SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Recent Padres trade pickup, Jorge Mateo, has tested positive for the coronavirus, manager Jayce Tingler said Wednesday.
The 25-year-old former Oakland Athletics infielder tested positive during his intake testing, Tingler said, adding that he has experienced loss of smell and taste but is improving.
"He has not been to the ballpark, on the field, locker room or anything like that," Tingler said. "The reports are coming back that the smell and taste is starting to come back to him. He is feeling a little better."
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Mateo is the second Friar to test positive for COVID-19. Outfielder Tommy Pham tested positive but is asymptomatic, the team said earlier this month. Tingler did not have an update on Pham as of Wednesday.
Mateo will have to test negative two times at least 24 hours apart and not experience a fever for 72 hours before he can rejoin the team. He will also have to complete an antibody test and be approved by doctors.
The Padres acquired Mateo from the A's in June for a player to be named later.
The team will open the season at home with a four-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks starting Opening Day, July 24.
