Cubs place fourth player on COVID-19 list as pandemic issues worsen

The Cubs have now placed four players on the COVID list after two coaches tested positive for the virus.

Having a full 162-game MLB season and also having fans back in the stands makes it easy to forget that the COVID-19 pandemic has not magically gone away. The Chicago Cubs are being reminded of that this week.

So far the team has had two coaches actually test positive for COVID-19. Bullpen coach Chris Young and first base coach Craig Driver are those two individuals. Young’s positive led to relievers Brandon Workman, Dan Winkler, and Jason Adam all being placed on the reserve list.

More bad news came Tuesday as infielder Matt Duffy is now the fourth player to be ruled out as a precaution.

Cubs hoping to avoid a true COVID-19 outbreak

Right now the hope is that all the players simply end up being close contacts and avoid a positive test. But the team is doing the right thing by being cautious. That is the whole reason for the alternate site system as teams continue to deal with the reality of the ongoing pandemic.

Cubs fans can find a bit of a consolation here in that none of the stars of the team are out. However, anyone paying attention to the world over the past year knows that COVID outbreaks begin with just one person.

The Washington Nationals were the first team this season to deal with a COVID outbreak. Now the Cubs will have to be cautious and follow the protocols to prevent any potential spread within the organization.

The weather is getting nicer and live baseball is back. But this Cubs news should remind everyone that we are not in the clear yet and it remains important to be smart and safe if sports are going to continue without any interruptions.