Dozier is placed on IL after testing positive for COVID-19
The Kansas City Royals have suffered another roster blow from COVID-19 as Hunter Dozier was announced Wednesday as the club’s latest victim of the coronavirus.
The infielder/outfielder tested positive and was placed on the injured list. The 28-year-old is expected to man right field while also playing third base and first base in 2020, though his season’s start will be delayed.
“I’m disappointed, to say the least,” Dozier said. “I have been hit with a couple of symptoms that go with the virus, so I need to follow our medical team’s direction, get well and then work on getting back on the field. It’s disheartening because I felt things were going well on the field and I have a good feeling about the ball club we have. To have to watch for whatever period of time that I’m out is going to be painful.”
Dozier emerged with his best big league season a year ago, hitting 26 home runs with 84 RBIs and tying for the league lead with 10 triples.
Previously announced as testing positive for COVID-19 were Royals pitchers Brad Keller, Jakob Junis and Daniel Tillo, first baseman Ryan O’Hearn and catchers Salvador Perez, Cam Gallagher and Nick Dini.
