Mets deal with COVID-19 outbreak at worst possible time

The New York Mets are dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak at the worst possible time, as a coach and several players have contracted the virus.

We’ll continue to update this story as we gather more information.

For now, however, there are four known cases of COVID-19 within the New York clubhouse — an unknown staff member, an unspecified coach, and players Mark Canha and Brandon Nimmo.

The COVID-19 IL requires no minimum stay, but Canha and Nimmo cannot play while they have the virus.

Steve Cohen and Co. are unveiling their Tom Seaver statue at Citi Field on Friday, and are already dealing with enough injury issues as is. Jacob deGrom and Taijuan Walker won’t come back anytime soon. Thankfully, at least thus far, it doesn’t appear any pitchers have tested positive.

Mets: Buck Showalter won’t make excuses

Showalter has been a very vocal manager for the Mets thus far, serving as a leader in the clubhouse. Earlier this week, he pleaded with MLB to reinstate some form of universal sticky substance, as New York hitters were plunked 11 times in their first seven games.

“I think it’s a deeper seated problem with the grip of the baseball, because some of our guys are having the same issue,” Showalter said. “The pitchers took it too far with Spider Tack and made it a pitching advantage, and now I’m not so sure we haven’t gone too far the other way.”

Showalter also went on the record stating he won’t reciprocate and throw at opposing hitters.

So, needless to say, this isn’t the kind of manager who will make excuses. Expect the Mets to be ready despite the odds stacked against them.