Derek Shelton confirmed Sunday that Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes tested positive for COVID-19, which is why he has not been able to practice with the team during summer camp this month.
Hayes consented to share the information.
Hayes still is not with the team, and there is no timetable for a return or a known date of when he last had a positive test. However, with the regular season starting July 24 in St. Louis, it is just about certain he will not be ready for opening day.
"Any time we lose development time, it’s challenging for us," Shelton said during a Zoom call Sunday after workouts. "This is a big year for us. We have to be very thoughtful of how much work we get them and try to get them as much work as possible. Any time we lose prospect time, it’s challenging. But it’s just something that we’ll adapt and adjust and move forward with."
Hayes currently is isolated and will need to pass two consecutive tests in order to rejoin the Pirates.
Because of HIPPA law, the Pirates cannot reveal if he is symptomatic.
Hayes is the Pirates' top position-player prospect and could potentially make his major league debut this year, though that obviously has been pushed back now.
Hayes is the fourth Pirates player to consent to share their positive tests. Socrates Brito and Blake Cederlind were isolated as camp began after testing positive, and Gregory Polanco contracted it last week.
Brito joined his team at summer camp this week.
Keone Kela was placed on the 10-day injured list for an undisclosed reason last week. He has not joined the Pirates on the field yet either.
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