Red Sox dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak after Kiké Hernandez tests positive

The Boston Red Sox will have to play without outfielder Enrique Hernandez and second baseman Christian Arroyo because of a COVID-19 outbreak.

COVID-19 has hit the Red Sox again, leaving them with a strained situation at second base.

Enrique Hernandez tested positive for the coronavirus on Friday and will be out for 10 days at a minimum. That’ll leave him out until Sept. 6 when Boston faces the Rays, at best. He’ll miss five games, including the complete series against Cleveland over the weekend.

Christian Arroyo was a close contact, so he to will have to miss some time, though his absence may be shorter.

Manager Alex Cora said Hernandez is vaccinated, per Lauren Campbell of NESN. Arroyo’s vaccination status hasn’t been confirmed, but the fact that he has to sit out suggests he has not received the vaccine.

Red Sox COVID-19 outbreak involves Enrique Hernandez and Christian Arroyo

The timing for this is unfortunate for both players. Hernandez is in one of his best stretches of the season. He’s batting .360/.448/.680 over his last six games with an OPS of 1.128.

Arroyo only just made it back from the injured list with a hamstring problem and this will disrupt his ability to get back in the groove.

Having those two out is an issue for the Red Sox infield. Hernandez would be the replacement for Arroyo at second base, leaving them short on options there.

Boston brought up Jonathan Arauz and Yairo Munoz from Triple-A to help cover the gaps in the infield.

The team has to cross their fingers and hope Hernandez and Arroyo are the only ones impacted this time. They have a wildcard place in their grasp but the Athletics are just 2.5 games out and threatening to pounce if the Red Sox slip up.