© D. Ross Cameron | 2021 Aug 22
Donovan Solano came into Citi Field Thursday feeling a little under the weather — “he had cold-like symptoms,” manager Gabe Kapler said after Thursday night’s 3-2 win over the Mets.
In 2021, when someone has a cold, the natural course of action is a COVID-19 test. Solano tested positive for the virus, and is expected to miss seven to 10 days. He has to isolate in New York. Because of contact tracing, hitting coach Justin Viele will also be away from the team, though he tested negative Thursday. How long he’s out depends on further test results, according to MLB contact tracing rules.
Kapler declined to say whether or not Solano’s positive test was a breakthrough infection. However, he added Solano is “as careful as anybody.”
“He’s devoted to protecting his family and his teammates, and protecting himself as well,” Kapler said. “Takes really good care of himself. You’re going to be disappointed if anybody tests positive for the virus, but in particular, I feel for Donovan and I feel for us, because I really miss him when he’s not around.
The club hasn’t had a significant COVID-19 outbreak this year — unlike several other teams, including the Yankees — but have had multiple players hit the IL due to vaccine-related illness. Most recently, Evan Longoria and Anthony DeSclafani had brief IL stints after getting booster shots.
In May, the Giants notably reached the 85% vaccination threshold among Tier One individuals, a group that includes players, coaches, training staff and some front office members. As of mid-June, 23 MLB teams have reached that threshold. But the Chicago Cubs, Kris Bryant’s former club, are reportedly one of the teams short of the mark.
“Obviously being at that threshold, there’s a lot more freedom,” Bryant said. “Really just peace of mind, too. Knowing that the people around you did what they needed to do to help us protect the team and help us get through a season. That means a lot.”
With Solano sidelined, the Giants will miss a reliable right-handed second baseman to platoon with Tommy La Stella. Solano, 33, is hitting .275 on the season and recently belted an improbable home run to beat the Athletics late.
Giants Starter Alex Wood, who threw 5.1 innings of two-run ball, found out about Solano’s positive case shortly after the game ended. He realizes the current reality of the delta variant.
“We’ve been fortunate enough to make it this far without having any episodes,” Wood said. “ Hopefully it won’t be a big deal, hoping he’ll be back in the soonest amount possible. We do a pretty good job protecting ourselves and minimizing. So it seems like we were able to do that. Hopefully we won’t have any more episodes going forward, and just get Donnie back as soon as possible.”