Hunter Dozier’s positive COVID-19 result amplifies Mike Matheny’s message to Royals
The Royals on Wednesday announced that infielder/outfielder Hunter Dozier has tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus and will be placed on the MLB injured list two days before KC opens the season in Cleveland.
More than any team in the majors, the Royals know that any player at any time could test positive for COVID-19 and be out of action for the foreseeable future. Dozier is their eighth positive case.
“I’m disappointed to say the least,” Dozier said in a statement. “I have been hit with a couple of symptoms that go with the virus, so I need to follow our medical team’s direction, get well and then work on getting back on the field. It’s disheartening because I felt things were going well on the field and I have a good feeling about the ball club we have. To have to watch for whatever period of time that I’m out is going to painful.”
Dozier, 28, said earlier this month that his parents, who live in Texas, had previously tested positive for COVID-19.
Royals manager Mike Matheny said Dozier was asymptomatic on Tuesday night, but on Wednesday “had a couple more things kick up.”
“He’s sad, frustrated,” Matheny said Wednesday. “A couple of these guys, they’re not going to shy away, they’re just angry. They’ve worked so hard to get themselves ready and then this thing comes along, even when they’re trying to be so careful.”
As the Royals try to come up with a final 30-man roster for the start of the 2020 season, Matheny has had a simple message for players on the bubble.
“Bring what you have and don’t get distracted by the numbers,” Matheny said last week. “One, because none of us know right now in a normal setting, letting alone with as volatile what we’re living in right now. Anything can happen any day we show up. All of a sudden, some guys we thought might be right there aren’t an option.”
Last season was Dozier’s best in the majors. He hit 26 home runs and 10 triples with 55 walks and 84 RBIs. He was expected to hit in the middle of the Royals lineup.
Dozier’s absence could open a spot on the Royals’ roster for utilityman Erick Mejia and/or outfielder Nick Heath.
The eight Royals players who have tested positive per reports from the team since the resumption of camp are catchers Salvador Perez, Cam Gallagher and Nick Dini; pitchers Brad Keller, Daniel Tillo and Jakob Junis; first baseman Ryan O’Hearn; and Dozier.
The Royals Review blog noted that 11% of all positive COVID-19 tests across Major League Baseball have involved Kansas City players.
It’s little wonder Matheny has been on pins and needles since camp restarted.
“I’m scared to death every time I hear a text come to my phone,” Matheny said last week. “I don’t know what’s going to be coming across.”
This story was originally published July 22, 2020 at 10:47 AM.
