David Ross on Cubs' COVID-19 prevention plan: 'We're staying out of bars'
CHICAGO — A day after left fielder Kyle Schwarber revealed he and his teammates discussed the do’s and don’ts during the coronavirus pandemic, Chicago Cubs manager David Ross went one step further in discussing the limits.
“We’re staying out of bars,” Ross said during a conference call.
As of Thursday, the Cubs remained the only MLB team to not have a positive test among any players, but Ross now wants to keep daily updates close to the vest.
“We’ve kind of got to go the route of ‘we’ll let you guys know as soon as somebody tests positive,’ ” he said. “Other than that, it’s just a process we’d like to keep in-house, and just not update on that daily.
“We’ll let you guys know if anybody tests positive, I promise.”
Left-handed reliever Kyle Ryan finally arrived at Wrigley Field, took his intake test and is awaiting clearance to join the team. Ryan’s arrival from Florida was delayed because of a “process-based delay.” Ryan has remained in pitching shape, and the Cubs need him because of his ability to induce ground balls — a bigger factor now that pitchers must face a minimum of three batters.
It’s likely that slugger Anthony Rizzo will miss his third consecutive workout because of lower back tightness, although Ross said his first baseman was “moving in the right direction.”
The Cubs will hold a five-to-six inning intrasquad game tonight, with Kyle Hendricks opposing Yu Darvish for the second time at summer camp, weather permitting.
In the case of wet weather, the Cubs have indoor batting cages adjacent to the first and third base dugouts as well as weight lifting equipment.
If the team moves inside for workouts, they will need to adhere to social distancing rules.
Left-hander Jose Quintana, who is at least a week away from having his cut left thumb examined, is continuing to work out at Wrigley.
“He’s already talked to me about staying on his program for his workouts and making sure he’s ready when that hand heals.” Ross said.
The new Cubs manager said he brought his dog Maya to Chicago to keep him occupied and plans to take her on a walk to the beach to celebrate her first birthday.
Ross spends the rest of his free time watching television, looking at the Cubs database named Ivy — which includes videotapes — or talking to former teammates.
“For the most part, it’s just me decompressing with my dog,” he said.
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