not a matter if guys tested positive but when,” Daniels said. “Obviously this thing doesn’t discriminate whether it’s a star player (or) somebody trying to make the club. The key thing for us is Joey is asymptomatic and feels good. ... He told me yesterday he feels as good as he ever has and is in the best shape he’s ever been in.”

The 26-year-old Gallo initially took a saliva test as part of the team’s intake process June 27, and got a positive result two days later. Gallo, who allowed the Rangers to share the information, took a nasal swab test on June 30 that came back negative, but then had another saliva test that came back positive Sunday.

Daniels said he wasn't concerned about Gallo working out previously with other teammates at the stadium, “because who else had been here has gone through the testing procedure and has tested negative. So I feel pretty good about that part."

The Rangers said Friday, the day of the first workout, that left-handed reliever Brett Martin tested positive for the coronavirus during the intake process. He had spent the time away at home in Tennessee. Martin, already at higher risk because he has Type 1 diabetes, has also self-isolated in the Dallas area since his positive test.

Both Gallo and Martin will have to have two consecutive negative tests...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Asymptomatic-All-Star-slugger-Gallo-tests-15389458.php