Some quick Pittsburgh Pirates notes from late last night and today:
Gregory Polanco is out with Covid-19 according to manager Derek Shelton. Polanco has been in quarantine and not with the team for the last three days.
Pirates manager Derek Shelton confirms that RF Gregory Polanco has tested positive for Covid-19 and given consent to make it public. Shelton says “protocol worked” and credits Polanco for protecting his teammates by being forthright.
— Kevin Gorman (@KevinGormanPGH) July 17, 2020
Keone Kela was placed on the 10-day injured list last night. No word on his injury, but he won’t be available for Opening Day.
Speaking of Opening Day, the starter next Friday in St Louis against the Cardinals will be Joe Musgrove.
Manager Derek Shelton announced Joe Musgrove is the guy for Opening Day. #LetsGoBucs pic.twitter.com/tjha8ybBjM
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) July 17, 2020
If there is an exhibition game later being live-streamed or any other news today, we will update this article.
UPDATE: Video from Polanco’s press conference. Interesting notes include a player from Altoona probably being added and Polanco hasn’t been ruled out for Opening Day yet
Pirates Derek Shelton On Situation Surrounding Polanco's Postive COVID-19 Test
UPDATE #2: Cole Tucker is in the outfield right now…
This may be nothing, but it could be something: Cole Tucker is doing some defensive drills with the Pirates' outfielders at PNC Park.
Tucker has never played the outfield professionally, but the Pirates have very little depth there.
— Adam Berry (@adamdberry) July 17, 2020
Game on tonight. Check the Pirates Facebook account for the live stream
We are live tonight!
Each team will play a little shorthanded. It’ll still be fun. pic.twitter.com/PpCfmaiauo
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) July 17, 2020