LEADING OFF: Gallo preps for Yanks, Nats dealing with COVID

A look at what’s happening around the majors on Thursday:

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GALLO, ESCOBAR ON MOVE

The baseball trade deadline is fast approaching, and teams are starting to get busy before Friday’s 4 p.m. EDT cutoff.

The New York Yankees made Wednesday’s biggest splash, reaching a deal to get All-Star slugger Joey Gallo from the Texas Rangers. The 27-year-old has 25 homers this season.

The NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers got All-Star third baseman Eduardo Escobar from the Diamondbacks for two prospects. Also, the Athletics continued to be active in the market, acquiring outfielder Starling Marte from the Marlins.

The 32-year-old Marte is hitting .306 this season with seven homers.

Wednesday's other notable deals: The Reds acquired reliever Mychal Givens from the Rockies and the Astros added reliever Yimi García from the Marlins.

NATIONALS VIRUS

The Washington Nationals hope to play a doubleheader in Philadelphia, a day after their game against the Phillies was postponed when four players and eight staffers tested positive for COVID-19.

The postponement came one day after Nationals star Trea Turner left the game against Philadelphia in the first inning following his positive test for the virus. Turner was among the four players who tested positive.

Manager Dave Martinez said all but one of those who tested positive have been vaccinated.

The Nationals-Phillies matchup was scheduled to be made up as part of a straight doubleheader on Thursday, but there will be another round of testing to determine if anyone else tests positive.

“I’m just worried about the guys, I really am,” Martinez said. “It’s been a tough go; this doesn’t make it any easier.”

ARENADO HURTING

The Cardinals will see how All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado is...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/LEADING-OFF-Gallo-preps-for-Yanks-Nats-dealing-16347634.php