A complete rundown of all roster moves from the Texas Rangers' full-blown COVID-19 outbreak
Seven players, including catcher Jonah Heim, are either on the COVID injured list or have been placed in the health protocols.
Three more COVID-19 positives or close contacts hit the Texas Rangers’ roster Tuesday before the opener of a three-game series at Cleveland, including right-hander Dane Dunning.
Catcher Jonah Heim, as expected, and right-hander Spencer Howard are also out.
The outbreak started Friday, when Charlie Culberson woke up in Boston with symptoms and was put on the COVID IL. The Rangers spent the rain-out day Sunday at the team hotel taking COVID tests and working through contact tracing.
On Monday, three more players needed the COVID IL or were placed in protocols, and that served as a warning that more were likely coming. Heim was scratched before the game.
There’s been a lot of roster juggling, including making use of the COVID-related rule that allows for some COVID fill-ins to be added to the 40-man roster and then subtracted without having to go through waivers.
Neither of the replacements selected Tuesday from Triple A Round Rock — infielder Ryan Dorow and left-hander Hyeon-Jong Yang — are on the 40-man. Neither is Round Rock left-hander Jake Latz, who will start Wednesday for Dunning.
The Rangers also need a starting pitcher Friday for Howard. Round Rock right-handers Glenn Otto and A.J. Alexy are candidates, but general manager Chris Young said much will depend on the state of the bullpen after the Indians series.
Here’s the breakdown:
Friday: INF Charlie Culberson placed on COVID IL, 2B Nick Solak recalled from Round Rock.
Monday: INF Brock Holt, RHP Mike Foltynewicz placed on COVID IL. RHP Drew Anderson in COVID-19 protocols. LHP Wes Benjamin, 1B/DH Curtis Terry recalled from Round Rock.
Tuesday: C Jonah Heim, RHP Drew Anderson placed on COVID IL. INF Ryan Dorow, LHP Hyeon-Jong Yang selected from Round Rock. CF Leody Taveras recalled from Round Rock. 1B/DH Curtis Terry optioned to Round Rock.
Wednesday: RHP Dane Dunning placed on COVID IL. LHP Jake Latz selected from Round Rock.