There's a coffee shortage at Pirates summer camp.
Manager Derek Shelton confirmed Wednesday night that outfielder Gregory Polanco has not practiced the past two days. He did not disclose a reason why.
Tuesday was a light day in camp with a shorter than usual intrasquad game, but Wednesday was a more traditional workout. Fourth outfielder Guillermo Heredia took Polanco's spot in right field.
Major League Baseball teams will not reveal any details about players’ health information in 2020 unless that player consents.
The Pirates have had two players consent to share their positive COVID-19 tests: Reliever Blake Cederlind and outfielder Socrates Brito. Both were isolated, and Brito returned to the field this week.
Closer Keone Kela and third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes have been absent from all of Pirates camp so far with no reason given.
Polanco is one of the Pirates' few true power threats in the lineup. After missing most of 2019 with a left shoulder injury, Polanco entered spring training and summer camp in much better shape.
"It’s almost 100 percent, as far as strength," Polanco said during a Zoom call last week. "No pain. No tightness. None of that. I’m good now."
The Pirates will be playing three exhibition games against the Indians over the next week, on July 18, 20 and 22. Their regular season opener is against the Cardinals in St. Louis on July 24.
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