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Coronavirus: New York Yankees relief ace Aroldis Chapman tests positive

New York Yankees relief ace Aroldis Chapman has tested positive for the coronavirus, manager Aaron Boone told reporters Saturday.

“He’s got mild symptoms but overall he’s doing well,” Boone said during a video conference call. “He will not be here for the foreseeable future.”

Chapman, 32, joins teammates DJ LeMahieu and reliever Luis Cessa, who have also tested positive, NJ.com reported. Unlike LeMahieu and Cessa, Chapman had been working out with the Yankees this week, Sports Illustrated reported.

LeMahieu and Cessa each have been placed on the COVID-19 injured list and have been isolating in their homes, NJ.com reported.

“We feel like we’re in a good spot as far as how we’ve spotted things and with all the contact tracing and the things we do internally, that we have to adhere to,” Boone said. “(We) feel like we’re in a pretty good spot here moving forward.”

If Chapman remains sidelined, Boone said Zack Britton would probably be tapped as the team’s closer when the regular season begins in two weeks.

“(Britton) naturally could fill the [closer] role,” Boone said. “Britt would be a natural guy (to close games) if Chappy is not able to go.”

The Yankees continue to remind players to practice social distancing and wear masks, NJ.com reported.

“This virus does not discriminate. It can get to anyone at any point,” Boone said. “So it’s obviously just another reminder that we have to be vigilant, as far as wearing our masks when possible, the distance, the decisions we’re making away from the field to as best we can stay out of harm’s way.”

Chapman went 3-2 with 37 saves and a 2.21 ERA for the Yankees in 2019.