ST. PETERSBURG (Fla.) -- Shortstop Xander Bogaerts of the Boston Red Sox was removed from Tuesday's game against Tampa Bay Rays, after testing positive for COVID-19. This is the latest coronavirus setback.
Bogaerts had been on the field prior to the beginning of the second inning. Alex Cora motioned that he be removed from the game. His positive test was announced by the team a few moments later.
Jonathan Arauz started at second base. Yairo Muniz took the second base position.
Bogaerts is now the sixth Red Sox player who has tested positive for COVID-19. Other players include Martin Perez and Matt Barnes, Enrique Hernandez, Christian Arroyo, Christian Arroyo, Hirokazu Seeamura, Martin Perez and Martin Perez.
The outbreak that began last week has had a devastating effect on the Boston bullpen.
Sawamura is a right-handed relief pitcher. Josh Taylor, a left-handed reliever, was placed on the coronavirus related injured list earlier Tuesday. Taylor was also added as a close contact individual.
Before Monday's 6-1 loss against the Rays, Perez and Barnes were both added to COVID-19 IL. After the game, it was announced that Taylor and first base coach Tom Goodwin were being held in quarantine. It was also revealed that Ramon Vazquez, quality control coach, had tested positive.
Hernandez and Arroyo were both placed on the COVID-19 injures list on Friday. Both remain in Cleveland where they were playing Red Sox baseball when they tested positive.
Cora stated that he was still concerned about additional cases before Tuesday's contest.
It feels like one day after another, right? Cora said. It's the natural state of our situation. This is our reality. This is where we hope to be at the end, but it's not certain.
Hunter Renfroe, a Boston outfielder, was placed on the Bereavement List on Thursday after the death of his father. He cleared MLB protocols and was reinstated on the active roster. He played right field and was able to hit leadoff.
Cora stated, "It wasn't easy, but it was worth it."
Boston opened Tuesday with a two-game advantage over the Oakland Athletics to secure the second American League wildcard.
This report was contributed by The Associated Press.
